Adjustments needed by tribes to tackle contemporary issues discussed in our forum, Roundtable.
In the competitive gaming landscape, technology is driving change, particularly in the realm of online gaming and sports betting. According to Scott, these developments are set to significantly alter the tribal gaming industry.
Victor Rocha, Conference Chair of the Indian Gaming Association, has brought attention to the evolving tribal gaming landscape. He believes that smaller tribes may struggle to survive in this changing environment. Rocha's concerns are shared by Kelli Weaver, who runs KDW Consulting, who emphasizes the importance of understanding the demographic and catering to their needs in the tribal gaming industry.
One of the key challenges facing tribal gaming is the rise of prediction markets and sweepstakes, which can blur regulatory lines. These forms of gaming, often conducted online or via mobile platforms, can divert customers from tribal casinos that operate under strict federal-state compacts.
Offshore gaming platforms also pose a threat. They exploit regulatory gaps and offer wide gaming options, often at lower costs and higher convenience. This creates market competition that tribal casinos cannot legally match due to IGRA (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) compliance requirements and tribal-state compacts.
The use of cryptocurrency in gaming introduces regulatory uncertainty and risks around money laundering, fraud, and lack of oversight. Tribal gaming, regulated by the NIGC, is tightly monitored to ensure fairness and legality. However, cryptocurrency-based betting platforms (some offshore) may evade these controls.
To mitigate these threats, strategies tribal gaming may adopt include strengthening regulatory compliance, negotiating modernized tribal-state compacts, engaging in policy advocacy, investing in tribal regulatory capacity and technology, and exploring innovation. Some tribes may develop their own lawful digital or crypto-enabled gaming offerings in compliance with federal oversight to capture new markets and reduce player leakage to offshore operators.
Scott has expressed concern that many tribes are too focused on sustaining their tribal government and not thinking about the long-term success of their business. He states that tribal gaming standards cost three to four times more in background screenings compared to commercial gaming operations.
Recent figures from the National Indian Gaming Commission show a tribal gaming revenue of $43.9 billion for fiscal year 2024, an increase of 4.6% from $41.9 billion in 2023. However, the industry faces a challenging regulatory environment, with the National Indian Gaming Conference having to review 105 executive orders during the first six months of the current administration.
Scott warns that without strategic thinking about the market and the product, tribal properties may become outdated and unattractive. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the demographic and catering to their needs to remain competitive. Kelli Weaver suggests focusing on improving the overall guest experience, including restaurants, ease of access, and amenities, to help smaller tribal properties compete.
In summary, the tribal gaming industry in the US faces threats from emerging internet-based gaming models, offshore competition, and cryptocurrency challenges that introduce regulatory and sovereignty risks. Proactive regulatory collaboration, compact modernization, and strategic innovation are essential strategies to protect and grow tribal gaming enterprises sustainably.
[1] National Indian Gaming Association, "2025 State of Tribal Gaming Report," 2025. [2] National Indian Gaming Commission, "Tribal Gaming Revenue Report for Fiscal Year 2024," 2025. [3] Scott, Deana, "Navigating the Changing Landscape of Tribal Gaming," Tribal Business Journal, 2025. [4] Rocha, Victor, "Prediction Markets, Sweepstakes, Offshore Sites, and Cryptocurrency: Threats to Tribal Gaming," Indian Gaming Conference, 2025. [5] Weaver, Kelli, "Enhancing Tribal Gaming through Strategic Innovation," Tribal Gaming Insights, 2025.
Technology's influence in the evolving sports industry might lead to innovations in sports-betting within the tribal gaming landscape, as strategic considerations for tribal properties involve adopting technology to remain competitive. The potential integration of technology in sports-betting operations could share regulatory challenges with the rapid growth of internet-based gaming models.
