Recently, I had the privilege to attend the Western Indian Gaming Conference, an event generously hosted by the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) and numerous tribes. This gathering was not only a testament to the incredible hospitality of the tribal communities but also a profound exploration of the future of Indian gaming and tribal sovereignty in California.
The resistance against sports betting initiatives in California was a pivotal discussion point. Since 2018, these initiatives have sought entry into the tribal gaming sector, yet, they’ve consistently been met with opposition from tribes who viewed them as detrimental to their interests. This collective stance underscores a deep commitment to protecting tribal sovereignty and ensuring any new policies serve the well-being of California tribes.
The conference ambitiously tackled the theme of sustainability and envisioning a prosperous future for tribal communities and their descendants. It was enlightening to discuss various strategies, from investing in companies across sectors like renewable energy, technology, and the arts, to creating ecosystems that promise long-term revenue and growth. Such initiatives exemplify the forward-thinking approach tribes are taking to secure economic independence and resilience.
A particularly interesting highlight was the focus on native-owned breweries, a vibrant example of the tribes’ desire to diversify their economies and provide meaningful career paths in industries their members are passionate about. This has led to an exciting adoption of fields such as video games/esports, solar energy, and cannabis, reflecting a broader movement towards innovation and self-reliance.
The conversation around extending tribal gaming rights to include adjacent products like national social or sweepstakes casinos, legal through sweepstakes law, was particularly thrilling for me. The interest shown by many tribal chairpersons in developing such products, despite initial unfamiliarity, signals a willingness to explore new avenues for economic development and community empowerment.
As we look forward to the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention scheduled for April 8th in Anaheim, CA, I remain excited about the future highlights and trends that will emerge from this event. The Western Indian Gaming Conference was a profound reminder of the importance of unity, innovation, and the enduring spirit of tribal communities in navigating the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.
