18 (m) million in gambling money distributed

PHOENIX Bet you didn't know that Arizona gamblers are really helping out the state. The Arizona Department of Gaming has distributed more than 18 (m) million dollars in funding from tribal casinos to various state funds. Tribes agreed to give the money to the state as part of an initiative approved in 2002 allowing them to expand casinos. The money is contributed on a sliding scale ranging from one-percent to eight-percent depending on annual casino revenues. That means more profitable casinos contribute more than the smaller ones. Most of the money goes to health care and school funds.