SAN DIEGO, CA – The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) convened its Board of Directors Monday evening at the Hard Rock Hotel to mark the official start of the 2025 Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention. The meeting, chaired by Ernie Stevens Jr., featured important updates on the state of Indian gaming and set the stage for a highly anticipated tradeshow scheduled at the San Diego Convention Center this week.
Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. opened the meeting by calling it to order and welcoming the board with a compelling message – “United, we amplify our tribal leadership alongside our Indian gaming industry experts and professionals to celebrate the strength and progress of our Indian gaming industry. In the face of a challenging political landscape, we steadfastly stand together. We are ready to address these obstacles and work collaboratively with this administration on shared objectives. Our mission is clear: to uplift Indian Country, ensure the protection of tribal sovereignty, and respect our tribal communities in all our endeavors.”
He then provided the board with significant updates about the upcoming tradeshow, sharing key insights from his recent membership address. Looking ahead to 2025, he emphasized the expected highlights: “This year’s gathering not only underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing Indian gaming, but also reinforces our unity as we confront both the challenges and opportunities present in the gaming landscape.”
IGA Executive Director Jason Giles reported that additional legislative updates from Congress were provided, focusing on pressing tribal casino issues on regulatory efforts and operations, and provided an update on the overall financial condition of the organization and its expansion and construction at the IGA headquarters. Board members heard from Wipfli LLP/Joseph Eve & Associates, who presented the 2024 audit report ensuring transparency and clarity around the association’s financial status.
The meeting also covered other agenda items, with discussions focused on ensuring that the tradeshow meets the diverse interests of tribal members nationwide and promotes collaboration and innovation in the industry. Kevin Leecy, Director of Membership and Development, presented an updated report on IGA membership development for 2024 and outreach to members. The Board also approved and adopted the following resolutions, which will help guide IGA’s policy objectives for this legislative session:
Resolutions for consideration were all approved by unanimous consent.
#01-SAN-BOD-0330-25 – Calling upon the President to Swiftly Appoint a New Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission to Support Indian Gaming as a Means of Promoting Tribal Economic Development, Self-Sufficiency, and Strong Tribal Governments in Support of Indian Self-Determination.
#2-SAN-BOD-03-30-25 – Calling Upon Congress to Promote Tax Equity and Fairness for Indian Tribes and Parity with State and Local Governments
#03-SAN-BOD-03-30-25 – Urging the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to Prohibit Sports Contracts from Being Listed or Made Available for Clearing for Trading.
#4-SAN-BOD-03-30-35 – Supporting the Quinault Nation and Thlopthlocco Tribal Town in legal actions to protect tribal gaming from the Actions of Valve Corporation
The next board meeting is scheduled for April 3, 2025, coinciding with the tradeshow. Future events are planned for April 17, 2026, also in San Diego, CA.