VALLEY CENTER, CA – The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) continued its nationwide engagement with tribal nations this week with a visit to the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, hosted by Chairman Stephen W. Cope and the leadership of Valley View Casino & Hotel.
During the visit, IGA Chairman David Z. Bean met with tribal leadership, casino management, and development partners to discuss federal regulatory priorities, cybersecurity preparedness, and operational challenges facing tribal gaming. The visit also included a tour of tribal lands at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, highlighting the tribe’s longstanding partnership with the San Diego Zoo and the role of tribal land stewardship in supporting diversified economic development.
“This visit reflects tribal sovereignty in action,” said Bean. “San Pasqual’s success across gaming, tourism, and land management demonstrates how strong governance and enterprise leadership benefit the entire community.”
Bean emphasized that direct engagement with tribal communities is central to IGA’s advocacy efforts, allowing the organization to share legislative updates while hearing firsthand from tribal leaders. He also addressed ongoing discussions at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission related to predictive markets and sports wagering contracts, which tribes view as unlawful gaming activity operating outside the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
“Any attempt to create a workaround to IGRA threatens tribal sovereignty and the regulatory framework tribes and states have honored for decades,” Bean said.
Bean noted that IGA is coordinating with tribal organizations, industry partners, and congressional offices to ensure federal actions do not undermine tribal rights or weaken the legal foundation of Indian gaming. He further highlighted cybersecurity as a growing concern for tribal gaming operations, citing the National Indian Gaming Commission’s identification of cyber threats as the industry’s top risk.
“We have seen how ransomware and cyber incidents can shut down tribal enterprises for days,” said Bean. “That is not just an IT issue. That is an economic and sovereignty issue. These are the conversations we are having in Washington because they directly impact tribes like San Pasqual and every tribal gaming operation across the country.”
Bean also reflected on the legacy of the late Ernie Stevens Jr., whose leadership shaped IGA’s advocacy for tribal sovereignty and economic self-determination.
“Chairman Stevens dedicated his life to protecting tribal gaming and ensuring tribes always had a strong voice in Washington,” said Bean. “IGA carries that responsibility forward every day. I am committed to continuing his work, honoring his legacy, and ensuring that tribal nations remain protected, respected, and heard at the federal level.”
The visit supports IGA’s broader outreach strategy to strengthen engagement with tribal, state, and regional partners and to highlight successful tribal enterprises across Indian Country.