International Game Technology Plc. announced that Knute Knudson, IGT vice president of business development and tribal relations, was the recent recipient of the National Indian Gaming Association’s Associate Member Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes outstanding leaders and advocates of the tribal government gaming industry, and was presented to Knudson in Las Vegas in conjunction with the 2018 Global Gaming Expo.
Knudson’s storied career in tribal gaming extends more than 25 years, and has fortified his reputation as a pivotal pioneer of the tribal gaming industry. His efforts at IGT and Sodak Gaming have positively influenced hundreds of tribes’ success as they established and expanded their tribal gaming operations across the U.S.
“Knute’s deep relationships with and contributions to Indian Country continue to positively influence many of IGT’s tribal gaming customers,” said Renato Ascoli, IGT CEO North America. “His profound passion for our tribal customers’ success, coupled with his immense knowledge of the tribal gaming industry, make him a valued and trusted resource to IGT and beyond. We are pleased to see NIGA bestow this wonderful honor upon Knute.”
“Knute Knudson is a personal friend of mine and a longtime friend of the Indian gaming industry,” said NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. “Knute is somebody that knows the industry, does his homework, has a giant heart, and will advise us without hesitation in a good way. Knute knows the issues in Indian Country, and he’s always there to help. That’s what our associate members do, and that’s why they have such a significant impact on the National Indian Gaming Association.”
“I am extremely honored to be awarded NIGA’s Associate Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Knudson. “I’ve had the incredible opportunity at IGT to work side-by-side with tribal gaming government leaders, many of whom are now personal friends, as they break boundaries and create new opportunities for their tribes through IGT innovations and services.”
