Tribal gaming, and the positive impact it brings to the US economy, will be at the forefront of proceedings at the forthcoming Winter Meeting of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS).
In advance of the event, the organization said: “With Indian gaming operating in 29 states nationwide, the agreements negotiated between tribes and state governments can have lasting economic, fiscal and social impacts on the tribe, the local area, and the state.
“The process of making and renegotiating these tribal-state compacts will be a focal point at the Winter Meeting of NCLGS, January 10-12 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.”
Florida state Senator Perry Thurston, an NCLGS officer who chairs the Committee on Indian Gaming, commented: “Indian gaming is best positioned to achieve important goals for communities when legislators and tribal leaders work together in forged partnerships. That is what we learned in Florida and other states, and that is what we are striving for at NCLGS.”
Already a $34bn industry nationwide, including more than $9bn in California, the additions of sports betting and igaming will elevate the tribal gaming industry to new economic heights, thus placing renewed emphasis on the tribal-state compacts.
The NCLGS Committee on Indian Gaming will examine the compacting process, the key elements to be debated, and what impacts can be expected among the host tribes and stakeholders.
The Committee will hear from the following experts: Susan Jensen, Executive Director, California Nations Indian Gaming Association; Cody Martinez, Chairman, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation; and Dr Katherine Spilde, Professor, L Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, San Diego State University
In addition, a masterclass panel conducted by the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) will focus on the legal and regulatory trends of tribal-state gaming compacts.
