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The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) hosted its 2025 Mid-Year Conference and Expo at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The three-day event brought together hundreds of participants, including tribal leaders, industry partners, and federal policy experts, for collaboration, education, and action.
IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. said, “Our mid-year gathering is a time to report on our accomplishments, address the challenges ahead, and strengthen the partnerships that support tribal government gaming.”
Attendees received legislative briefings, participated in economic development sessions, and attended various workshops. Tribal leaders were updated on emerging regulatory changes, federal budget priorities, and gaming regulator training sessions. Policy roundtables focused on strengthening tribal economies.
“Indian Country has built a $43.9 billion industry that is a pillar of the US economy, supporting nearly 700,000 jobs nationwide,” Stevens said. “This success story is worth protecting, and we are prepared to defend it.”
On the conference’s first day, the IGA Board approved its 2026 budget, ensuring the organization’s stability as it pursues its mission. While many topics were discussed, the conference primarily focused on two issues: the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) attempts to expand into online gambling markets and the Seneca Nation’s seized gaming revenues.
IGA stands firm: No online gambling expansion into tribal markets
The IGA Board firmly opposed the CFTC’s plans to expand its jurisdiction into online casinos and gambling markets, including sports wagering and event contracts. The board also expressed concerns about the CFTC’s reluctance to prohibit illegal sports betting and esoteric bets on events like hurricanes and elections, which it said contributes to an increase in illegal gambling activities nationwide.
The board also opposed the nomination of Brian Quintenz to the CFTC. Stevens said, “Indian gaming thrives due to tribal vision and IGRA, not CFTC overreach. This threatens our economies and sovereignty. We will defend IGRA and tribal gaming’s integrity.”
The board’s proposed call to action urges Congress to reaffirm IGRA as the sole federal framework governing tribal gaming. It also calls on the Trump administration and relevant congressional committees to prevent federal interference in existing tribal-state regulatory systems, which would weaken tribal sovereignty.
IGA backs Seneca Nation’s $788M revenue fight
The IGA Board declared its support for the Seneca Nation of Indians, which is fighting to reclaim $788 million in gaming revenues seized by New York state following an arbitrator’s ruling. “For generations, tribal governments have defended their sovereign rights against unlawful state interference,” Stevens said.
He continued, “The Seneca Nation drives Western New York’s economy, investing billions and creating thousands of jobs. The state’s revenue seizure is unjust. We urge the US to uphold the compact and return these funds.”
Indian gaming’s boom: $43.9B fuels 700,000 jobs
Stevens highlighted the industry’s growth based on the latest report from the National Indian Gaming Commission. “Our conference celebrates successes and prepares for the future,” he said. “Gaming revenues hit $43.9 billion in fiscal year 2024, marking three years of growth since 2021, creating opportunities across Indian Country.”
He added, “Indian gaming now supports nearly 700,000 jobs, both direct and indirect, bringing us close to pre-pandemic levels. It also contributed over $10 billion annually to state, local, and federal governments in fiscal year 2024.”
