The Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA) serves as a unified voice for its member Tribes across Arizona, working to protect and advance their sovereign rights to engage in gaming as a means of promoting economic self-sufficiency, supporting vital government programs, and strengthening communities statewide. Established in 1994, AIGA represents member Tribes that operate Class III gaming facilities throughout the state. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, AIGA ensures that Indian Gaming continues to deliver transformative benefits to both Tribal and non-Tribal communities.
Over the past three decades, Indian Gaming has become one of Arizona’s most significant economic engines, generating tens of thousands of jobs, billions in state revenue, and critical investments in public education, emergency services, tourism, and wildlife conservation. Much of this impact is made possible through the Arizona Benefits Fund, a national model of how sovereign Tribal governments and the State of Arizona can work together for shared success.
The Arizona Benefits Fund was created through Tribal-State Gaming Compacts to ensure that gaming revenue directly benefits communities across Arizona. A portion of Tribal contributions, currently totaling more than $180 million dollars, is distributed to support a wide range of state and local programs. These include education initiatives, emergency response services, wildlife conservation, tourism promotion, and programs addressing problem gambling prevention and treatment. The Fund not only strengthens essential public services but also exemplifies the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between Tribal and state governments. Since the Compacts were first enacted, Arizona’s Tribes have contributed more than $2.46 billion to the Fund, illustrating the profound and lasting benefits of Tribal Gaming to all Arizonans.
Beyond policy and advocacy, AIGA plays a leading role in community education and public engagement. The Association regularly convenes Tribal leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the future of gaming, economic development, and responsible regulation through signature events such as the annual Arizona Indian Gaming Association Expo, the Our Vote Matters civic engagement campaign, and collaborations with Arizonans for Tribal Government Gaming (ATGG). These initiatives highlight the essential role Tribal Nations play in shaping Arizona’s economy, workforce, and shared future.
AIGA and ATGG’s Tribal executive leadership team, supported by Executive Director Judy Ferreira, continues to guide the organization with a focus on education, transparency, and collaboration. Together with its member Tribes, AIGA upholds the principles of Tribal sovereignty, community reinvestment, and intergovernmental partnership that define the success of Arizona’s Indian Gaming model.
As the state celebrates American Indian Heritage Month, AIGA honors the vision of the Tribal leaders who paved the way for Indian Gaming in Arizona, leaders who saw gaming not merely as an industry, but as a pathway toward self-determination, cultural preservation, and shared prosperity. Today, AIGA remains steadfast in its mission: building stronger communities, preserving heritage, and ensuring every Arizonan understands the enduring contributions of Tribal Nations to the state’s success.
For more information, visit azindiangaming.org or follow AIGA on social media @AZIndianGaming.