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www.tribalgovernmentgaming.com Tribal Transitions What will a Trump administration mean to Indian Country? Annual Industry Report 2025 • $10 TRIBAL SPORTS BETTING CONTROLLING DESIGN COSTS PROTECTING TRIBAL SOVERIGNTY FEEDING FOXWOODS Celebrity chefs are only part of the story about the next level in Connecticut TRIBAL Government Gaming Minnesota Miracle How tribal gaming has transformed the Land of 10,000 Lakes A GGB Publication Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers 2025 TRIBAL CASINO DIRECTORY EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Rino Armeni, President, Armeni Enterprises Dike Bacon, Principal/Partner, HBG Design Lauren Bates, President, Global Gaming Women Mark A. Birtha, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Hard Rock International Brendan Bussmann, Principal, BGlobal Advisors Alex Dixon, CEO, DRA/Q Casino Daron Dorsey, Executive Director, Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers Sally Gainsbury, Director at Gambling Treatment & Research Clinic & Professor of Psychology, University of Sydney Stephen Martino, Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts International Bill Miller, President and CEO, American Gaming Association Walt Power, CEO, Grand Ho Tram Rob Russell, Senior Gaming Analyst, Regulatory Management Counselors PC James Siva, Chairman, California Nations Indian Gaming Association/ Vice Chairman, Morongo Band of Mission Indians Michael Soll, President, The Innovation Group Kresimir Spajic, Chief Executive Officer, Betfred Sportsbook Katherine Spilde, Executive Director, Sycuan Gaming Institute, San Diego State University Global Gaming Business 702-248-1565 www.ggbmagazine.com The views and opinions expressed by the writers and columnists of GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor. Copyright 2025 Global Gaming Business LLC. GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS is published monthly by Clarion Gaming International, LLC. Printed in Nevada, USA. Postmaster: Send Change of Address forms to: Email: subscriptions@ggbmagazine.com EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Rino Armeni, President, Armeni Enterprises Dike Bacon, Principal/Partner, HBG Design Lauren Bates, President, Global Gaming Women Mark A. Birtha, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Hard Rock International Brendan Bussmann, Principal, BGlobal Advisors Alex Dixon, CEO, DRA/Q Casino Daron Dorsey, Executive Director, Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers Sally Gainsbury, Director at Gambling Treatment & Research Clinic & Professor of Psychology, University of Sydney Stephen Martino, Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts International Bill Miller, President and CEO, American Gaming Association Walt Power, CEO, Grand Ho Tram Rob Russell, Senior Gaming Analyst, Regulatory Management Counselors PC James Siva, Chairman, California Nations Indian Gaming Association/ Vice Chairman, Morongo Band of Mission Indians Michael Soll, President, The Innovation Group Kresimir Spajic, Chief Executive Officer, Betfred Sportsbook Katherine Spilde, Executive Director, Sycuan Gaming Institute, San Diego State University Global Gaming Business 702-248-1565 www.ggbmagazine.com The views and opinions expressed by the writers and columnists of GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor. Copyright 2025 Global Gaming Business LLC. GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS is published monthly by Clarion Gaming International, LLC. Printed in Nevada, USA. Postmaster: Send Change of Address forms to: Email: subscriptions@ggbmagazine.com6 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT GAMING 2025 s with every new Congress and incoming administration, Indian Country prepares to lay the groundwork to foster existing relationships and educate and build new relationships with key de- cision-makers. However, the series of executive actions that were issued in the wake of President Trump’s in- auguration elevate the importance of our work in Washington, D.C. Some have raised concerns that these executive actions will adversely impact the delivery of vital programs and services de- signed to meet the federal government’s treaty and trust obligations to Indian Country. We take all challenges to treaty rights and tribal sovereignty seriously. Indian Country has faced direct attacks on the governmental status of tribal governments before the federal courts for several years now, first in the Brackeen v. Haalandcase that challenged the constitutional- ity of the Indian Child Welfare Act, and later in the Maverick gaming case that seeks to undo the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. As I have repeatedly stated, these—and any similar attacks—are misguided and baseless. The status of Indian tribes as separate sovereign gov- ernments is grounded in history and the found- ing legal documents of this nation. Before contact with European nations, Indian tribes were independent, self-governing entities vested with full authority and control over their lands, citizens, and visitors to Indian lands. The nations of England, France and Spain all acknowledged the sovereign status of Indian tribes, engaging in treaties with the Native nations. Upon its formation, the United States ac- knowledged the sovereign authority of Indian tribes and entered hundreds of treaties to estab- lish commerce and trade agreements, form al- liances, and preserve the peace. Through these treaties, Indian tribes ceded hundreds of millions of acres of tribal homelands to help build this great nation. In return, the United States promised to provide for the education, health, public safety and general welfare of Indian people. The U.S. Constitution specifically acknowledges these treaties and the sovereign authority of Indian tribes as separate governments. The Commerce Clause provides that “Con- gress shall have power to… regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes.” By its very text, the Constitution establishes the framework for the federal government-to-government rela- tionship with Indian tribes. As we know, the federal government has fallen far short in meeting these solemn obligations. However, as we have done with every incoming administration and swearing in of a new Con- gress, it remains our job—the job of tribal gov- ernment leaders nationwide, the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) and all national and regional tribal organizations—to share this history, edu- cate decision-makers, and hold them to account. To this end, we have built a strong founda- tion. For more than two decades now, Indian Country has consistently worked with lawmak- ers regardless of political party. We now have champions of Indian Country and tribal sovereignty in leadership positions throughout Congress. We will work with them and through them to clarify that nothing in the recent executive actions impacts the constitu- tional and foundational principles of tribal sover- eignty and the separate governmental status of Indian tribes. This foundation also extends to the newly confirmed secretary of the interior, Doug Bur- gum, the former governor of North Dakota, who, during his eight years as governor, fostered a strong relationship with the five sovereign tribal nations in the state. As governor, Mr. Bur- gum held an annual “Strengthening Govern- ment-to-Government” conference with North Dakota tribes. Those tribes, and more than 185 other Indian tribes nationwide, supported his nomination. The Interior Department is the point agency within the executive branch to uphold the federal government’s obligations to Indian Country. However, we must work to ensure that all depart- ments and agencies within the Trump Adminis- tration are held accountable to tribal governments. Just as state and local governments call on various agencies to supplement programs for transportation and infrastructure, water and power, housing and much more, tribal govern- ments will continue to call on these same agen- cies for these same purposes. Despite this solid base of understanding and support, we know that challenges will lie ahead. The Indian Gaming Association will remain vigi- lant throughout. We will work with our member tribes and the national and regional tribal gov- ernment organizations to hold all elected leaders to account. We will constantly remind them of the history and constitutional standing of Indian tribes and their solemn obligations to Indian Country. We will bring every available resource to the table to fiercely protect tribal sovereignty and the continued inherent right of tribal governments to provide for their communities. The Indian Gaming Association, established in 1985, is a nonprofit organization of 184 In- dian nations with other non-voting associate members representing organizations, tribes, and businesses engaged in tribal gaming enterprises from around the country. The common commitment and purpose of IGA is to advance the lives of Indian people eco- nomically, socially and politically. IGA operates as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy resource for tribes, policymakers and the public on Indian gaming issues and tribal community development. Ernie Stevens, Jr. is chairman of the Indian Gaming Association. This article first appeared on the Pechanga.net website. INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION Meeting the Challenge Building on a solid foundation to protect tribal sovereignty BY ERNIE STEVENS, JR.Next >