VALLEY CENTER, CA – The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) continued its outreach to tribal gaming leaders as Chairman David Z. Bean met with the Executive Board of the Tribal Gaming Protection Network (TGPN) at Valley View Casino & Hotel, located on the lands of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians.
The visit was part of Chairman Bean’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships across Indian Country and carried special meaning as he honored the legacy of the late Ernie Stevens Jr., who long believed that protecting tribal gaming begins with strong regulators, informed professionals, and trusted networks among tribes.
TGPN leadership shared updates on their expanding education and networking efforts that support gaming professionals, regulators, and tribal governments in protecting the integrity of tribal gaming operations. The discussion also highlighted TGPN’s role in providing year-round training opportunities and its growing national visibility through signature gatherings such as the Women in Tribal Gaming Symposium.
“TGPN represents the kind of forward-thinking collaboration Chairman Stevens believed in,” said Chairman Bean. “He understood that protecting tribal gaming was not only about policy. It was about strengthening the people and systems that stand on the frontlines every day. That vision is alive and well through this network.”
“Indian gaming regulators are the backbone of the success of tribal government gaming,” said Bean. “Indian gaming is the most regulated industry anywhere, and we remain confident that the success tribes have built comes in great part from the experts who regulate each tribal casino, one community at a time. That is why it is important to keep the focus on strengthening organizations that uplift regulators and support their work. I am proud to carry that message forward and to continue the legacy Chairman Stevens championed.”
TGPN has been widely recognized across Indian Country as a platform for education, resource sharing, and professional development for those charged with safeguarding tribal gaming enterprises. Its continued growth reflects the long-standing emphasis on regulatory integrity and capacity building that Stevens championed during his leadership.
“IGA is proud to continue standing with TGPN,” said Bean. “Their work directly supports tribal sovereignty by ensuring our gaming professionals and regulators are equipped, connected, and supported. We encourage tribes and gaming commissions to take part in TGPN’s upcoming events and activities that help strengthen our collective foundation.”
The Executive Board and Chairman Bean discussed ways IGA and TGPN can continue to align their efforts in the year ahead to ensure tribal governments remain informed, prepared, and unified in addressing emerging industry challenges.
Chairman Bean noted that continuing these relationships is an important part of carrying forward the legacy of Chairman Stevens, whose belief in unity, education, and collaboration helped shape many of the structures on which tribal gaming relies today.