SAN DIEGO, CA — March 30, 2026 — The Indian Gaming Association officially opened the first day of its 2026 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention with a strong and unified focus on one of the most pressing issues facing tribal gaming today: the rise of illegal prediction markets and their threat to tribal sovereignty and regulated gaming.

The day featured a series of high-level workshops and panel discussions designed to educate, mobilize, and unify tribal leaders, regulators, and industry partners on the growing risks posed by unregulated event contracts operating under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) oversight.

A cornerstone session, “Prediction Markets: Building the Coalition for the Fight Ahead,” was moderated by Victor Rocha and featured panelists James Siva, Chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, and David Z. Bean, Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association. The discussion examined how tribes can expand advocacy efforts beyond Indian Country by engaging states, attorneys general, regulators, and aligned organizations.

Throughout the day, speakers emphasized that the issue extends far beyond gaming, touching on consumer protection, regulatory authority, and the preservation of tribal and state sovereignty.

Chairman David Z. Bean closed out the day’s programming with a powerful call to action, reinforcing the urgency of the moment and the need for unified advocacy. “This is bigger than Indian gaming. This is about protecting the integrity of our industry, protecting tribal sovereignty, and protecting state sovereignty. What we are seeing right now impacts all of us.”

Chairman Bean underscored that the lack of regulatory action at the federal level has created an environment where illegal gambling activity is expanding unchecked. “Through their inaction, the message being sent is that our laws, our operations, and our sovereignty do not matter. That is something we cannot and will not accept.”

The Chairman emphasized that tribes are not standing alone in this fight, pointing to growing alignment with states, industry organizations, and policymakers. “It makes sense for us to build a coalition of partners who share common interests in protecting lawful markets and regulatory authority. We cannot do this alone, because this affects more than just tribes.”

Throughout the sessions, a clear strategy emerged: a coordinated approach combining education, coalition-building, litigation, and federal legislative advocacy.

Chairman Bean highlighted that tribes are actively pursuing both legal and legislative pathways to address the issue. “We are pursuing a parallel path forward through litigation and legislation. We are preparing to defend our rights and ensure that the law is upheld.”

He also stressed the importance of outreach and awareness across Indian Country and beyond. “There are still communities that are not fully aware of what is happening. Our responsibility is to educate, to inform, and to make sure every tribal leader understands what is at stake.”

The opening day set the tone for the remainder of the convention, making clear that the Indian Gaming Association and its member tribes are unified, informed, and prepared to act. “We must be unapologetic in our approach. This is not a choice between interests. This is a choice between following the law and ignoring the law.”

As the Tradeshow & Convention continues, IGA leadership will carry forward this message through additional sessions, meetings, and direct engagement with policymakers and partners.

The first day made one thing clear: Indian Country is organized, mobilized, and committed to protecting the foundation of tribal government gaming for future generations.