Leading industry experts offer their invaluable insights and forward-looking predictions on the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the Indian gaming sector. From emerging technologies to evolving regulatory landscapes and shifting market dynamics, these thought leaders provide a comprehensive outlook on what’s next. Here is what they had to say…
Tracy Burris, Executive Director
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Office of Public Gaming
With the new President in office, it’s that time again to bring in new leadership at the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). This federal Indian agency oversees Indian gaming, the most effective economic tool in Indian Country for 224 tribes across 29 states.
While the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs had very recently approved President Biden’s nominee for NIGC Chairperson, the Senate failed to act on that nomination – just as it did with other late-term nominations. This now allows for the newly elected President to make that appointment. Along with the rest of Indian Country, I will be looking to see what a new nominee will be working to accomplish during their tenure as Chairperson.
Tribal gaming is a critical tool for tribes that fuels their ability to effectively self-govern and to provide essential resources on behalf of tribal members, such as healthcare, education, housing, and most important, our culture. It’s the tool that stimulates economic commerce, not only for the tribe, but also for the non-Indian communities around the tribal communities. Tribal and non-tribal communities benefit from the jobs and paychecks gaming creates for all workers, both tribal and non-tribal. It allows hundreds of thousands of people – those employed directly and those in local businesses that provide critical services – to have paychecks to spend and support the entire local economy. Tribal gaming also has a statewide impact, contributing to state and federal payroll taxes that help fund much-needed infrastructure. Importantly, this economic tool creates revenue that stays in regional markets where the tribes exist and live.
Over time, we have seen the positive impacts of tribal gaming across Indian Country, including for tribes with different levels of markets to draw from. Since most tribal governments are located in rural markets, which often don’t have significant economic activity, it only makes sense for tribes to invest in themselves. They have proven the ability to determine what’s best for their members and to take care of those who work and play in their gaming facilities. That’s what good governments do for their own people, but there has been such a wider impact in the support of local communities, including donations to help schools, police and fire departments on and near tribal lands.
So, what will a new NIGC Chairperson focus on to help keep this economic tool going strong and protect what it has done to benefit all communities? I look forward to sitting down with the new Chairperson to discuss their leadership with this federal Indian agency that has oversight of our 506 tribal gaming facilities. Among the issues to discuss are how the agency can assist tribes in implementing innovative tools, such as cloud-based applications. Such advancements are needed to assist and benefit Indian Country with modern technology that can enhance and protect data assets and support new avenues for gaming, such as sports wagering and expanding Class II and Class III gaming products in the new mobile world. However, as with any new technology, these opportunities also bring challenges and risks that must be addressed. This year should be an interesting one.
Andrew Cardno, Co-Founder and CTO
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI)
The pace of technological transformation unfolding right now is unlike anything the world has seen since the dawn of the internet, and some might even compare it to the invention of the wheel. Over the next few years, it’s predicted that nearly half of today’s workforce will be replaced by advances in generative intelligence, and tribal gaming is certainly not exempt. Meanwhile, robotics has made remarkable strides, and I predict this year we will see humanoid robots entering the global workforce. This wave of innovation is reshaping not only tribal gaming, but the global economy at large – leaving tribal gaming as a relatively small vessel navigating a vast sea of change. I predict that there will be generative executives in the gaming industry in 2025 that are as effective as humans.
Adapting to these shifting tides can be daunting, especially since gaming executives are not typically on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence technology, yet now more than ever, embracing innovation is essential. At the same time, tribal data sovereignty remains a pressing concern, with tribal nations needing to protect their sovereign rights and maintain control over their operations in the face of rapid digital transformation. Online gaming, sports betting, and social gaming have also surged in North America, offering both significant opportunities and equally significant risks for tribes to consider in safeguarding their long-term positions. Charting a successful course forward will demand renewed openness to technological progress, greater focus on data sovereignty, and a balanced approach to business decisions.
It is my view that generative systems have now made innovation a critical task in our industry, presenting a real challenge for tribal gaming operators to adapt to what will be a new economic reality. On reflection, I wonder if the world was truly ready for generative intelligence; sometimes I wish we could put this genie back in the bottle. However, the hard reality is that the world has changed, and we must adapt to this new paradigm, potentially at a pace that feels uncomfortable. Tribal operators who adopt positive, change-focused innovation processes will be the winners in this new marketplace.
Michael Carter, Director of Client Development
TBE Architects
The Indian gaming industry has long been a cornerstone of economic development and cultural preservation for many Native American tribes. Nobody understands casino gaming and hospitality quite like tribes, who have honed their expertise over decades. This deep-rooted knowledge and commitment to excellence are key drivers behind the industry’s success and its promising future.
As we look ahead, we can expect to see continued growth in tribal gaming. The industry’s resilience and adaptability have been evident, even in the face of economic challenges and shifting market dynamics. Tribes have consistently demonstrated their ability to innovate and expand, ensuring that their gaming enterprises remain competitive and appealing to a broad audience.
One of the most significant trends in recent years has been the rapid expansion of sports betting across the U.S., with over 38 states now embracing this form of gaming. While big-name sportsbooks have dominated the market, I believe many tribes have gained sufficient experience and knowledge to once again fill the role of operator and raise the standards of excellence. By integrating unique cultural elements and superior customer service, tribal casinos will offer a distinctive and improved betting environment.
Many tribal properties are situated in remote areas, presenting both challenges and opportunities. To attract a diverse range of visitors, casino resorts will continue to diversify their entertainment portfolios. This means offering live performances, sporting events, and family-friendly event centers, ensuring there is something for everyone. By creating multifaceted entertainment destinations, tribes can draw in guests from near and far, boosting local economies and providing memorable experiences.
Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) will play a crucial role in the evolution of tribal casinos. By utilizing AI to analyze guest priorities and population data, I believe casinos will further tailor their marketing strategies and on-site offerings to develop more personalized and meaningful experiences for their patrons.
Tribes are well-positioned to lead the way in innovation and guest experience, ensuring a vibrant and prosperous future for their communities. With their unparalleled expertise in casino gaming and hospitality, the Indian gaming industry is poised for continued success this year and beyond.
Chris Creasey, VP, National Gaming
Suffolk
This is an exciting year for design and construction in the Indian gaming market, with significant growth expected in the Indian gaming space due to recent legal decisions, the current state of financial markets, the rapid expansion of sports betting nationally, and the number of tribes that have received approvals for the construction of new gaming sites.
The gaming sector is more competitive than ever, so new casinos will need to work closely with their design teams to create state-of-the-art gaming facilities that are truly unique to their markets.
This market growth will also present unique challenges and opportunities for existing Indian casinos that aim to maintain and expand their customer base. These existing casinos will need to create new experiences and refresh their amenities to maintain and grow their loyal customer bases. They will also need to implement creative solutions that will allow them to deliver exceptional customer experience and minimize disruptions amid ongoing renovations within their operational facilities.
The growth of the gaming market also presents opportunities for restaurateurs and entertainment companies that want to expand their market share and offer exciting venues and unique experiences to these casinos.
The Indian gaming market is ripe for the construction of new casinos and the renovation and expansion of existing casinos throughout the country, which is why I am excited about the advancement of technology and data in the construction industry that is helping to make construction projects safer, more efficient and more predictable. Some of the most innovative construction management firms in the country are leveraging artificial intelligence, data and predictive software solutions to predict safety, quality, cost and schedule issues on projects before they occur.
Sophisticated technologies are also helping contractors record as-built conditions more accurately, resolve construct- ability issues earlier in the design and construction processes, and dramatically reduce construction errors in the field. There are also new building technologies, construction materials and sustainability features that will be incorporated into new and existing facilities in the coming year.
The strengthening economy, expansive growth and increasing competition of the gaming market, as well as the technological advances in design and construction, will lead to the continued growth of Indian gaming throughout the country.
Beth Deighan, President Casino Careers
Division of Talentronic & Hospitality Online
A good HR executive focuses on aligning HR strategies with the overall business goals, cultivating a positive employee experience, attracting and retaining top talent through effective recruitment and development programs, managing employee relations, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace culture; essentially prioritizing the strategic value of human capital to drive organizational success.
The focus this year for HR executives in Indian gaming is integrating AI technology; improving the employee experience through inclusive culture and well-being initiatives; emphasizing skill-based hiring (moving away from college degree requirements); and promoting internal mobility.
Companies that implemented hybrid employee schedules last year generally reported positive results, including increased employee satisfaction, reduced turnover rates, improved work-life balance, and no significant decline in productivity. Corporations also invested in programs to equip employees with new skills necessary to adapt to changing job demands and potential automation impacts, and HR analytics were used to make strategic decisions regarding talent acquisition, retention, and workforce planning.
HR leaders will continue to focus on creating and maintaining an engaged workforce of diverse, well-trained employees who understand and are committed to company goals. This will require hiring for skills and culture fit, and discerning “how” employees want to engage.
Training programs will develop the versatility of the workforce in order to boost productivity in the face of increasingly dynamic business conditions. This will be accomplished by equipping employees with new skills, and also tailoring rewards and benefits to meet evolving needs.
As companies continue to evaluate hybrid work environments, they must understand that not everyone can, nor should, work from home unless they are able to get their work done on time. Another consideration for remote workers are the benefits of an in-office environment, such as face-to-face communication, as well as interaction and engagement with other co-workers.
HR will continue to focus on developing a positive culture that prioritizes employee well-being, career development, and a strong sense of belonging – with the goal of driving high performance and retention rates within the organization. To attract top talent, companies must offer competitive compensation and benefits, keeping in mind that what employees want in terms of rewards or benefits may not be what they previously assumed. By leveraging data and AI to help them navigate rapid change, HR executives will cultivate a thriving, future-ready workforce that is both highly skilled and deeply engaged.
Kelly DeVine, Principal, Director of Entertainment Design & Development
HBG Design
We’re seeing tribal clients continue to tap into their deep expertise in casino development, expanding into new markets and new project types, introducing exciting amenities, and even re-imagining what next-gen casinos can be. These ventures reflect the resilience and forward-thinking spirit that has always defined tribal enterprises.
It’s all about planning smarter, thinking long-term, and making well-informed decisions as early in the development process as possible. After all, as the saying goes, it’s easier to erase pencil than concrete.
We’re noticing an upswing in requests for 20-year phased master plans. These plans are helping tribes uncover new investment opportunities and highlight the importance of strategic design-thinking from the very start. New gaming developments are often decades-long endeavors, involving careful coordination through environmental impact studies, land-use planning, and navigating approvals at multiple levels. Balancing economic factors, competitive dynamics, and community priorities is no small task. Starting early and thinking big – considering everything from market trends to land-into-trust requirements – lays a foundation for adaptable strategies that can evolve with changing conditions.
Another interesting shift we’re seeing is in how casinos are being designed and built to meet evolving economic and customer needs. There’s a growing trend toward more open and streamlined gaming floors that maximize flexibility for slot machine placement. Sportsbooks and sports betting are also taking center stage, often integrated with other entertainment features right on the casino floor. This blending of spaces activates the entire area, driving revenue while creating a dynamic, immersive experience for guests.
On the construction side, new methods like cold-form metal framing and stick-built delivery are gaining popularity. They’re cost-effective alternatives to traditional materials like post-tension concrete, allowing operators to get more value without sacrificing quality or style – a win-win for owners and guests alike.
Grant Eve, Partner, Gaming & Tribal Government Leader
Wipfli
With the pandemic behind us, the tribal gaming industry has found its footing in a more stable and predictable landscape. While we now have a clearer sense of the road ahead, high inflation continues to tighten consumers’ discretionary spending, making it more challenging to forecast revenue and profit with certainty.
What does that mean for this year? It means making smart, strategic choices when adopting technology solutions, staying on top of the evolving regulatory landscape, and effectively navigating AI tools. These are all key to building a successful and profitable business model.
With the rapidly evolving landscape and reduced discretionary spending, the industry is being pushed to adapt faster and embrace technological advancements. Looking ahead in 2025, new investments in tribal gaming will focus heavily on digital solutions, challenging tribal leaders to take more innovative approaches to capital planning. This means prioritizing preparation for ongoing digital updates, maintenance, and regular assessments to stay ahead of these advancements.
Expanding beyond the traditional boundaries of tribal gaming and tapping into broader demographics and evolving consumer preferences will be key to distinguishing success from struggle. Exploring business models that combine entertainment value
with digital tools to elevate the customer experience can drive profitability within the regulated framework – just as we’ve seen with sports betting and online gaming.
No industry’s future is complete without discussing AI and other technologies. These tools offer opportunities for greater efficiency in operational systems, targeted marketing strategies, and tapping into existing data. Beyond AI, a wide range of technology-driven solutions can help reduce labor costs and create payment systems that align with today’s modern marketplace. These advancements are crucial for keeping the industry competitive and securing its relevance in an ever-changing market.
Embracing technological advancements is essential for adapting to the evolving landscape. Tribal gaming operations that lean into these digital transformations will position themselves for success, while those clinging to traditional models risk losing market share.
Brett Ewing, Principal
Cuningham
One of the things that continues to impress me is the maturation of tribes in the gaming industry. In many ways, tribal operators are surpassing commercial gaming operators in terms of growth and strategy. Beyond the traditional brick-and-mortar casinos, tribes have demonstrated a keen ability to adapt to the evolving landscape. Take mobile gaming, for example. With so many players now able to place bets directly from their phones, many tribes are asking, ‘How do we respond? How do we bring players back into our gaming environments and integrate them into our sports betting systems?’ Their ability to tackle these challenges head-on and stay ahead of the curve is remarkable.
Another aspect that continually impresses me is how tribes collaborate. Even in competitive markets, they often come together within their regions to address common challenges and find innovative solutions. That spirit of cooperation, combined with a strong entrepreneurial mindset, is one of the many reasons I love working with tribes.
One key element for 2025 is that people want to congregate. Even after COVID, there’s a strong desire to come together, whether at sporting events, concerts, or other entertainment experiences. People don’t just want to sit at home, placing bets on their phones – they crave in-person experiences. Tribal operators recognize this and continue to enhance their amenities to make their resorts more attractive destinations. The goal is to create an experience compelling enough to bring people back, turning them into loyal customers.
Entertainment plays a key role in that equation, and it’s constantly evolving. I’m seeing a shift toward more immersive experiences, whether through expanded entertainment offerings, family-friendly attractions, or innovative gaming solutions designed to entice visitors. It’s about finding the right balance between gaming and broader entertainment to create a destination that appeals to a wide audience.
One other area where tribes continue to improve is brand recognition. Many tribal casinos have been in business for years, and some are going through a rebranding process. This presents a great opportunity to step back and assess their overall branding strategy on property. And often even small adjustments and enhancements to physical spaces can make a significant impact without requiring a full-scale renovation.
What keeps me engaged in this industry is that working with tribes still feels like working with family, rather than large corporations. There’s a sense of community and shared purpose that makes it incredibly rewarding.
John Hinton, Principal / Director of Native American Projects
Bergman, Walls & Associates
Casinos in Indian Country are still the hub of entertainment in their communities. However, while the Native American gaming industry faces several challenges, there is also much potential for growth in this sector.
One of the first challenges being discussed is illegal and unregulated gaming. This year, tribes will work with legal commercial gaming to curb unregulated gaming (online sweepstakes gaming and land-based gaming) and develop more relationships with their commercial counterparts. Together, they will be a force to stop illegal gaming in the U.S.
As interest rates begin to come down, tribes will begin to review and rethink capital investments. It could also open the door to more remodeling and improvement projects for brick-and-mortar facilities. This will be a very good time for tribal operators to give their facilities a facelift and improve the guest experience. This could also spark some of the planned expansion projects that have been on hold. We are already seeing an uptick in hotel guestroom remodels, exterior refresh, and upgrades to some of the current facility amenities.
An area for growth will be to expand beyond the reservation in creative ways. U.S. law grants tribes sovereignty, which means that they are allowed to create their own laws, regulations, and more. Tribes are currently and will continue to expand their casino operations to cater to new industries. This includes commercial casinos, which several tribes have done, including overseas venues and partnering with commercial casinos to offer the amenities of both the tribal facility and commercial casino to patrons.
Cybersecurity has been an issue and a big topic the past couple of years, and I believe tribes will emerge as among the experts on how to protect data and information.
Additionally, the entire architecture/construction industry is undergoing significant changes driven by sustainability, digital transformation, and flexibility. This includes the casino gaming and hospitality industries. Projects will increasingly adopt digital platforms that connect design, construction, and operations seamlessly, breaking down the project process and improving efficiency throughout the entire design and construction duration.
James Klas, Founder & Principal
KlasRobinson Q.E.D.
This year should be generally positive, but erratic, with some swings in performance up and down around a moderately growing trend line. Oklahoma and the Upper Plains should show stronger growth. Notwithstanding the wildfires in the L.A. area, California should still show modest improvement. While I don’t see any unique factors to drive unusual growth in the Northwest, Northeast or Southwest, I don’t see any serious threats either. I don’t expect any region to have a significant decline.
At the national level, there are potential risks that could disrupt growth trends, which is why I expect some periodic short-term swings. If deportation happens rapidly and in truly dramatic numbers, the labor market, which has never fully recovered from the Great Resignation, will be thrown back into turmoil until adjustments can be made. It seems likely that the Federal Reserve will take a slower approach to rate reductions, affecting the cost of capital. However, the new administration will be putting intense and very public pressure on them to cut rates more rapidly. While the Republican party has control at the federal level, there are significant internal divisions that will make major economic policy changes difficult to pass. Despite the strong emphasis on debt reduction supported by a vocal minority in the party, they are unlikely to be able to push the kind of sweeping changes that could seriously disrupt consumer spending. While cuts in non-defense spending are likely and could be severe in some places, they should not affect gaming demand potential.
Aside from broader economic and social forces, the industry is facing some unavoidable age-related issues with its infrastructure. The industry grew rapidly in the 90s and first decade of this century. Now, the majority of operations are dealing with the realities of 20 to 30-year-old buildings that need more serious renovations than simple carpet and wall-treatment replacements. Previous expansions have often been done on an ad hoc basis with the money available at the time, resulting in less-than-ideal customer and employee circulation and discrepancies in the quality level of different components. If capital were cheap enough, the trend would likely be toward wholesale replacement with new development on the same site or at a new one. Since the cost of capital is not expected to decrease as rapidly, facility aging is most likely going to be addressed on a phased, but still significant, basis rather than all at once.
I believe that Class II will continue to be an important tool for tribes in dealing with compact regulations, difficult negotiations and satellite sites. Customers are quite happy with either Class II or Class III machines, giving tribes greater flexibility in exploring satellite casino opportunities and addressing challenging compact terms. Whether at the Class II or the Class III level, I do expect some pushback and price sensitivity on the part of operators in negotiating lease percentages or flat fees for leased and progressive machines. It is also possible that there will be some modest pushback on machine size as the market transitions back from COVID spacing patterns and focuses more intentionally again on maximizing revenue per square foot.
Knute Knudson, VP Global Business Development and Tribal Ambassador
IGT
With a new year comes new opportunities, new challenges and for most enterprises, new goals and growth targets. Last year, the tribal gaming sector garnered more than $41 billion in revenue and created incremental opportunities for tribal governments to provide for their people and their communities. Like the years that precede it, this year promises to be an exciting and potentially bumpy one for Indian Country.
Let’s first start with the exciting piece: growth. Tribal governments continue to succeed in expanding their business endeavors and influence far beyond sovereign lands. There is no better example of this than the Seminole Tribe who, in 2024, kicked off the transformation of the former Mirage Casino to the “coming soon” Hard Rock Las Vegas. The Seminoles are not alone, as many tribes are leveraging their gaming success to expand to new geographies and into new sectors such as real estate, sports and entertainment. In addition, iGaming and sports betting expansion will undoubtedly remain hot issues in 2025 as tribes and commercial entities continue to build their positions and respective alliances.
Secondly, I anticipate tribal casino operators will lean into the data revolution and implement tools, technologies and services that will help them drive performance loyalty. No matter the industry, “data” and “AI” are unavoidable buzz words. Tribal operators have a rich history of early adoption when it comes to new casino technology, and as such, I’d expect more and more tribal casinos to implement data-focused tools in the year to come.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Indian Country will be keeping a close eye on the new administration and the various appointments that come with it. There are newly appointed leaders, such as U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and individuals within Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior who will become an area of focus. Similarly, yet-to-be-appointed or elected roles across the National Indian Gaming Commission, White House, Senate and the House will all play critical roles in the continued success of Indian gaming.
Critically important positions for tribal governments include the Secretary of the Interior, the Chairperson of the National Indian Gaming Association, the Director of the Indian Affairs Office of Indian Gaming, the White House Liaison to Indian Country and Committee Chairpersons for committees with jurisdiction for tribal gaming in the House and Senate. Tribal governments have been active since the election in monitoring and influencing all these decisions. They will continue to exercise influence in the coming years. Over the past several decades, tribal governments have become much more effective in influencing decisions that affect Indian Country.
Sheila Morago, CEO
Trilogy Group
When I think about making predictions for this year and what it will bring, sports metaphors come to mind. It’s time for the defensive line to take the field. It’s time to get our hustle on. Here’s where the hard work starts. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.
This year brings with it a new federal administration filled with new cabinet members and other appointees and elected officials who probably don’t know as much about the tribal gaming industry as we would like them to. Many states, counties, cities and towns will also see new legislators, representatives, mayors or councilors and it’s important that we tell them about our industry as well.
We have before us, today and in the coming years, a tremendous opportunity and obligation to educate new leaders in the spirit of collaboration. Many new elected leaders may not know about what we bring to the table. Or perhaps they think they know, but don’t have an accurate picture from our perspective. We will have the privilege in 2025 to tell our story and teach those new to the world of tribal gaming what we are about.
It’s our job to clearly articulate and talk about all the good tribal gaming does for the communities where gaming facilities exist – and beyond. Our industry brings about technological innovation, hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country, bold investment in rural America and significant philanthropic work aimed at improving the lives of all through educational initiatives, healthcare services, support of the arts and culture, and more.
In addition to telling our story and helping to educate people who are new to it, we must also be ready to hold those newly elected accountable to their offices. Our elected officials are our partners. We voted them in, and it’s our right to set high standards for their job performance.
I encourage all of us to take our seats at the table, with confidence and in the spirit of collaboration. Because you know what they say: if you’re not at the table, you’re probably on the menu. Stay off the menu, my friends.
Kelly Myers, Director, Government Affairs
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
The collaboration between tribal operators, regulators, and technology providers will be essential in ensuring the continued success and growth of the Indian gaming industry. With technology driving innovation, it will be critical for all stakeholders to work together to implement solutions that promote both growth and security. By focusing on shared goals of innovation, integrity, and consumer protection, the Indian gaming industry is positioned to continue to thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape.
We live and operate in a digital world. To ensure that tribes are staying current with the demands of what players want, we will continue to see adoption of digital payments, cashless wagering, and iGaming. Following the success of sports betting, tribal gaming operators are prepared to embrace iGaming as it continues to become legal.
With the growing use of digital payments, online gaming, and AI-driven systems, cybersecurity will continue to be one of the biggest challenges facing the Indian gaming industry this year. Casinos continue to be vulnerable to cyber threats, including data breaches and ransomware attacks. I expect to see regulators put stronger cybersecurity measures in place, with a focus on developing more advanced technologies to protect both operators and players.
Victor Rocha, Principal, Pechanga.Net
& President of Victor-Strategies
For tribes, especially in California, the next big issue we’re looking at is sweepstakes. We’re already seeing the pressure and lawsuits starting to mount. We’ll be talking about that in California at IGA 2025, including work groups to come up with actionable ways to go after sweepstakes operators. You’re going to see a big push in that regard.
I find the predictions market absolutely fascinating. I think you’re seeing a new industry trying to move in on the DraftKings and FanDuel turf, like the sweepstakes operators. We are watching these new forms that are threats to traditional gaming, and even to sports betting and online gaming. The regulated industry is always going to be under assault and this year is no different.
In California, you’re going to see a more sensible approach towards online gaming. Sweepstakes has really opened our eyes to the fact that even if we do knock sweepstakes out – and we will get rid of sweepstakes gaming – who’s going to fill the void? I think you’re going to start seeing the tribes fill that void. That’s the next big move for us.
Ernest Stevens, Jr., Chairman
Indian Gaming Association
The 119th Congress brings changes in congressional leadership and changes throughout the executive branch with the recent inauguration of President Trump. For the first time since 2017, Republicans hold control over the White House, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
We are well-prepared for the changes and challenges ahead. The Indian gaming industry and Indian Country has worked for decades to ensure that issues impacting our communities are non-partisan. We have built strong relationships with both parties.
However, the months ahead will require a united education effort to take on the significant priorities and needs of our communities. The 119th Congress includes 71 new members of Congress (63 representatives and 9 new senators). Many of these new members do not represent tribes or even have tribal governments in their states or districts.
In the early months of this year, the Indian Gaming Association and our sister organizations will be a constant presence in Washington, D.C. Tribal leaders will continue to work with longstanding champions of tribal sovereignty in Congress, many of whom are part of congressional leadership.
We will begin our outreach and education efforts to new lawmakers, sharing Indian Country’s policy priorities and challenges for the coming year. We will use these early opportunities to remind new members that the U.S. Constitution, which they took a solemn vow to uphold, reaffirms the status of Indian tribes as separate and distinct sovereign governments and holds our sacred treaties as the supreme law of this land.
Our goal is to build on historic gains made in recent years that included critical improvements to Indian gaming policy, public safety and justice on Indian lands, and several new laws that provide tribal governments with direct access to federal funding. Thanks to our recent efforts, Congress also enacted new laws that will advance the federal government’s solemn treaty and trust obligations to provide healthcare to Native
communities.
However, these victories come in the face of unprecedented attacks in the federal courts. In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected misguided attempts to undermine the Indian Child Welfare Act in the Brackeen v. Haaland case. And while the Ninth Circuit rejected similar attacks on the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act posed by the Maverick Gaming v. United States case, we know that attacks will continue.
The crux of these attacks falsely claim that IGRA and similar federal laws designed to respect the role of Indian tribes in our federalist system of government are illegally based on race and ancestry. This is a direct attack on the core of tribal sovereignty.
To address these threats, we must amplify our efforts in Congress and with the administration to bolster federal laws to reaffirm tribal sovereignty to fend off these misguided attacks.
We have made incredible progress over the past decade and will not accept any reversion to past policies that treated tribal governments as second-class sovereigns. These attacks are a call to action for every Indian tribe, tribal leader, and Native organization to come together. I look forward to again walking the halls of Congress arm in arm with our member tribes and tribal leaders nationwide to meet these challenges.
Joe Valandra, CEO & Chairman
Tribal Ready
Tribal casino gaming has been a cornerstone of economic growth for Native nations, funding essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Today, the industry is evolving through digital transformation, with innovations such as online gaming, artificial intelligence, and blockchain – reshaping operations and customer experiences. For tribes, adopting these technologies is about more than competitiveness – it’s about amplifying economic impact and expanding tribal sovereignty.
Online platforms enable tribes to expand their reach beyond physical casinos, creating new revenue streams while maintaining regulatory and cultural control. AI and data analytics enhance customer engagement, optimize operations, and build loyalty and trust. For tribal casinos, integrating these technologies is not just about remaining competitive – it is about amplifying economic impacts while aligning with tribal values and governance.
Access to high-speed broadband is fundamental to the success of technological innovations in tribal gaming. Beyond enabling advanced gaming systems, broadband connectivity is a linchpin for fostering economic development, supporting education, and ensuring access to telehealth and other vital services. By owning and managing broadband infrastructure, tribes assert control over their digital future, reinforcing self-determination while closing the digital divide.
Challenges remain, including high costs, geographic barriers, and regulatory complexities. Collaboration among tribes, government agencies, and private-sector partners is essential to secure funding, navigate regulations, and ensure equitable access to broadband.
For tribes, controlling broadband infrastructure is about more than technology – it is an assertion of sovereignty. When tribes own and manage broadband networks, they not only gain control over the infrastructure that powers their casinos and other enterprises, but also assert their right to self-determination in the digital age. This is especially critical as tribes work to close the digital divide that disproportionately affects Native communities.
The convergence of gaming and technology positions tribal casinos as hubs of innovation and empowerment. With a commitment to broadband infrastructure and cutting-edge technology, Native nations are not just advancing in the gaming sector – they are redefining sovereignty in the digital age. Through this fusion, tribal gaming becomes a pathway to a brighter, more connected future for Native communities.
Steve Walther, VP of Game Development
AGS
Paraphrasing the wise Ferris Bueller, technology evolves pretty fast and if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. Advancements in artificial intelligence, cashless technologies, interactive and other buzz words are accelerating faster than the F1 on the Las Vegas Boulevard straightaway. It’s critical that we keep up with the changes so that we can leverage the benefits that the technologies offer.
The tribal gaming operations customer base is evolving in parallel to the technology. We always hear about the target demographic being in a certain age group, and they are adopting more of this modern technology daily. Many people are carrying AI in their pocket with their Apple or Google phone. They are using cashless payment technologies at the supermarket and other outlets, and they are “surfing the web” on this same device, maybe even playing games.
Looking ahead in 2025, patrons of tribal gaming operations will have a greater familiarity with artificial intelligence, electronic wallets, and mobile applications than any prior year. Whether it be through kiosk technology, player systems interfaces, or even property-specific applications, there will be a greater expectation of quality in the overall experience. Modernizing these technologies will reduce service friction and improve the ability for patrons to greater enjoy their experience.
Even with all the individualized technological enhancements, patrons still have a unifying desire for personalized service while escaping into an entertainment experience. Slot machines, table games and bingo, whether online or on-premises, provide a form of escapism. Each of those experiences are modernizing through newer technology and content. Other areas of the property can adopt AI assistants for service, mobile applications for check-in, reservations and valet. Each advancement further reduces barriers for patrons to get what they want, when they want it.
Our challenge this year is how to balance the introduction of these advancements while maintaining differentiated service. As convenient as it is to do everything through an AI-enabled app, it’s hard to replace a smiling face with a personalized greeting. It is important to stay in tune with technology so that we can provide it to those who crave it, while also remaining in tune with those who can leave their technology at the door.
