NIGA Trade Show 2018

I have just returned from the NIGA Trade Show in Las Vegas. The gathering of friends and colleagues is always rejuvenating and fun – reconnecting, sharing and renewing. The connection is important to me and I know it is for everyone. The history of Indian Gaming is built upon many of the people and personalities. I must say the busy time and the rigor of the schedule make it nearly impossible to see everyone – regardless I know you were there working hard and helping define important issues and solving problems. Thanks, and my best to everyone!

My continuing work is to make sure that the overriding importance of Class II gaming remains in the forefront of everything Indian Gaming confronts going forward. The Internet has been a subject of debate within Indian Gaming for years portrayed as either the end of what we know or the future. It is my view that it is the future and must be grasped and made to work for the benefit of Indian Country. It is not too late to understand the nuances and factors that make it a tool for the future.

Many have rightly stated that Class II is the cornerstone of Indian Gaming. It was the subject of the Cabazon case upon which IGRA now stands. There is no doubt in my mind that Class II holds the key to the future of Online (Internet) gaming for Tribal governments. Sovereignty and Tribal jurisdictional issues all revolve around Class II because of the strength and depth of the Cabazon decision.

I want to make clear that being on the bleeding edge of Class II Online Gaming sharpens my views and give me the energy to continue. The leverage and strength Indian Gaming has in Class II will never be more apparent than when the debate over Class II Online Gaming is truly taken up.