IGA 2025 Highlight!

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April 21, 2025


Momentum Builds for Tribal-Wide Self-Exclusion Initiative Following Spotlight at Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow and Convention
San Diego, CA – April 3, 2025 – A powerful discussion led by Indian Gaming Association of Washington DC Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr., Ivory Kelly of the Tribal Council for Responsible Gaming, and Jonathan Aiwazian, CEO of idPair, drew significant positive attention to the Tribal-Wide Self-Exclusion Program during the Chairman’s Lounge event at this year’s Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention in San Diego. The session underscored the importance of a tribal-led, unified approach to protecting community members impacted by problem gambling.
The Tribal-Wide Self-Exclusion Program allows tribal nations to collaboratively offer consistent and confidential protection to individuals who voluntarily choose to exclude themselves from gaming activities—while upholding sovereignty and cultural values and keeping tribal data private and secure. Online gaming entertainment company WONDR NATION has been an early supporter of the program’s mission and potential.
To continue the momentum, the Tribal Council for Responsible Gaming, led by Ivory Kelly, in collaboration with idPair, will present the program at upcoming regional IGA conferences. These sessions will provide tribes with opportunities to dive deeper into the program, ask questions, and contribute to shaping its ongoing development.
“This program is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together as sovereign nations with a shared purpose,” said Victor Rocha, Conference Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association of Washington, DC “By working collectively to protect our communities, we are strengthening the future of Indian Country. I encourage all tribes to explore how they can be part of this growing movement.”
“The Tribal-Wide Self-Exclusion Program is a powerful example of how tribal nations can lead with both innovation and cultural responsibility,” said Anika Howard, CEO of WONDR NATION. “This initiative helps us reimagine what responsible gaming looks like when it’s driven by our values and our communities. It’s inspiring to see tribes setting a new standard for ethical community-first gaming.”The Indian Gaming Association remains committed to supporting sovereign nations in advancing responsible gaming and community wellness through intertribal collaboration.