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HIGHLAND, Calif. — Sept. 22, 2026 — Once remote and economically isolated, California's tribal governments have become major contributors to the state's economy. While many Californians are familiar with tribal gaming, far fewer are aware of the industry's broader economic impact, including the jobs it supports, the wages it generates, and the billions of dollars it contributes to communities across the state.
To help tell this story, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation has launched Committed to California with impact data found at TribesForCalifornia.com, a public awareness initiative and website that highlights the economic and community contributions made possible through tribal government gaming.
The initiative comes as new economic data from the Indian Gaming Association’s 2026 annual report shows that tribal gaming has grown into one of the California’s most significant economic engines. Tribal governments and tribal enterprises generated $25.4 billion in economic output in 2025 and are projected to contribute $26.5 billion in economic output in 2026, while supporting 151,210 jobs statewide and generating $10.2 billion in annual compensation for California workers.
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Through a combination of outdoor advertising, digital media and print placements, the initiative aims to increase public awareness of how tribal gaming benefits not only tribal communities, but also 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," said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. "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.”
“Committed to California” reflects a broader effort to share impact that has often been overshadowed by political messaging or casino marketing. While tribal gaming's growth has been widely reported, less attention has been paid to the measurable benefits tribal governments generate for the state's economy. Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, one of California’s 109 federally recognized tribes, is the first tribe to lead a public awareness initiative.
According to the economic impact data compiled by the Indian Gaming Association, California tribal gaming today supports more than 151,000 jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity annually. As the Indian Gaming Association has noted, tribal gaming has “profound influence on various sectors of the economy,” underscoring its growing role as a driver of public benefit.
STATEWIDE IMPACT OF TRIBAL GAMING:
- $26.5 billion in projected economic output in 2026
- 151,210 Californians employed
- $10.2 billion in annual wages and compensation
- $5.1 billion in tax revenues
Source: Indian Gaming Association 2026 Annual Report - Dupris Consulting Group, LLC & IMPLAN Application
YUHAAVIATAM OF SAN MANUEL NATION’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO CALIFORNIA:
- $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
- Nearly $500 million in philanthropic donations since 2001
Source: Taylor, J. B., & Besaw Medford, A. (2025, October). Economic impact of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (2025 ed.) (TPG Report No. 2025-02). The Taylor Policy Group, Inc.
About Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is a federally recognized Native American tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. Formerly known as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Tribe reclaimed its ancestral name, Yuhaaviatam (pronounced “yu-HAH-vee-ah-tahm”), meaning “People of the Pines,” to honor its deep-rooted heritage and enduring legacy.
Exercising its inherent sovereign right to self-governance, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is committed to providing essential services to its citizens through infrastructure development, civil services and programs that promote social, economic and cultural well-being.
As the Indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys, mountains, and high deserts, the Yuhaaviatam have called this region home since time immemorial and remain committed to being a productive partner in the San Bernardino region. For more information, visit http://www.sanmanuel-
