Despite the recession, gambling remained a big business for Wisconsin’s Indian tribes over the last few years. A report from the Legislative Audit Bureau shows casino gambling generated about $1.3 billion dollars a year for tribe, while gaming profits rose from $543 million in 2009 to about $567 million in 2011.
During that same time frame, the state received about $52 million a year as part of gaming compacts that allowed for more lucrative games; such as craps and roulette.
As of June of this year, 11 tribes were operating 25 casinos in Wisconsin.
While the casinos are doing well, charity bingo and raffles have suffered. The report says there was a more than eight-percent drop in taxes and permit fees for those activities over the last three years.
