By Stephen A. Crystal
Founder & CEO, SCCG Management
This year’s Indian Gaming Association (IGA) 2025 Conference was nothing short of transformative. As always, it was an honor to walk the floor, meet with tribal leaders and innovators, and witness firsthand the evolution of one of the most vital sectors in the gaming industry. But unlike in years past, this year’s show had one clear and resounding message: the future of tribal gaming lies in Class II mobile on-premise solutions.
A New Era of Innovation in Tribal Gaming
While sports betting, compact negotiations, and economic diversification were all important themes, Class II mobile on-premise gaming emerged as the most talked-about innovation. It’s not just a trend — it’s a movement that’s quickly gaining traction among forward-thinking tribal operators.
The shift is strategic, legal, and technological all at once. As defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), Class II games — such as bingo and certain non-banked card games — can be operated without state compacts. That autonomy is fueling a wave of experimentation with mobile-first platforms that keep play within tribal lands but expand how and where patrons can engage.
What Is Class II Mobile On-Premise?
Class II mobile on-premise gaming allows patrons to use their smartphones or tablets to play bingo-style and other Class II games while physically on tribal land — whether they’re at the bar, dining, watching a concert, or relaxing in a hotel room.
This flexibility offers a new kind of player experience — one that’s modern, frictionless, and accessible without compromising regulatory compliance.
Early Adopters Leading the Way
We’re already seeing real-world success stories:
- Desert Rose Bingo (DRB), powered by Santa Ysabel Interactive, was an early pioneer. Despite facing initial regulatory pushback, a federal court ultimately affirmed the legality of its “One Touch” mobile Class II gaming system. This case has become a cornerstone precedent proving that Class II mobile platforms — including proxy play elements — fall within IGRA’s allowances.
- In Oklahoma, a number of tribal casinos have begun pilot programs using secure, geo-fenced WiFi systems to offer mobile bingo on-premise. This includes interactive features that mimic Class III experiences without requiring compact renegotiations.
- The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has also signaled strong support for modernization, releasing alternate technical standards that empower tribes to innovate while maintaining operational integrity and security.
Why Class II Mobile On-Premise Matters
For many tribes, especially those in states where Class III negotiations are politically challenging, Class II mobile represents an incredible opportunity:
- Sovereignty is protected – there’s no need to renegotiate or be beholden to a state compact.
- Revenue can grow – by reaching a younger, mobile-first audience and increasing time-on-device through convenience.
- Technology becomes a competitive edge – rather than a regulatory hurdle.
- Patron experience is enhanced – with seamless, location-based play that doesn’t require a player to be tethered to a slot machine.
Additional Key Takeaways from IGA 2025
While Class II mobile on-premise took center stage, a few other themes stood out:
- AI and automation are being adopted in responsible gaming tools and customer engagement, with partners like Comm100 and Symplify leading the charge.
- Brand partnerships and influencer engagement are driving new marketing channels, especially for younger demographics.
- Sports betting’s growth remains strong, but operators are increasingly aware of the limitations imposed by Class III compacts, especially in states like California and Texas.
Final Thoughts: A Time to Lead, Not Follow
At SCCG, we’ve always believed in identifying inflection points early. And based on what we saw at IGA 2025, Class II mobile on-premise is the next great inflection point in tribal gaming. It represents a path forward that protects sovereignty, embraces innovation, and meets the player where they are — literally and figuratively.
We are proud to stand beside our tribal partners as they lead this next chapter of growth, and we remain committed to supporting them with the strategic, technological, and regulatory insights needed to thrive.
If your tribe is exploring Class II mobile on-premise or you’re curious about how to get started, our door is always open.
