SAN DIEGO, CA – The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Board of Directors convened at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego in conjunction with the 2026 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, marking a critical gathering of tribal leadership focused on governance, financial stewardship, and the protection of tribal sovereignty.
During the annual board meeting, the IGA Board formally approved the FY 2025 independent audit report, reaffirming the organization’s strong financial position and continued commitment to transparency and accountability to its member tribes.
In addition to approving the audit, the Board adopted a formal resolution opposing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) efforts to regulate so-called “event contracts,” including sports-related prediction markets. The resolution underscores IGA’s position that these activities constitute gambling and fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of tribal and state governments.
“Today, our Board took decisive action to protect what generations before us fought to build,” said David Z. Bean, Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association. “These so-called prediction markets are an attempt to bypass tribal authority and recast gambling as a financial product. We will not allow that. We will stand united to defend tribal sovereignty and the integrity of Indian gaming.”
The resolution calls on Congress to clarify that sports contracts are gambling activities regulated by tribes and states and urges tribal governments nationwide to submit formal comments opposing the CFTC’s proposed rulemaking ahead of the April 30 deadline. Chairman Bean emphasized that the Board’s actions reflect a broader, coordinated effort across Indian Country to confront what tribal leaders have identified as one of the most pressing threats to the tribal gaming framework.
“This is federal overreach, plain and simple,” Bean said. “When outside entities attempt to operate gambling under a different name, without respect for our laws, our compacts, or our sovereignty, we have a responsibility to act. And that is exactly what this Board has done.”
The Board meeting also served as a moment of reflection and unity following the passing of longtime IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., whose leadership helped transform tribal gaming into a cornerstone of economic strength for Indian Country.
“We walk in his footsteps,” said Chairman Bean. “Everything we do continues in the spirit of Chairman Stevens. We honor him by continuing the work, always at the direction of our tribal leadership. His vision brought us together, and today we carry that responsibility forward with strength and purpose.”
Since Chairman Stevens’ passing, IGA leadership and staff have continued to focus on expanded outreach efforts, directly engaging with tribal governments and strengthening partnerships with regional and national organizations to ensure a unified voice during a critical time for the industry.
The Board also reviewed key priorities for the week, including the Tribal Leaders Membership Meeting, which will focus on legislative strategy, elections, and a coordinated response to illegal prediction market activity. Additional events throughout the convention will honor the legacy of Chairman Stevens and other leaders who helped build and protect the tribal gaming industry.
With more than 350 exhibitors and thousands of attendees gathered in San Diego, the 2026 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention continues to showcase the strength, resilience, and unity of tribal gaming.
“As we move forward, we do so together,” Chairman Bean added. “When we stand united as tribal governments, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.”