Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, MN (September 18, 2025) —The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) wrapped up its 2025 Mid-Year Conference and Expo last week, bringing together hundreds of tribal leaders, industry partners, and federal policy experts at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel for three days of collaboration, education, and action. Hosted by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, the event reaffirmed IGA’s position as the leading voice for tribal government gaming and a defender of tribal sovereignty throughout Indian Country.
Throughout the conference, attendees received legislative briefings, participated in economic development sessions, attended various workshops, and policy roundtables focused on tribal economies. Tribal Leaders received updates on federal budget priorities, emerging regulatory challenges, and gaming regulator training sessions.
“Indian Country has built a $43.9 billion industry that is a pillar of the U.S. economy, supporting nearly 700,000 jobs nationwide,” Stevens said. “This success story is worth protecting, and we are prepared to defend it.”
The mid-year conference started with the IGA Board of Directors meeting on Monday, September 8th, led by IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.
The Executive Board received association updates and a discussion on key policy issues facing tribal casinos. The Board also approved IGA’s 2026 budget, a vote that protects the organization’s ongoing stability and the strength of its mission and programs.
“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,” said Chairman Stevens. “We are grateful to the tribal leaders who are here to engage in these important conversations and reaffirm their commitment to protecting and advancing tribal sovereignty and economic self-sufficiency. Their leadership is the foundation of our success.”
At the core was the Board’s decision to develop a call-to-action resolution opposing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) attempt to expand its jurisdiction into online gambling markets, including sports wagering and so-called “event contracts,” as well as a resolution supporting the Seneca Nation.
The IGA Board unanimously supported a call-to-action resolution opposing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) nominee Brian Quintenz and the explosion of illegal gambling nationwide in every State and jurisdiction by companies exploiting the CFTC’s reluctance to prohibit sports betting and other esoteric bets on elections, hurricanes, and even Hollywood movies.
“Indian gaming is one of the greatest success stories in Indian Country. It exists because of the vision and resilience of our tribal governments and the framework Congress established in IGRA, not because of overreach through inaction by federal agencies like the CFTC,” said Stevens. “This effort by the CFTC threatens to undo decades of progress, disrupt our economies, and infringe upon the inherent sovereignty of State Governments and Tribal nations. Our Board’s action makes clear that we will defend IGRA and the integrity of tribal government gaming at every turn.
IGA’s call to action resolution will call on Congress to reaffirm the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) as the sole federal framework governing tribal gaming and urges the Trump Administration and key Congressional committees to reject any federal action that would weaken tribal sovereignty or bypass existing tribal-state regulatory systems. Additionally, a full resolution will be developed for consideration at the 2025 National Congress of American Indians Convention in November.
The Board also adopted a resolution supporting the Seneca Nation of Indians in their ongoing effort to reclaim $788 million in gaming revenues seized by the State of New York after an arbitrator’s ruling.
“For generations, tribal governments have defended their sovereign rights against unlawful state interference,” said Stevens. “The Seneca Nation has been an economic engine for Western New York, investing billions into infrastructure, creating thousands of jobs, and strengthening both their people and their neighbors. The State’s coercion of revenue sharing after the original compact terms expired cannot be allowed to stand. We call on the United States to uphold the Tribe’s and State’s compact terms and return these funds to the Seneca Nation where they rightfully belong.”
At the IGA Mid-year Membership meeting, Chairman Cole Miller of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community welcomed the tribal leaders to Shakopee. IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. and Executive Director Jason Giles then delivered the Mid-Year Report, highlighting the association’s achievements and setting priorities for the year ahead, reinforcing the strength of tribal government gaming and the shared commitment to sovereignty and economic growth.
Our Mid-Year Conference is about coming together as a community to celebrate our successes, confront our challenges, and prepare for our future. Stevens highlighted the impressive growth shown in the latest report from the National Indian Gaming Commission. “The report shows that gaming revenues reached $43.9 billion for FY2024, marking three years of steady growth since 2021. This revival is helping create opportunities across Indian Country and nearby communities. Indian gaming now supports nearly 700,000 jobs, both direct and indirect, bringing us close to pre-pandemic levels. It also contributes over $10 billion annually to state, local, and federal governments in FY2024.”
Stevens said, Clearly, the industry’s positive impact is substantial. “These results are a testament to the resilience and strong leadership of Tribal nations across the country. This growth is not just a number; it has important implications for Indian Country and our neighboring communities. Most importantly, the total number of jobs created by Indian gaming has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating our commitment to economic renewal and community support.
The morning agenda also featured a full legislative agenda, including a Legislative Outlook and FY 2026 Budget update from Aurene Martin of Spirit Rock LLC and John Harte of Mapetsi, an in-depth discussion on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s jurisdiction and event contracts with Joe Webster of Hobbs, Straus, Dean and Walker, LLP and CNIGA Chairman James Siva, an analysis of emerging trends in tribal economies from Jim Klas of KlasRobinson Q.E.D. and Kristi Jackson of TFA Advisors, and a “View from the Trenches” panel with leaders from NCAI, NARF, and AIHEC emphasizing the continued need for collaboration to defend and advance tribal sovereignty.
Following the morning sessions, attendees gathered for the Associate Member Appreciation Luncheon, where KlasRobinson Q.E.D. and BlueBird CPAs were honored with the Lifetime Appreciation Award for their decades of commitment to advancing tribal government gaming.
Chairman Stevens praised the honorees, saying, “Partnerships like these are what make our industry strong. Their contributions to data, analysis, and financial stewardship have helped tribal nations make informed decisions and build lasting prosperity for their communities.”
While many important advancements have been made in Indian Country, our work is still far from complete. John Kieffer exemplified tireless dedication, devoting himself day and night to his people, family, and the broader Indian Country.
Today, we not only honor him but also celebrate the incredible legacy of his life. With the same commitment that John Kieffer showed, it is a great honor to stand alongside Robert ‘Deuce’ Larsen and Rebecca Crooks Stratton as we recognize their unwavering dedication to tribal sovereignty,” Stevens said. “I have had the distinguished opportunity to work with both of these Warriors for Indian Country and have seen firsthand their devotion to empowering the Nations they serve and strengthening Indian Country as a whole. Their passion, vision, and dedication continue to inspire all of us who work every day to advance the rights and opportunities of our tribal communities.
IGA also announced that its next Annual Tradeshow and Convention will take place in San Diego, California, March 30 – April 2, 2026, promising another major gathering focused on innovation, networking, and the continued growth of tribal government gaming.