Mark Macarro
Image: pechanga-nsn.gov
The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians Chairman Mark Macarro has been credited with playing a significant role in increasing public acceptance of tribal gaming in California. He has supported crucial ballot propositions and kept the issue prominent among government officials. Mark Macarro’s efforts in the furtherance of tribal gaming has contributed positive results in light of the National Indian Gaming Commission’s (NIGC) historic announcement on June 19, 2016, at Fantasy Resort Casino in Indio, California.
According to commission chairman Jonodev Osceola Chandhuri, the Indian nation’s gross gaming revenue for 2015 amounted to $29.9 billion and was the highest ever recorded. Also, the GGR 5 percent increase from 2014 is the largest in a decade. More than 230 tribes who all recorded increases ranging from 3 percent to 8 percent in 2015 are included in the revenues. This is also the first time since 2012 that each region has experienced growth.
According to a local tribe representative, they have been through a difficult recession for the last 10 years, and the tribal casinos and resorts have helped provide jobs and support the local economy. Aside from this, the tribal gaming industry has assisted the tribes with self-sufficiency. The profits are funds that go to the tribal government, which uses the money to provide basic services such as health care and education.
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