WASHINGTON, D.C.  — February 10, 2026 — Today, Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Z. Bean addressed Tribal Leaders during the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Council Winter Session, providing an update on the Indian Gaming Association focused on leadership continuity, the strength of the tribal gaming economy, and the urgent threats facing Indian gaming from illegal sweepstakes operations and CFTC-sanctioned sports prediction markets.

Chairman Bean opened by acknowledging that it has been an interesting four months since the passing of former IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to carry forward his mission.

He said, “I know I cannot fill those shoes. There will never be another Ernie Stevens Jr. I simply want to walk in his footsteps, as he walked in the footsteps of his elders and ancestors, and carry on that important task of protecting tribal sovereignty and promoting economic self-sufficiency.”

Chairman Bean assured Tribal Leaders that while Indian Country lost a powerful leader, the mission, message, and team at IGA remain unchanged. “Our goal in traveling throughout Indian Country is to give assurance to our member tribes that the same team remains, the same mission remains, and we continue this work together.”

Referencing the latest report from the National Indian Gaming Commission, Chairman Bean shared that tribal gaming generated $43.9 billion in revenue in FY 2024, a $2 billion increase over the previous year, supporting nearly 700,000 American jobs and contributing more than $19 billion to state and federal governments through taxes and compact payments.

Bean shared, “Indian gaming remains the most successful economic development tool ever employed by tribal governments. It provides a consistent and stable source of revenue that supports our communities, our elders, and our youth.”

Chairman Bean paused during his remarks to recognize youth leaders in the room, echoing Chairman Stevens’ words that, “You are not the leaders of tomorrow. You are the leaders of today.”

Chairman Bean emphasized that while cybersecurity remains a concern, the greatest current threat to Indian gaming is the rapid expansion of illegal sweepstakes gaming and CFTC-authorized sports prediction markets operating in all 50 states, regardless of tribal exclusivity or state authorization.

“Tribes and states are distinct sovereigns. They should be deciding gambling public policy, not foreign companies exploiting loopholes in new technology.” Bean stressed.

He noted that more than 25 states are now taking enforcement action against illegal sweepstakes operations and warned that prediction market platforms are attempting to circumvent the intent of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act by positioning gambling as financial contracts under CFTC oversight.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. These are gambling products, and the next step will be casino-style games if we do not act.” Bean added.

Chairman Bean invited Tribal Leaders to participate in the Joint IGA/NCAI Task Force session and Hill preparation meetings, underscoring the need for coordinated advocacy in Congress to amend the Commodities Exchange Act and prohibit sports wagering and casino gaming on prediction markets.

Building on his Puyallup teaching, Bean said, “We must move like a canoe society. We cannot move forward unless we are paddling in the same direction. Whether the waters are smooth or rough, we keep paddling together.”

Chairman Bean also announced that IGA’s renewed commitment to outreach will include an extensive schedule of regional and tribal visits nationwide to extend the legacy of Chairman Stevens by engaging directly with tribal governments.

Chairman Bean closed by thanking Tribal Leaders, tribal attorneys, lobbyists, and elders for their continued leadership. “Our elders endured far more difficult times than we will ever know. We honor them by continuing the hard work they began, protecting what we have built, and ensuring future generations inherit strong tribal economies.”