PRIOR LAKE, MN – Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Chairman David Z. Bean and Executive Director Jason Giles joined tribal gaming commissioners and regulators this week at the National Tribal Gaming Commissioners & Regulators (NTGCR) Conference to discuss Indian gaming, federal policy developments and efforts to protect tribal government gaming.
The conference, held Sept. 1–3 at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, brings together tribal gaming commissioners, regulatory professionals, legal experts and industry leaders for general assemblies, panel discussions, roundtables and 24 workshops focused on audit and licensing, commission responsibilities, compliance and technology.
During the NTGCR General Assembly, Bean emphasized the role of tribal regulators in protecting the integrity of tribal government gaming.
“Tribal gaming regulators protect Indian gaming at its core,” said Bean. “Our commissions are responsible for maintaining the integrity, security, and public confidence that have helped make tribal government gaming one of the strongest regulated gaming industries in the country. That regulatory strength did not happen by accident. Tribal nations invested the time, resources, expertise, and sovereign authority necessary to build it.”
Bean and Giles also provided an update on IGA’s national efforts opposing prediction market platforms offering sports wagering and other gambling products outside established tribal and state regulatory systems.
“What we are seeing with prediction markets should concern every tribal gaming regulator in this country,” said Bean. “This is not simply a debate over a new financial product. These platforms are offering what we know is gambling while attempting to operate outside the laws and regulatory systems that govern legal gaming. We cannot allow a new name or a different technology platform to become a pathway around tribal sovereignty, IGRA, tribal-state compacts, and established gaming laws.”
IGA’s response has included litigation, congressional advocacy, regulatory engagement and collaboration with tribal nations, states, commercial gaming interests, attorneys general, consumer protection advocates and other organizations. The Association also cited a recent Ninth Circuit ruling involving sports event contracts as important momentum in the broader effort.
“We are seeing important progress, but this fight is not over,” said Bean. “IGA will continue working with Congress, federal regulators, tribal nations, states, and our partners across the country. We will continue pushing for hearings, legislation, enforcement, and accountability.”
Working through the IGA-NCAI Task Force and in consultation with tribal governments, IGA plans to engage tribal gaming commissions this fall regarding potential regulatory strategies involving prediction market activity, including examining the use of tribal regulatory notices, cease-and-desist actions and other available exercises of tribal regulatory authority.
“As we move into the next phase of this effort, we need our tribal gaming commissioners and regulators standing with us on the front lines,” said Bean. “Our sovereignty is strongest when we exercise it. Tribal regulators have spent decades building some of the strongest regulatory institutions in gaming, and their voices must be part of this national discussion.”
Giles said cooperation between national advocacy organizations and tribal regulators is increasingly important as new gaming technologies and platforms develop.
“The strength of Indian gaming begins with strong tribal governments and strong tribal regulation,” said Giles. “IGA’s responsibility is to make sure the work taking place in Washington, D.C., in the courts, before federal agencies, and across the states reflects and protects the authority of tribal nations. Our gaming commissioners and regulatory professionals are essential partners in that work.”
Bean also congratulated Jamie Hummingbird on his re-election as NTGCR Chairman.
“On behalf of the Indian Gaming Association, I congratulate Chairman Jamie Hummingbird on his re-election,” said Bean. “Jamie understands the importance of strong tribal regulation and the responsibility our regulators carry every day. NTGCR provides an important national forum where regulators can learn from one another, strengthen professional standards, and build the relationships necessary to protect Indian gaming. IGA looks forward to continuing our partnership with Chairman Hummingbird and NTGCR.”
NTGCR promotes cooperation, education, information sharing and high-quality regulatory practices among tribal gaming regulators. The organization traces its roots to regulators who began gathering during Indian Gaming Association events in the 1990s and today continues that mission through national conferences, educational programs, regulatory certification initiatives and professional collaboration.