The Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA) has released a recent study regarding the growing economic activity of its tribes and its effect on local commerce. The study revealed that Washington State tribes contributed close to $6.6bn in gross state product during 2019 and $5.6bn during 2020. According to the study, tribes throughout the state generated almost 55,000 jobs.
WIGA’s findings show that Washington tribes rank as the seventh-largest employer in the state.
Washington’s tribal governments are sustained largely by gaming revenue, which allows them to be self-sufficient. The tribal governments using gaming revenue to pay for healthcare, housing, education and for jobs that benefits those inside and outside of the community.
The published report said the following: “Growing tribal economies fund schools, housing programs, health clinics, environmental rehabilitation, infrastructure development, firefighting, law enforcement and other public services for Indians and non-Indians alike.
“Washington has substantially benefited from the economic and social resurgence in Indian Country and will for years to come.”
Harvard-trained economist Jonathan B. Taylor of the Taylor Policy Group compiled the information for the study. The Taylor Policy Group is a national expert on tribal economies.
According to Taylor’s analysis, Washington State’s 29 tribal governments produce $1.5bn in benefits and direct wages, and generate $1.2bn in state and local taxes. Tribes statewide employ more than 37,000 people. Almost 54,000 Washington jobs originate with the tribes, and 72% of those have been filled by non-tribal members.
The study revealed a substantial amount of growth in the tribal economy. Compared to 2004, the economic impact and number of people the tribes employ has nearly tripled.
WIGA Executive Director and enrolled member of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Rebecca George said: “Tribes are running gaming and other businesses not to generate private profits, but to fund critically needed government services for some of the poorest and most historically marginalized communities in Washington State.
“Our commitment to responsible gaming activities along with a diverse array of economic development efforts led by tribes is both restoring tribal self-reliance and boosting our overall state economy.”
