California’s tribal governments have become major contributors to the state’s economy, generating billions of dollars in economic activity and supporting more than 150,000 jobs.
While many Californians are familiar with tribal gaming, fewer are aware of the industry’s broader economic impact, including the jobs it supports, wages it generates and revenue it contributes to communities across the state.
To highlight those contributions, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation has launched “Committed to California,” a public awareness initiative featuring economic impact data at TribesForCalifornia.com.
The initiative comes as new data from the Indian Gaming Association’s 2026 annual report shows that tribal gaming has become a significant economic force in California.
Tribal governments and tribal enterprises generated an estimated $25.4 billion in economic output in 2025 and are projected to generate $26.5 billion in economic output in 2026. The industry supports 151,210 jobs statewide and generates $10.2 billion in annual wages and compensation for California workers.
The initiative will use outdoor advertising, digital media and print placements to raise public awareness about how tribal gaming contributes not only to tribal communities but also to local businesses, workers, governments and taxpayers throughout California.
“In 1998, Californians placed their trust in tribal governments and supported tribal gaming through the passage of Proposition 5,” Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation said. “Today, many people know that tribal communities have grown stronger, but fewer realize how deeply tribal gaming contributes to the economic success of our state.
“Through ‘Committed to California,’ we’re sharing that story. Tribal gaming creates jobs, supports local businesses, invests in communities and contributes billions to California’s economy. Our future is connected to the future of our state, and we’ve always been committed to California.”
The initiative seeks to broaden the public conversation around tribal gaming by focusing on its measurable economic and community contributions.
While the growth of tribal gaming has received considerable attention, the economic activity generated by tribal governments and enterprises extends beyond casino operations. The industry supports employment, employee compensation, local businesses and government revenues throughout California.
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, one of California’s 109 federally recognized tribes, is the first tribe to lead a statewide public awareness initiative of this kind, according to the nation.
Statewide Economic Impact
According to economic impact data compiled by the Indian Gaming Association, tribal gaming in California is projected to generate:
- $26.5 billion in economic output in 2026;
- 151,210 jobs for Californians;
- $10.2 billion in annual wages and compensation; and
- $5.1 billion in tax revenues.
The data is based on the Indian Gaming Association’s 2026 Annual Report, using analysis by Dupris Consulting Group LLC and the IMPLAN application.
The Indian Gaming Association has described tribal gaming as having a “profound influence on various sectors of the economy,” reflecting the industry’s role in generating economic activity beyond tribal lands.
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s Economic Contributions
The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation also has a substantial statewide economic footprint.
According to a 2025 economic impact study by The Taylor Policy Group, the nation’s activities generate:
- $3.2 billion in annual statewide economic output;
- 20,782 jobs supported throughout California;
- $627 million in wages and benefits paid to employees;
- $208 million in state and local government revenues generated through economic activity; and
- Nearly $500 million in philanthropic donations since 2001.
The economic impact figures are from Economic Impact of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (2025 ed.), prepared by The Taylor Policy Group.
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