The Indian Gaming Association’s (IGA) annual mid-year conference recently concluded at Foxwood Resort & Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Among the highlights at the three-day event were updates on federal legislation and issues by high-level government officials.
IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. said in his opening address, “It is great to be together again because we have much to celebrate and new challenges and opportunities to address as we continue our work to protect tribal sovereignty and strengthen native communities. The Indian gaming industry has accomplished so much because of the tireless work of tribal leaders, gaming professionals and our outstanding gaming operations, from the regulator and commissioner to the workers on the gaming floor. Because of that, we have excellent industry numbers to share.”
Stevens said in 2022, Indian gaming revenue grossed $43 billion in gaming revenue and $5.4 billion in ancillary revenue, for a total of $48.4 billion. “These numbers are affirmation that our industry continues to overcome challenges, whether it be a pandemic or legislative and regulatory hurdles,” Stevens said.
Stevens also mentioned the 2024 national elections, noting, “We are already working to get our forces out throughout Indian Country to engage tribal communities about the importance of voting. These elections, like all, will have wide-ranging impacts and consequences on our efforts to advance Native communities nationwide.”
Featured federal presentations included Sequoyah Simermeyer, National Indian Gaming Commission chairman, who discussed gaming regulation updates, and U.S. Treasurer Chief Lynn Malerba, who presented Stevens with one of the first $1 bills bearing her signature. In addition, Paula Hart, director of the Office of Indian Gaming, Department of Interior, spoke about revisions to the 25 CFR 293 regulation for Class III tribal-state gaming compacts and the 25 CFR 151 regulation which would streamline the land-trust process.
The 2024 Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention will take place April 8 through April 11 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
