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Indian Gaming Association Leaders Deliver National Indian Gaming Update to Tribal Regulators at NTGCR ConferencePrior La...
09/03/2026

Indian Gaming Association Leaders Deliver National Indian Gaming Update to Tribal Regulators at NTGCR Conference

Prior Lake, Minn. — September 1 , 2026 — Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Z. Bean and Executive Director Jason Giles joined Tribal gaming commissioners and regulators from across Indian Country this week at the National Tribal Gaming Commissioners & Regulators Conference to provide an update on Indian gaming, federal policy developments, and the Association’s ongoing national efforts to protect Tribal government gaming.

The NTGCR Conference is being held September 1-3, 2026, at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The three-day gathering brings together Tribal gaming commissioners, regulatory professionals, legal experts, and industry leaders for general assemblies, panel discussions, roundtables, and 24 workshops focused on audit and licensing, commission responsibilities, compliance, and technology.
During the NTGCR General Assembly, Chairman Bean emphasized that Tribal gaming regulators remain one of Indian Country’s strongest defenses against threats to the integrity of Tribal government gaming.

“Tribal gaming regulators protect Indian gaming at its core,” Bean said. “Our commissions are responsible for maintaining the integrity, security, and public confidence that have helped make Tribal government gaming one of the strongest regulated gaming industries in the country. That regulatory strength did not happen by accident. Tribal Nations invested the time, resources, expertise, and sovereign authority necessary to build it.”

Bean said the success of Indian gaming has been built upon strong Tribal regulatory systems that have developed substantially over the decades since the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

“Today, Tribal gaming commissions employ professionals across every area of gaming regulation, from licensing and compliance to surveillance, technology, audit, and enforcement,” Bean said. “That level of expertise is a reflection of Tribal sovereignty in action. Our regulators do more than oversee gaming operations. They protect Tribal governments, Tribal economies, our employees, our customers, and the integrity of an industry that supports Native communities throughout Indian Country.”

Bean and Giles also provided an update on IGA’s national work opposing prediction market platforms offering sports wagering and other gambling products outside established Tribal and state regulatory systems.

IGA has been at the forefront of the national effort to challenge the expansion of sports wagering through prediction market platforms and to protect the jurisdictional framework established for Tribal, state, and federally regulated gaming.

“What we are seeing with prediction markets should concern every Tribal gaming regulator in this country,” Bean said. “This is not simply a debate over a new financial product. These platforms are offering what we know is gambling while attempting to operate outside the laws and regulatory systems that govern legal gaming. We cannot allow a new name or a different technology platform to become a pathway around Tribal sovereignty, IGRA, Tribal-state compacts, and established gaming laws.”

Bean noted that the concern extends beyond sports wagering, pointing to indications that prediction market platforms are exploring products that could resemble traditional casino gaming.

IGA has responded through a broad national strategy that includes litigation, congressional advocacy, regulatory engagement, and collaboration with Tribal Nations, states, commercial gaming interests, attorneys general, consumer protection advocates, and other organizations concerned about the growth of gambling outside existing regulatory structures.

The Association also pointed to recent court developments, including a Ninth Circuit ruling involving sports event contracts, as important momentum in the broader effort to affirm that gambling activity cannot simply avoid gaming regulation by being characterized as a financial contract.

“We are seeing important progress, but this fight is not over,” Bean said. “IGA will continue working with Congress, federal regulators, Tribal Nations, states, and our partners across the country. We will continue pushing for hearings, legislation, enforcement, and accountability.”

Bean said Tribal gaming regulators will have an increasingly important role as the issue develops.

Working through the IGA-NCAI Task Force and in consultation with Tribal governments, IGA plans to engage Tribal gaming commissions this fall regarding potential regulatory strategies involving prediction market activity, including examining the use of Tribal regulatory notices, cease-and-desist actions, and other available exercises of Tribal regulatory authority.

“As we move into the next phase of this effort, we need our Tribal gaming commissioners and regulators standing with us on the front lines,” Bean said. “Our sovereignty is strongest when we exercise it. Tribal regulators have spent decades building some of the strongest regulatory institutions in gaming, and their voices must be part of this national discussion.”

IGA Executive Director Jason Giles said the Association’s engagement with NTGCR reflects the importance of maintaining strong partnerships between national advocacy organizations and the Tribal regulatory community.

“The strength of Indian gaming begins with strong Tribal governments and strong Tribal regulation,” Giles said. “IGA’s responsibility is to make sure the work taking place in Washington, D.C., in the courts, before federal agencies, and across the states reflects and protects the authority of Tribal Nations. Our gaming commissioners and regulatory professionals are essential partners in that work.”

Giles added that the rapid development of new gaming technologies and platforms makes collaboration among Tribal governments, regulators, policymakers, and industry professionals more important than ever.

“Indian Country has never been afraid of innovation,” Giles said. “But innovation cannot come at the expense of sovereignty, consumer protection, regulatory integrity, or the law. Tribal gaming has succeeded because Tribal Nations built strong regulatory systems. Any entity that wants to participate in gaming should be held to meaningful regulatory standards.”

Chairman Bean also congratulated Jamie Hummingbird on his re-election as Chairman of NTGCR.

“On behalf of the Indian Gaming Association, I congratulate Chairman Jamie Hummingbird on his re-election,” Bean said. “Jamie understands the importance of strong Tribal regulation and the responsibility our regulators carry every day. NTGCR provides an important national forum where regulators can learn from one another, strengthen professional standards, and build the relationships necessary to protect Indian gaming. IGA looks forward to continuing our partnership with Chairman Hummingbird and NTGCR.”

NTGCR was created by Tribal gaming regulators to promote cooperation, education, information sharing, and consistent, high-quality regulatory practices throughout Indian Country. The organization traces its roots to Tribal regulators who began gathering during Indian Gaming Association events in the 1990s to exchange ideas and support one another. Today, NTGCR continues that mission through national conferences, educational programs, regulatory certification initiatives, and professional collaboration.

Bean said that history underscores the shared responsibility of IGA and NTGCR to defend Tribal sovereignty and strengthen Indian gaming for future generations.

“We have different responsibilities, but we are protecting the same thing,” Bean said. “Tribal Nations built Indian gaming. Tribal regulators protect its integrity. Organizations like NTGCR strengthen the people doing that work, and IGA fights every day to protect the sovereign governmental framework that makes Indian gaming possible. When Indian Country works together, we are stronger.”

Photo (left to right): IGA Chairman David Z. Bean; Oscar Schuyler, Chairman, Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Gaming Regulatory Authority; Jamie Hummingbird, Chairman, National Tribal Gaming Commissioners & Regulators; Augustine Zamora, Secretary, Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Gaming Regulatory Authority; and Eddie Black, Executive Director, Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Gaming Regulatory Authority.

IGA Chairman David Z. Bean Warns Fight Against Illegal Prediction Markets Will Intensify This FallTULSA, Okla. – August ...
08/28/2026

IGA Chairman David Z. Bean Warns Fight Against Illegal Prediction Markets Will Intensify This Fall

TULSA, Okla. – August 28, 2026 – Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Z. Bean continued IGA’s national outreach on the growing threat of illegal prediction-market gambling Thursday, delivering a forceful message to Tribal leaders gathered at the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma Quarterly Meeting: Indian Country must remain united, engaged and relentless in protecting Tribal sovereignty and the legal foundation of Indian gaming.

Speaking alongside Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Chairman Matthew Morgan at the University of Tulsa’s Lorton Performing Arts Center, Bean updated Tribal leaders on the coordinated national effort among Tribal Nations, Native organizations, Tribal gaming associations, state officials, legal experts, industry partners and congressional leaders.

“It takes a team effort to address any threat to Indian Country. It takes a team effort to address any existential threat against Tribal sovereignty,” Bean said. “And that’s exactly what these prediction markets present: an existential threat to Tribal sovereignty, to Indian gaming.”

Bean said prediction markets rapidly expanded from wagering on elections, weather and pop culture into sports betting, creating a pathway into the online gambling market while attempting to operate under federal commodities law rather than the established federal, Tribal and state gaming regulatory framework.

For IGA, the issue goes beyond lost gaming revenue.

It is about jurisdiction, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and whether outside companies can enter Tribal and state jurisdictions and offer gambling without the consent of the governments that possess the legal authority to regulate it.

“We shouldn’t have to first demonstrate the negative impacts of any illegal activity. Let’s start and acknowledge there is illegal activity to begin with,” Bean told Tribal leaders. “All we’re asking Congress to do is demand the CFTC enforce their laws.”

Bean commended the extensive outreach and collaboration taking place across Indian Country, emphasizing that the progress made on prediction markets has resulted from Tribal Nations and Native organizations working together with a unified purpose.

“We don’t do it alone,” Bean said. “We work alongside all the Tribal organizations and Tribal leaders. We work with state attorneys general and the American Gaming Association. We also work with consumer protection groups.”

Tribal leaders have traveled to Washington, D.C. in significant numbers over several weeks this summer to educate members of Congress about prediction markets, the CLARITY Act and the consequences for Tribal sovereignty and regulated gaming.

“When Tribal leaders show up in D.C., it is noticed. It has great impact,” Bean said.

Bean said that direct Tribal participation has helped move congressional discussions beyond basic questions about prediction markets and toward a broader understanding of their impact on Tribal Nations, states and the national gaming regulatory system.

“We are working nationally to protect your right to engage in sports betting,” Bean said.

“For any Tribe with interests, we’re working to protect their right to do so by educating Congress, engaging with the relevant federal agencies, engaging with our relatives from the American Gaming Association, engaging with industry experts and, most importantly, getting input from Tribal leadership across the nation.”

Bean also commended the Indian Gaming Association staff for the sustained work required to coordinate outreach, monitor rapidly changing legislative and regulatory developments, communicate with member Tribes and Tribal organizations and support IGA’s legal, legislative and communications strategies.

“Tribal input and participation have a strong impact across Congress and the Courts,” Bean said. “I can’t overstate the importance of that.”

United Indian Nations of Oklahoma Executive Director Margo Gray said UINO will continue to elevate the issue for its member Tribal Nations and to work alongside national and regional partners.

“United Indian Nations of Oklahoma continues to elevate the issue of illegal gaming markets that infringe on the sovereignty of our Tribal nations,” Gray said. “I want to thank David Bean, Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, and Matt Morgan, Chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, for meeting with our members and sharing how they, alongside UINO, are advocating to rein in these illegal gaming markets. Together, we continue to push for action by state and federal lawmakers to exercise the appropriate oversight.”

Particular concern during the UINO discussion centered on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s lack of meaningful engagement with Indian Country.

The CFTC has invited representatives from 16 Tribal organizations to participate in a September 14 roundtable on prediction markets. The meeting follows yearlong requests from IGA for Tribal consultation, along with repeated calls from senators and Tribal advocates for the agency to engage Indian Country.

Bean said IGA’s experience with the agency has raised serious concerns about whether the latest outreach represents meaningful consultation or simply an effort to satisfy political pressure.

The late Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. had requested engagement and Tribal consultation with the CFTC as the prediction-market issue emerged in early 2025. After Bean assumed the chairmanship, IGA intensified those efforts and secured a meeting with CFTC leadership.

“My predecessor, Chairman Stevens, requested a meeting with the CFTC, requested a consultation, Tribal consultation,” Bean said. “He wrote them a letter. He verbally requested it. The CFTC agreed to it in April 2025, then abruptly cancelled it without explanation. When I took over early in 2026, we requested a meeting with the acting-chair of the CFTC, then the nominated candidates to the CFTC, and finally to the Senate-confirmed CFTC Commissioner.”

Bean described the eventual meeting as dismissive and lacking meaningful engagement.

“That was a check-the-box type meeting,” Bean said.

IGA specifically raised the federal government’s Tribal consultation responsibilities and the importance of government-to-government consultation when federal actions have significant consequences for Tribal Nations.

Bean said meaningful follow-up did not occur until members of the U.S. Senate pressed the agency to engage with Tribes.

For IGA, inviting Tribal organizations to a roundtable cannot substitute for formal consultation with sovereign Tribal governments.

Consultation is not a courtesy and it is not a procedural box to check after significant policy decisions are already moving forward.

Bean reminded Tribal leaders that IGA’s work on prediction markets began under the leadership of the late Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., who recognized early that the issue represented a threat not only to gaming revenues, but to Tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction and the federal government’s responsibilities to Tribal Nations.

Bean has continued and expanded that work while strengthening partnerships across Indian Country and beyond.

He also credited Stevens with building the relationship between Indian gaming and the American Gaming Association that today allows Tribal and commercial gaming interests to work together where their interests align.

“My predecessor, Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr., he bridged a relationship,” Bean said. “He was persistent in going back time and time again. He finally forged and developed a relationship with the American Gaming Association. So we can work side by side.”

That legacy of coalition-building remains central to IGA’s current strategy.

During the UINO discussion, Morgan also commended Bean’s leadership since assuming the IGA chairmanship, recognizing his extensive travel and direct outreach to Tribal leaders across Indian Country.

Bean made clear that the national effort will continue and intensify this fall.

Bean repeatedly returned to one central point: Indian Country should not have to demonstrate devastating economic harm before illegal gambling activity is addressed.

The federal government should not allow gaming to occur first and then ask Tribal Nations to calculate the damage later.

IGA has nevertheless commissioned an economic impact study to address reports of declining regulated sportsbook activity and under-21 participation connected to prediction-market expansion. IGA is also educating lawmakers about employment, government revenue, responsible gaming protections and the governmental nature of Indian gaming.

“Our revenues from our Tribal casinos are 100 percent taxed by the Tribes to provide essential government services,” Bean said.
But the economic argument remains secondary to sovereignty.

The first question is whether federal law and Tribal jurisdiction will be respected.

Bean warned that if companies are permitted to bypass Tribal and state gaming laws by labeling gambling as a financial product, the consequences could extend far beyond sports betting.

“If you look at the CLARITY Act in depth, you see it opens up the door for casino-style gambling on decentralized finance platforms,” Bean said.

IGA continues advancing legislative, regulatory and legal strategies, including preparation for litigation that could ultimately reach the United States Supreme Court.

The IGA-NCAI Taskforce, working in conjunction with the Washington Indian Gaming Association and other partners, is preparing a Supreme Court amicus brief intended to give Tribal Nations across Indian Country an opportunity to stand together.

“I encourage you to be on the lookout for that brief,” Bean told the UINO gathering.

The message from Tulsa was clear: Indian Country’s growing unity is having an impact, but this is not the time to slow down.

Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations must continue pressing Congress, demanding meaningful consultation, participating in litigation and standing together against efforts to bypass IGRA, Tribal-state compacts and the inherent sovereign authority of Tribal governments.

“Every step of the way, we’ve been challenged on this issue, from a captured federal agency to prediction markets advertising on Indian land,” Bean said.

IGA will continue traveling throughout Indian Country, working alongside Tribal leaders and Native organizations, supporting its member Tribes, engaging Congress, challenging federal agencies and preparing the legal strategies necessary to protect Tribal gaming.

The groundwork established by Chairman Stevens continues under Chairman Bean with a clear message for the months ahead:
Indian Country cannot allow federal agencies or private companies to define Tribal sovereignty for Tribal Nations.

Consultation cannot simply be a box to be checked.

And the push by Indian Country must not stop.

08/25/2026

Indian Gaming Association Visits California Tribal Nations, Shares Organizational, Legislative and Legal Updates

ALPINE, CA. — AUGUST 20, 2026 — Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Z. Bean and IGA leadership traveled to California this week to meet directly with Tribal leaders and provide updates on the Association’s organizational priorities, legislative advocacy and ongoing legal efforts to protect Tribal sovereignty and Indian gaming.

The California outreach began Monday with a meeting with the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Council at the Yuhaaviatam Tribal Building in San Bernardino, California, where Chairman Bean thanked Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena and the Tribal Council for their continued leadership, partnership and long-standing support of the Indian Gaming Association.

Chairman Bean was joined by IGA Executive Director Jason Giles and Reid Milanovich, former Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who recently joined IGA as a consultant focusing on legislative and regulatory affairs. IGA is drawing upon Milanovich’s experience as a California Tribal leader and his relationships with California’s congressional delegation and other federal policymakers to strengthen the Association’s advocacy on behalf of Indian gaming.
On Thursday, August 20, IGA leadership continued its California outreach at the California Nations Indian Gaming Association member Tribal meeting at Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine, California, providing Tribal leaders with updates on IGA’s direction and the major policy and legal issues facing Indian Country.

“California’s Tribal Nations have always played a critical role in protecting Tribal sovereignty and strengthening Indian gaming, and it is important that IGA is here listening, communicating and working directly with our member Tribes,” Chairman Bean said. “Our focus is clear. We are strengthening the team at IGA, sharpening our advocacy and making sure we have the people and resources in place to address the challenges facing Tribal governments today and those we know are coming tomorrow.”

Strengthening and Advancing the IGA Team

A central focus of the meetings was IGA’s effort to strengthen its internal team and position the organization for 2027 and beyond.

IGA is bringing in PaaWee Rivera, former White House tribal affairs official and a citizen of the Pueblo of Pojoaque, to assist with several organizational initiatives, including growing Tribal membership and expanding Tribal participation in IGA’s annual tradeshow. IGA currently maintains approximately 120 Tribal members annually and is working to bring additional gaming Tribes into the national coalition.

The Association is also working to expand staffing in its Washington, D.C. headquarters, including front office and administrative support and additional legislative affairs personnel. IGA’s goal is to build a stronger legislative team capable of working effectively across party lines as a new Congress begins in 2027.
“Our responsibility is not simply to respond to the issue in front of us today,” Bean said. “We have to build an organization that is prepared for what is next, whether that is prediction markets, artificial intelligence, energy policy, new economic opportunities or another challenge that impacts Tribal gaming and Tribal sovereignty. That requires a strong team working together with a clear purpose.”

IGA is also looking at ways to broaden the reach of its annual tradeshow by creating opportunities for Native-owned businesses and Tribal industries, including agriculture and food sovereignty initiatives, Tribal energy enterprises and other emerging sectors of Tribal economic development.

Legislative Focus on Prediction Markets

IGA leaders also provided updates on the Association’s continued federal advocacy regarding prediction markets offering sports wagering and casino-style gambling.
Over the past several months, IGA has participated in congressional roundtables before the House Agriculture Committee and Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, where the Association has raised concerns regarding the impact of prediction markets on Tribal gaming, consumer protections and, most importantly, Tribal sovereignty.

IGA has also continued working with Tribal leaders and its congressional allies on legislation that would prohibit sports betting and casino games from being offered through prediction market platforms. The IGA-NCAI Task Force continues to coordinate information and advocacy efforts across Indian Country as Tribes prepare for a critical fall legislative session.

Chairman Bean said the growing congressional attention demonstrates that Tribal advocacy is making an impact.

“This issue started with Indian Country warning that prediction markets were crossing directly into regulated gaming,” Bean said. “Today, more members of Congress are asking the same questions and recognizing that sports betting and casino gambling cannot simply be relabeled to avoid the laws that protect Tribal, state and regulated gaming.”

Legal Efforts Continue in Federal and State Courts

IGA also briefed California Tribal leaders on significant legal developments involving prediction markets.

IGA and the National Congress of American Indians continue working on Tribal amicus briefs in federal litigation, with IGA General Counsel and NCAI coordinating closely with attorney Michael Hoenig. IGA and NCAI are also working with the Native American Rights Fund’s Supreme Court Project on an amicus brief supporting New Jersey’s petition to the United States Supreme Court.

Courts in several states, including New York, Connecticut and Nevada, have issued rulings challenging prediction market claims that sports wagers are federally regulated “swaps” under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s jurisdiction.
“These legal cases are extremely important because they go directly to whether federal commodities law can be used to bypass Tribal-state compacts, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and the established framework governing gaming in this country,” Bean said. “IGA will continue standing with our member Tribes and our national partners wherever Tribal sovereignty is at stake.”

Bean said this week’s meetings reflect IGA’s continued commitment to maintaining direct communication with its member Tribes.

“IGA belongs to our member Tribes,” Bean said. “We want Tribal leaders to know what we are working on, where we are going and how we are strengthening the Association to better serve them. Our visit to Yuhaaviatam and our meeting with California Tribal leaders at CNIGA are part of that commitment. We are stronger when we stay connected, work together and speak with a unified voice.”

IGA leadership will continue its national outreach in the coming weeks, including meetings with Tribal leaders and national organizations as the Association prepares for a critical fall legislative period and the beginning of a new Congress in 2027.

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗵𝗮...
08/04/2026

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀

𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗮𝗹, 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴

WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 4, 2026 — The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) today reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Tribal sovereignty and the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) following Vice Chairman Tehassi Hill's testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs during the roundtable, "Tracking Prediction Markets' Exponential Growth: Tribal Implications and Beyond."

Hosted by Committee Chairman Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Vice Chairman Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaiʻi), the bipartisan roundtable examined the rapid expansion of prediction markets and their growing implications for Tribal governments, Tribal gaming, state regulatory authority, and consumer protection.

Vice Chairman Hill joined an accomplished panel of national leaders that included Mark Macarro, President of the National Congress of American Indians; Jamie Hummingbird, Chairman of the National Tribal Gaming Commissioners & Regulators; Mathura Sridharan, Solicitor General for the State of Ohio; and Dr. Harry Levant, Director of Gambling Policy for the Public Health Advocacy Institute.

Together, the panel presented a unified message that prediction markets offering sports and casino-style wagering are operating outside long-established Tribal and state gaming regulatory frameworks while threatening Tribal governmental revenues, consumer protections, and Tribal sovereignty.

"Indian Country supports responsible innovation and legitimate financial markets," said IGA Vice Chairman Tehassi Hill, Chairman of the Oneida Nation. "We oppose the use of prediction markets to offer sports and casino-style gambling outside the regulatory framework established by Congress under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Tribal gaming is not simply an industry. It is the economic foundation that enables Tribal governments to provide healthcare, education, housing, public safety, infrastructure, and other essential services for our citizens."

Hill explained that Tribal governments have spent more than four decades working with Congress, states, and federal regulators to build one of the nation's most comprehensive gaming regulatory systems. Today, Tribal governments invest more than $450 million annually in gaming regulation and employ more than 6,000 gaming regulators dedicated to protecting the integrity of Tribal gaming, enforcing responsible gaming practices, and safeguarding consumers.

During the discussion, Committee members questioned witnesses about the growing economic impacts of prediction markets on Tribal gaming. Vice Chairman Hill acknowledged that the Indian Gaming Association is working with Tribal governments to compile national data on the effects of prediction markets on Tribal sportsbooks while noting that proprietary gaming data must be voluntarily shared by Tribal operators. He highlighted ongoing collaborative research efforts among Wisconsin Tribes as an example of the industry's commitment to developing reliable impact data.

Hill also urged Congress to take immediate legislative action by advancing the Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act (S. 4160), ensuring the CLARITY Act preserves the full authority of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and Tribal-state gaming compacts, and preventing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission from expanding sports and casino-style gambling through prediction markets.

Throughout the roundtable, witnesses reinforced complementary perspectives on the issue.

Macarro emphasized that Congress never intended the Commodity Exchange Act to supersede the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and warned against allowing a federal regulatory workaround to erode Tribal sovereignty without consultation.
Hummingbird highlighted the extensive regulatory safeguards Tribal gaming commissions provide through licensing, auditing, responsible gaming, consumer protection, and Tribal-state compact enforcement, arguing that prediction markets create a federal loophole that bypasses nearly four decades of successful Tribal regulation.

Solicitor General Mathura Sridharan described the issue from the perspective of state governments, explaining that gambling regulation has historically belonged to the states because of their responsibility to protect public health, safety, and consumers, and cautioned that financial market regulation is not designed to address those concerns.

Dr. Harry Levant brought a public health perspective, sharing his personal experience overcoming gambling addiction while warning that prediction markets increase access to gambling for young adults and vulnerable individuals without the consumer protections that accompany regulated gaming.

Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Z. Bean commended Vice Chairman Hill and the organizations that participated in the roundtable for presenting a unified voice on behalf of Tribal governments.

"Vice Chairman Hill represented the Indian Gaming Association and Tribal governments with clarity, strength, and purpose. Today's discussion demonstrated that Tribal leaders, Tribal regulators, state governments, and public health experts are united in recognizing the risks posed by prediction markets operating outside established gaming law. I am proud of the collaborative work being led by the Indian Gaming Association, together with our Tribal partners and allied organizations, to protect Tribal sovereignty, preserve the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and defend the governmental revenues that support Tribal communities across Indian Country."

The Indian Gaming Association will continue working with Congress, Tribal leaders, federal agencies, and industry partners to advance legislative solutions that protect Tribal sovereignty, preserve the integrity of Tribal-state gaming compacts, and ensure that sports and casino-style gambling remains subject to the laws enacted by Tribal, state, and federal governments.

To watch Roundtable Testimony: https://bit.ly/4fUMFVO

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