Better together: Tribal leaders discuss unity, sports betting sovereignty at G2E 2024
Leaders from four states weighed in on the topic.
Key Points
- Tribes have recognized the need to work together to maintain sovereignty within the market
- Education and market analysis are a key focus
Tribal leaders met this week during a G2E educational breakout session in Las Vegas to address the topic of Tribal sovereignty in sports betting.
Representatives from California, Washington State, Minnesota and Oklahoma headed up the panel. Together, they discussed sovereignty, collaboration, unity and legal challenges Tribes have faced when it comes to regulating sports betting markets in their states.
The panelists included California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) Chairman the Morongo Band of Mission Indians Vice Chairman James Siva, Washington Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Rebecca George, Minnesota Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Andy Platto and OIGA Chairman Matthew Morgan.
George discussed the importance of protecting Tribal sovereignty within the sports betting market and how Tribes understand the value of having a unified front.
“[Protecting Tribal sovereignty] is first and foremost at the front of Tribal leaders’ minds. And they understand that we’re stronger together.”
“I think we all have a common goal and common purpose and shared vision for what we wanted. We appreciate those things, and I think that we have learned throughout the years that we have very strong contacts because of our willingness to share information and to work together strong.”
Good to know: California has more than 100 federally recognized Tribes
When asked how the sports betting industry has changed during the last 15 years for Tribes in the Minnesota area, Minnesota Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Andy Platto noted that nations are coming together to better understand the market.
He commented, “Since PASPA was overturned, Tribal leaders in Minnesota have gone on a journey together to learn about this market, and they all feel a little differently about sports betting. And that’s a good thing.
“We’ve done market analysis. We had the pleasure of other Tribal leaders coming to educate us on their experiences.”
Platto went on to add that local Tribes have received legislative support regarding Tribal sovereignty within the market.
He said in closing, “When you talk about the legislative makeup, we have great support from our legislature at this time. We have great support from our executive branch.”
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