As 2026 progresses, the Indian gaming industry stands at a moment shaped by rapid change and emerging opportunities. In the following predictions, industry experts share what they believe will define the year ahead – where momentum is building, where risks remain, and what to watch closely.
David Z. Bean, Chairman
Indian Gaming Association
Early in 2025, a threat to Indian gaming emerged in the form of prediction market contracts. They’ve existed for several years, primarily in the agricultural space, and are regulated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). However, when platforms like Polymarket began offering prediction market contracts in the sports arena, it raised serious concerns. Their own regulations prohibit sports betting and gambling, yet the CFTC has not taken steps to regulate this activity. As a result, prediction markets grew rapidly throughout last year.
At the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), our team – including Executive Director Jason Giles and Conference Chairman Victor Rocha – hosts a weekly podcast focused on the Indian gaming industry, and throughout 2025 they spent a significant amount of time discussing prediction market contracts, as well as sweepstakes gaming.
When I assumed the role of Chairman, addressing prediction market contracts quickly became a major focus of my time. That meant meeting with members of Congress and educating them, because this issue is not widely understood on Capitol Hill. I went to Washington, D.C., to discuss what we view as illegal, unregulated gaming. In doing so, we also had to educate lawmakers on the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which emerged from the Cabazon decision.
The core intent of IGRA was to promote economic self-determination, and that is exactly what Indian gaming has done for tribes in states where gaming is legal. What many do not realize is that Indian gaming is governmental gaming, and that revenues are fully taxed by tribes. That context is critical when educating members of Congress. We’ve spent considerable time explaining IGRA; the importance of gaming to Indian Country; and why these prediction market contracts are illegal, unregulated, and fundamentally inconsistent with the intent of IGRA. We’ve also shown how these prediction markets violate the CFTC’s own rules and regulations.
By the end of 2025, much of our work focused on educating Congress and coordinating with sister organizations across the country, including the National Congress of American Indians, Arizona Indian Gaming Association, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, and Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations in California. This is a complex issue that can’t be addressed with a single letter or alert – it requires sitting down with people, answering questions, and walking through the implications.
Going forward in 2026, much of the work will continue in the same vein, including reaching more members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, and making clear that Indian gaming and commercial gaming are under threat. The Indian Gaming Association is aligned with the American Gaming Association in viewing prediction market contracts as a serious concern. Both organizations believe that strong, sound regulation is what protects the gaming industry and allows it to grow.
Indian gaming is among the most heavily regulated industries in the country – arguably more regulated than banking – with three layers of oversight: tribal, state, and federal. There are background checks for employees, vendors, and management, along with licensing requirements and ongoing compliance. These checks and balances ensure integrity across the industry.
By contrast, prediction market contracts operate with little oversight beyond self-certification. We don’t get to self-certify – we have to demonstrate compliance every day through tribal, state, and federal regulators. That level of oversight simply does not exist in the prediction market space, creating opportunities for bad actors to exploit consumers.
While sweepstakes gaming has also been an issue, many states have taken steps to address it, allowing us to focus more directly on prediction markets. At the same time, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has identified cyber-security as the largest emerging threat, a point emphasized at G2E. That is also firmly on our radar. As a result, both prediction markets and cybersecurity will be major areas of focus at our annual conference and trade show this spring in San Diego.
IGA continues to grow, and the Indian gaming industry reported $43.9 billion in revenues last year, according to the NIGC. We firmly believe that growth is rooted in strong, effective regulation. My predecessor, Chairman Stevens, often said that strong regulation is what allowed Indian gaming to grow, flourish, and thrive – supporting tribal communities as Congress intended under IGRA.
Tracy Burris, Executive Director
Office of Public Gaming
Muscogee (Creek) Nation
We continue to see the growth of Class II gaming throughout Indian Country as new technology is being introduced, including mobile options. As tribes continue to move toward using cashless systems and digital wallets, this creates the need for alterations to standards nationally and at the tribal level. These new technologies broaden the types of applications to which they can be applied and expand the numbers and types of different tasks they can accomplish. They also create new complications for protecting tribes’ back-of-house systems. Cybersecurity will continue to be a challenge faced by properties, both brick and mortar and the growing online environment.
As tribes take on the challenge of using cashless systems and digital wallets, what comes next? We must integrate systems that haven’t been previously used to supplement current systems. One of these new technologies is geofencing. Expanded implementation of this technology enables us to identify our tribal and state boundaries and keep our games attractive to players to the maximum extent possible. However, integrating our systems with geofencing will require close collaboration with cellular providers and app/web designers to keep the game working on a wide variety of devices within our legal boundaries. Another benefit is the added security we gain through the use these tools. While this technology has been around for a while, now in the online digital environment, we can justify the need for it to keep people playing games.
My call to action for 2026 is for the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) to review and make changes to the Minimum Internal Control Standards consistent with the new cyber-environment. This will take collaboration with tribal gaming regulatory authorities (TGRAs) and gaming operations. These conversations should not detract from, but continue alongside, present and important issues already being highlighted by the NIGC. The NIGC’s efforts to lead on these concerns has kept cybersecurity at the forefront of the discussions. As we look forward to the appointment of a new NIGC Chairperson, it is very important that these discussions continue to include concerns raised by TGRAs.
2026 will bring new challenges and excitement as emerging technologies continue to impact tribal gaming systems, and hopefully Oklahoma tribes will see movement by the current governor, in the final year of his term, to work with tribal nations on sports betting, along with the state legislature, which has been working with the tribes.
Andrew Cardno, Co-Founder and CTO
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI)
I see another year of continued growth for the Indian gaming industry, driven less by pure gaming expansion and more by the maturation of the broader experience marketplace. Tribal nations have spent the last several years making deliberate, long-term investments in their resorts, and those investments are now compounding. Guests are responding not just to gaming floors, but to meaningfully upgraded hotel rooms, elevated food and beverage offerings, stronger safety and security environments, and entertainment experiences that feel curated rather than commoditized.
This momentum aligns with a broader shift toward an experience-driven economy, where consumers increasingly prioritize memorable, immersive, and high-quality experiences over transactional spending. Indian gaming resorts are uniquely positioned in this environment because of their ability to integrate hospitality, entertainment, wellness, dining, and gaming into cohesive destinations. I expect this integration to deepen this year, with resorts placing even greater emphasis on personalization, service quality, and operational excellence as differentiators.
Generative-driven technology will quietly but profoundly amplify this trend. Data-driven decision making, real-time operational insight, and intelligent automation will increasingly work behind the scenes to create integrated digitally centric guest experiences, manage labor constraints, and optimize reinvestment strategies. Importantly, this growth will continue to reinforce tribal sovereignty by strengthening economic independence and funding community priorities beyond the resort walls.
Rather than a dramatic inflection point, 2026 represents sustained, disciplined progress – proof that experience-focused investment, executed thoughtfully, remains one of the strongest growth engines in Indian gaming today.
Mike Carter, VP Client Relations
TBE Architects
This year I see the gaming and hospitality industry continuing a period of focused transformation – driven equally by technology, guest expectations, and strategic expansion. For tribal gaming in particular, I expect continued momentum in asserting greater control over economic development, not just through gaming, but through diversified entertainment, hospitality, and mixed-use destinations that are both on and off reservation land. Tribes are increasingly embracing long-term master planning to build properties that reflect their unique heritage, serve community needs, and project sustainable growth.
On the gaming side, Class II continues to evolve rapidly. The line between Class II and Class III experiences is blurring as technology delivers highly engaging, compliant game play. This gives tribal operators more flexibility when negotiating compacts and managing longterm revenue strategies. Similarly, the continued expansion of sports betting, especially integrated retail experiences, is reshaping the footprint of many casino floors.
Technology will continue to be the biggest accelerator in 2026. We are seeing more properties prioritizing frictionless guest touchpoints and data-driven personalization. From mobile-first loyalty programs to smart-room automation, the expectation for seamless, intuitive experiences is becoming a universal standard.
Entertainment is diversifying. Guests want more than slots and table games. They want dining, wellness, immersive events, and social experiences worth sharing on social media. The winners in 2026 will be those properties with spaces that are adaptable, authentic, and deeply connected to the communities they serve.
Beth Deighan, President
Casino Careers Division of Talentronic
AI has impacted the Indian gaming industry primarily through enhancements in operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and player engagement, while also presenting significant challenges related to data security, ethics, and the need for new regulatory frameworks. If you visit a human resources office, or access an online application for a specific career opportunity, it is evident that AI has reshaped the employment process. AI agents may be involved in the hiring pipeline from sourcing and screening, to analyzing internal workforce data, forecasting talent needs, and suggesting internal mobility paths.
HR in Indian gaming will soon (if not already) be using automated chatbots for sourcing, screening and scheduling new employees. Some will use it to conduct initial interviews and rank candidates. Others will use automated onboarding paperwork for new hires, providing portals for common employee queries, and analyzing HR data. AI will be used to help manage workflows, performance tracking, and leadership training. HR departments will use AI for strategic workforce planning to forecast staffing needs, and identify risks before impacting business changes, enabling them to become more proactive.
Employee relations will use AI to provide continuous feedback on employee performance, enhancing, or even replacing, annual reviews and assisting in the identification of individual employee growth and advancement paths. AI has assisted in regulatory control, and HR departments will also use it for data security and navigating complex regulations. AI will continue to assist job seekers to identify positions that match their skills and are in preferred geographical locations.
Looking ahead, Indian gaming HR departments will increase the utilization of AI in policy guidance and employee relations management to assist in defensible guidance for workplace investigations. It will assist in providing skill gap analysis and suggesting goals, as well as surface disengagement risks, enabling HR executives to become more astute.
However, HR executives will need to be aware of the risks of using AI, which could potentially lead to data privacy/security breaches, lack of transparency, decline in the human touch/trust/morale, legal compliance issues, and potential over reliance on automation, which can miss crucial human context, creating unfair, unethical, or alienating processes.
It is essential in 2026 for HR executives in Indian gaming to routinely check HR AI tools to ensure fairness and high employee morale, remain transparent with candidates and employees about the use of AI, and ensure that ethical humans are making critical decisions.
Kelly DeVine, Principal, Director of Entertainment Design & Development
HBG Design
As tribes consider their long-term economic visions and land development options, there has been a shift in how casino resort destinations are being planned. While the destination resort has long been the goal, what’s emerging is a more holistic, integrated town-center style approach, reimagined as a larger, tribally owned economic ecosystem anchored by the casino resort.
Signature resort “wow” amenities like gaming, hotels, pools, spas, and event centers remain critical. What’s changing is how those resort amenities are positioned within a broader planned vision – organized from the casino and hotel, layered with complementary amenities and community infrastructure. This more intentional approach supports longer stays, creates customer loyalty, and greater community economic opportunity.
Resort guests need basics as much as indulgences, and when those needs are met on tribal land – through convenience stores and fuel centers, health and wellness offerings including CBD retail, and destination-oriented shopping – it creates a more livable experience and greater benefit for all.
Looking ahead, we expect this integrated planning approach will continue gaining momentum, with casino resorts anchoring more self-sufficient town centers. By keeping both guest and tribal member spending on tribal land, this strategy strengthens local economies and expands long-term opportunities for tribal communities.
Grant Eve, Partner,
Tribal Industry Leader
Wipfli
Tribal gaming is expected to deliver steady, single-digit growth this year, despite broader economic uncertainty. Growth will come largely from loyal baby boomer patrons, with younger players engaging through sports betting and table games. Competition isn’t slowing, so properties that create memorable experiences – great service, creative promotions, and amenities beyond the casino floor – will stand out.
Expect a gradual shift toward Class II expansions for flexibility and control, while Class III opportunities still matter where compacts and demand align. Technology is at the forefront. Cashless payments, mobile-enabled gaming, and integrated loyalty programs are becoming the norm, and tribes that embrace these tools thoughtfully will strengthen their position. With that comes responsibility: data governance and cybersecurity can’t be afterthoughts. The attack surface is expanding, and protecting systems, guest trust, and compliance requires constant attention.
Although some clean energy tax incentives sunset under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), tribes and casinos still have opportunities to benefit from renewable energy projects that create jobs, revenue, and lower local energy costs. Large tracts of undeveloped land position many tribes well for wind or solar development, with certain credits available for projects starting before mid-2026, while geothermal incentives remain fully intact.
Sports betting will remain a valuable component of the puzzle, but its true power lies in driving engagement – bringing guests to the property and onto the gaming floor, rather than being a standalone solution. In short, success in 2026 will belong to operators who balance sovereignty-focused decisions with operational excellence, modernize technology, harden security, and deliver experiences that keep guests coming back.
Brett Ewing, Principal
Cuningham
Looking ahead, I see the gaming and hospitality industry continuing to evolve beyond traditional models with architecture and design playing an increasingly strategic role. As an architect, I’m seeing owners and operators place greater value on flexibility, speed to market, and environments that can adapt as regulations, technologies, and consumer behaviors change, which is happening more rapidly than ever. Design-build delivery will continue to gain momentum driven by tighter schedules, cost pressures, and the need for more integrated collaboration. This approach allows design teams to respond more quickly to regulatory requirements, evolving gaming technologies and tribal priorities while maintaining design intent and operational efficiency. For tribal clients in particular, architecture will remain a powerful expression of sovereignty, culture, and long-term self-determination, not just a functional container for gaming.
From a market standpoint, the focus is clearly shifting towards experience driven spaces. Casino floors are becoming more social/entertainment oriented and fluid, with less reliance on fixed layouts. A priority is designing spaces that can accommodate e-sports, sports betting lounges, live entertainment, and non-gaming amenities without major renovations every few years.
Technology will continue to shape design – from cybersecurity conscious infrastructure to integrated digital signage, mobile engagement, and data-driven planning. In 2026, the most successful projects will be those where architecture supports both operational resilience and memorable guest experiences – spaces that are efficient, adaptable, and emotionally engaging. Architects have a truly unique opportunity to help shape not just buildings, but the future identity of the industry itself.
John Hinton, Principal / Director of Native American Projects
Bergman, Walls & Associates
Tribal gaming continues to be one of the most powerful economic engines in Indian Country, with total revenues reaching $43.9 billion in FY 2024 and representing 43% of all U.S. casino gaming revenue. This year, we will see an industry defined by strategic reinvestment, demographic shifts, and a renewed focus on long-term resilience.
Across Indian Country, I expect to see an increase in expansions and remodels. Operators are prioritizing gaming floor changes, hotel additions, new restaurants, ballrooms, and multi-functional event centers. These spaces must work harder than ever – supporting gaming during peak times and transforming into revenue generating venues for events and other functions throughout the week.
Tribal leaders remain focused on economic diversification and long-term planning, reinforcing the importance of both immediate competitiveness and future flexibility. Being actively engaged in master planning efforts to guide the evolution of resort properties is essential to ensuring they appeal to a widening consumer base and remain market leaders for years to come.
One of the most significant changes shaping design decisions is the decreasing age of casino patrons. Recent research by the American Gaming Association shows the average customer age has dropped from nearly 50 to about 42.5, signaling a more experience driven audience. This shift is pushing operators to incorporate more specialty dining, flexible event venues, and amenities that build energy and broaden appeal – and can accommodate everything from food fairs and BBQ festivals to car shows, immersive entertainment experiences, and community-oriented programming.
2026 trends include spaces that elevate the guest experience, strengthen tribal enterprises, and support future growth and long-term value. This includes hotel guest room remodels, sports bars, new restaurant concepts, enhanced back-of-house operations, larger loading docks, increased storage, parking enhancements, flexible event spaces, and floor layouts that prioritize comfort and circulation.
Kell Houston, President
Houston Productions
The concert entertainment business is rapidly changing and I anticipate this will be a roller coaster year. Artists are planning tours much farther in advance, and many tours are already working on 2027.
Pricing is sensitive, and routing is very important for the bigger tours. Costs on the artist side for touring have increased dramatically, and those costs are passed down to every buyer. Festivals and larger tours run by Live Nation and other promoters are priorities for mid-range artists, as well as big headliners. These major tours represent guaranteed income for these groups. However, there are always holes in these tours that casinos can take advantage of.
Casinos today must be aggressive and organized. It’s important to have your “entertainment” team in place. You must understand your internal strategy and the budget you have to work with. Knowing your market, and what works for your property and your guests, is more important than ever. Sitting on the sidelines will put you behind. Being able to act quickly on routed avails and opportunities is mandatory.
Traditional marketing plans and regional radio are no longer enough. Social media awareness in all forms is key to your success. It’s hard to stay ahead of trends, and AI is moving faster than all of us, however, quality entertainment will always be essential. Be a leader and trendsetter in your market. Unique entertainment experiences are what everyone is looking for.
James Klas, Founder & Principal
KlasRobinson Q.E.D.
The biggest factors likely to affect Indian gaming this year are political/legal rather than economic, although they have major potential economic consequences. The three major matters are the Supreme Court decision on tariffs, the replacement of Fed Chairman Powell and the mid-term elections. If the Supreme Court curtails or restrains tariffs as currently enacted, which seems likely, it could reduce construction and supply costs, at least temporarily until the administration finds a workaround. Powell’s replacement will almost certainly be more receptive to interest rate cuts that could stimulate the economy in the short-term and reduce construction costs, at least until/unless they create inflationary pressures that push in the opposite direction.
The mid-term elections could result in Democratic control of Congress (least likely but not impossible), stronger Republican control (also possible but not the most likely outcome) or mixed or weaker Republican control (most likely). With Democratic control, weaker Republican control or mixed control, Congress is likely to attempt to reassert its traditional powers and prerogatives in ways that could slow administrative priorities. Barring any major civil unrest over election outcomes, which is considered unlikely but not impossible, none of these outcomes should prove seriously damaging to prospects for the Indian gaming industry for 2026. A generally good, if perhaps erratic and unbalanced year for the industry is anticipated, as good or potentially better than 2025.
The other matter causing concern is the proliferation of prediction markets, sweepstakes games and other ersatz gaming models. These are more long-term than short-term issues. While they have the potential to create some competitive pressure, the biggest problems are the long-term potential for cheating or rigging scandals in those models that cast doubt upon the entire gaming industry and the intrusion of the federal government into gaming laws that have traditionally been the sole purview of states and tribes. We continue to advocate for fighting against all of these forms by pointing out their similarities to gambling and lack of similarities to the models they are supposed to emulate. If, however, they succeed in proliferating, we advocate hanging their “we’re not gambling” argument around their necks and using aggressive and sustained public relations and public education to distinguish between these so-called markets and real, well-regulated, reliable gaming industries like Indian gaming, so that if/when problems with the new models arise, there will be a framework for creating distance for Indian gaming and emphasizing its reliability and local regulatory control.
Knute Knudson, Tribal Ambassador
IGT
This year, leading gaming suppliers and operators will continue to cater to player preferences in unique ways while continuing to provide them with familiar game content on their preferred platforms. A great example of this is Class II mobile gaming, where players will be able to participate in app-based electronic bingo-style games on their iOS or Android phones, from any location within the historic boundaries of a tribal jurisdiction. This evolution in Class II gaming meets player needs while offering a secure environment backed by responsible governance.
This is where cutting-edge mobile technology meets compliance from the moment a player picks up their phone to play. Digital enrollment and verification will be secure, and align with federal and tribal regulations. Advanced geolocation technology will be implemented to ensure that gaming occurs only within the approved jurisdiction. Player safeguards will include encrypted data protection, secure identity verification and continuous monitoring to prevent unauthorized activity. Apps will feature identity verification tools designed to prevent underage use and support strong responsible gaming practices. Players will be able to deposit funds and withdraw verified winnings through secure digital methods, and all financial transactions will be encrypted.
Perhaps best of all, the excitement of Class II gaming will expand to the app-based platform that players already enjoy so much for other forms of entertainment. That kind of growth and modernization is fundamental to a successful 2026, and beyond, for our industry.
Sheila Morago, Tradeshow Coordinator
Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
The future is now…and it’s digital. If you’ve been in the gaming industry as long as I have, you’ve seen plenty of trends come and go. Ours is an ever-evolving, exciting industry, and the long-term future is impossible to predict. In the short term, however, the future of gaming – and the marketing of gaming – is going to be digital. We’ll see the strategic use of digital marketing like geo-fencing target audiences, AI-driven personalization, influencer campaigns, immersive experiences and social commerce (shopping directly within social platforms like Instagram and TikTok).
We will see marketing budgets shift largely away from billboards, direct mail, print advertising, and to some extent, television advertising. Savvy operators will realign their marketing resources to meet our newer, younger customers where they are – on their phones. Yes, it’s a significant learning curve for some of us and no, that’s not always fun. But this is the future.
It’s where our customers are, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Kelly Myers, Director,
Government Affairs
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
As we continue to look towards the future and plan for the industry in 2026, I recommend a high focus and plan for cybersecurity and tribal sovereignty. All areas of the gaming industry are affected by this risk, and any new technologies will be based around it.
In today’s interconnected world, tribal governments and enterprises face new and complex cybersecurity risks. Building cybersecurity within tribal nations requires a comprehensive approach that addresses systemic challenges and respects tribal sovereignty. From gaming operations and health systems to public safety networks and data centers, digital connectivity brings both opportunity and vulnerability.
Tribal nations deserve cybersecurity strategies that reflect their values, protect their assets, and strengthen their path toward self-determination. Goals for 2026 should be to build cybersecurity capacity in tribes and enterprises to: strengthen cyber governance and regulatory compliance; build internal cybersecurity capacity in tribes and workforce pipelines; modernize IT infrastructure and legacy systems; secure gaming and government networks; and increase community-wide cybersecurity awareness and resilience. Maintaining control over tribal data is essential to sovereignty. Yet, external cloud services and third-party vendors can raise critical questions around data ownership, localization, and compliance.
Tribal gaming and government entities must navigate multiple regulatory frameworks, including MICS/TICS and federal cybersecurity standards. While gaming operations may have dedicated IT teams, tribal governments often rely on legacy systems.
The first step is to develop cybersecurity plans. Create a formal, written plan that outlines basic, foundational, and advanced cybersecurity controls. It is also important to enact data codes. Codify tribal data laws that define ownership, storage, and breach obligations to reinforce tribal sovereignty. These are just a few steps that will help create cyber resilience in tribal nations.Your tribe’s sovereignty and data are worth protecting. Develop a sovereignty-first cybersecurity strategy built for your community’s needs and values. Develop comprehensive cybersecurity services for tribal gaming and government, including risk assessments, strategic planning, and end-to-end protection.
Joe Valandra, CEO & Chairman
Tribal Ready
Tribal casino gaming has always been about more than revenue – it is a cornerstone of tribal sovereignty and self-determination. As the industry enters its next phase, the most significant forces shaping tribal gaming will not be confined to casino floors, but embedded in the digital infrastructure that now powers operations, guest experience, and governance. This shift places tribal digital sovereignty at the center of the conversation.
The convergence of gaming, hospitality, and digital engagement is accelerating. Mobile check-in, cashless gaming, real-time loyalty programs, and personalized experiences are no longer optional. Yet, as technology adoption increases, so does dependency on external providers. Forward-looking tribal nations are recognizing that true competitiveness lies not just in adopting technology, but in owning and governing the networks, platforms, and data that support these experiences.
Cybersecurity and data sovereignty are emerging as defining challenges. Modern gaming operations generate vast amounts of sensitive data, making them prime targets for cyber threats. Tribal digital sovereignty means ensuring that gaming data is governed by tribal law, protected within tribal-controlled environments, and aligned with long-term nation priorities rather than vendor constraints.
At the same time, tribal gaming is expanding beyond physical casino walls. Multi-property operations, remote workforces, digital marketing, and evolving online gaming frameworks demand resilient, high-capacity connectivity across rural and remote geographies. Treating connectivity as sovereign infrastructure – rather than a utility expense – allows tribal nations to scale gaming enterprises while strengthening broader governmental and economic systems.
Ultimately, the future of tribal casino gaming will be defined by who controls the infrastructure that makes modern gaming possible. Connectivity is not the end goal. Sovereignty is.
David Vialpando, Executive Director
Pala Gaming Commission
The one constant in the casino gaming industry is change, and this year will be replete with challenges and opportunity for change. Tribal gaming revenues will continue their post-pandemic robust resilience – a record $44 billion in FY 2024 – creating opportunity for investment in ever-increasing gaming technology and entertainment amenities, as well as non-gaming economic investment opportunities.
Tribal leaders, casino operators, and tribal gaming regulators will emphasize discussions in the following areas during the upcoming year: the integration of artificial intelligence in casino marketing, player tracking, BSA/AML compliance, cyber threat protection, and regulatory compliance; online, mobile, and sports wagering; federal and state government policies and legal and political strategies to address threats to tribal sovereignty and exclusivity; and enhanced networking and collaboration across tribal government jurisdictions to build technical capacity and competitive positioning.
This last area of emphasis will position tribes to successfully combat the threat posed by sweepstakes casinos, daily fantasy sports, fraudulent online gaming operators illegally using the name and reputation of established tribal casinos, and prediction market wagering. These unregulated, shady operators pose a substantial risk to the legitimate gaming industry and add importance to the need to battle misapplied technology and innovation designed to line the pockets of greedy operators at the expense of the gaming consumer and tribal communities.
A healthy tribal gaming industry facilitates economic diversification, which in turn reinforces tribal self-sufficiency and self-determination. In 2026, tribes will continue to invest in professional services and business contracting, including federal and commercial contracting in defense, technology services, cybersecurity, and consulting; education, health, and human services; real estate, hospitality, and tourism; renewable energy and natural resources; manufacturing and industrial operations; financial services and lending; telecommunications and other industries.
A robust tribal gaming industry benefits non-tribal communities and the nation’s economic health. Tribal enterprise diversity ensures economic resilience for tribal communities and benefits consumers across a wide variety of business sectors. The future looks bright indeed for tribes and the tribal gaming industry.
Steve Walther, VP of Game Development
AGS
The Indian gaming industry will continue to be powered by its most important asset: its patrons. Players choose where to spend their entertainment dollars, and how effectively Indian gaming operators engage them – both on-premise and off-premise – will determine their position as a destination of choice in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.
Savvy operators will continue to reinvest in their gaming floors with the latest products and innovations. In recent years, gaming suppliers have significantly elevated product quality to better attract and engage players. At the same time, non-gaming entertainment industries are also raising the bar, competing for the same discretionary spend.
Success in 2026 will come from offering a diverse game portfolio – balancing trusted favorites with new, exciting experiences that drive curiosity and repeat play. A well-curated floor remains a powerful engagement tool.
Beyond game content, advances in casino systems technology will play a central role in strengthening player relationships. On-premise contact tools, enhanced loyalty programs, and improved customer service touchpoints will create a level of personalization and service that many competing industries struggle to match.
Increasingly, these capabilities can live in the palm of the patron’s hand – delivering real-time offers, seamless communication, and meaningful rewards that deepen engagement and reinforce loyalty.
Off-premise engagement will continue to accelerate through player services apps, targeted digital marketing, and the expansion of online gaming. By 2026, online play will represent a larger and more sophisticated opportunity for Indian gaming operators.
The quality of online gameplay is rapidly approaching the on-premise experience, and many operators are already realizing the benefits of an omnichannel strategy. Cross-play between land-based and online gaming is driving incremental revenue while strengthening overall player relationships.
This will be another strong year for Indian gaming. Operators will benefit from better products, expanded revenue opportunities, deeper player engagement, and a continued evolution toward integrated, patron-centric experiences. Those who embrace innovation – while staying rooted in service and community – will help ensure a stronger, more resilient industry for years to come.
