WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 25, 2026 — The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) today issued a forceful condemnation of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for enabling the expansion of illegal prediction market betting nationwide, warning that federal inaction and unregulated overreach are directly undermining tribal sovereignty, violating established gaming law, and threatening the economic foundation of tribal governments. IGA also warned that the CFTC’s failure to regulate these markets is a failure that requires immediate action by Congress.

The warning follows IGA’s national webinar, “The New Normal: On the Road with Chairman Bean – What Tribes Are Saying Nationwide about Prediction Markets,” where Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Z. Bean and Conference Chairman Victor Rocha detailed the growing national crisis facing tribal gaming and the urgent need for unified tribal action.

Chairman Bean, who has been traveling nationwide to meet directly with tribal leaders, regulators, and lawmakers, emphasized the widespread concern across Indian Country.

“Tribes all around the nation are concerned. They view it as an incredible intrusion upon tribal sovereignty, which we concur at the Indian Gaming Association,” said Chairman David Z. Bean.

Illegal prediction market platforms are currently offering sports wagering nationwide under federal regulatory cover while bypassing tribal-state gaming compacts, tribal regulatory authority, and federal Indian gaming law.

“Tribal sovereignty is trampled on, and state sovereignty is trampled on. That’s the big issue,” Bean said.

IGA leaders emphasized that prediction market operators are conducting illegal, unregulated wagering activities without the safeguards required of tribal gaming.

“When you look at these sports betting, illegal online, unregulated sports betting contracts, there are no guardrails. There’s no age verification. There’s no verification of funds. And you don’t know really who’s placing the bet,” Bean said.

Chairman Bean further warned that federal regulators are allowing illegal betting activity nationwide, including in jurisdictions where sports betting remains prohibited.

“They’re allowing illegal, unregulated sports betting contracts to take place in all 50 states, even in states where sports betting is not legal,” Bean said.

Victor Rocha, Conference Chairman for the Indian Gaming Association, warned that prediction markets represent one of the most serious threats to tribal sovereignty since the establishment of tribal gaming.

“Prediction markets represent a federal system covering gambling at the expense of tribal sovereignty and state sovereignty,” Rocha said.

Rocha emphasized that tribal governments must remain unified in confronting this federal overreach.

“You never stop fighting. You never back down. All our victories come from the fact that we don’t stop,” Rocha said.

He further warned that prediction markets threaten the long-term future of tribal economic independence.

“This is about taking your future, the same as they took your land, your water, and your resources. Illegal Prediction markets are about taking the future of tribal gaming,” Rocha said.

IGA leadership stressed that tribal gaming, built over decades through sovereign authority and strong regulatory oversight, remains essential to funding tribal government services.

“Our elders fought hard to build Indian gaming, and now we have the responsibility to protect it so that our children and future generations can survive and thrive,” Bean said.

The Indian Gaming Association confirmed that tribes are actively pursuing coordinated legislative and legal action to stop illegal prediction markets and defend tribal sovereignty.

“We’re going to be pursuing not just a legislative route, but also a litigation route. We see this ending up at the Supreme Court,” Bean said.

Maintaining unity across Indian Country remains the highest priority. Tribal leaders will continue advancing a coordinated national strategy during the upcoming Indian Gaming Trade Show and Convention Tribal Leaders Meeting, which will serve as a central forum for unified action.

The Tribal Leaders Meeting will be held:

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Pacific Time

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Pacific Time

During these sessions, tribal leaders from across the United States will convene to strengthen coalition efforts, advance coordinated legal and legislative strategies, engage federal policymakers, and reaffirm their unified commitment to protecting tribal sovereignty and the future of Indian gaming.

The Indian Gaming Association reaffirmed that tribal unity, coordinated legal action, and continued engagement with federal and state leaders are essential to stopping illegal prediction markets and defending tribal rights.

IGA will continue leading national efforts alongside tribal governments, state attorneys general, national tribal organizations, and gaming regulators to challenge federal regulatory overreach and protect tribal sovereignty.