As the Indian Gaming Tradeshow wrapped up in sunny San Diego, a sense of urgency lingered in the air — but not everyone was panicking. Ernie Stevens Jr., a steady hand at the helm of the Indian Gaming Association, delivered a message of calm resolve.
Despite fresh threats from the Trump Administration and growing pressure from sweepstakes operators and prediction markets, Stevens kept the mood grounded. He was re-elected just last week to his 12th straight term as chairman, a clear vote of confidence from tribal leaders. And he made one thing clear: it’s time to double down on lobbying and defending tribal sovereignty.
Familiar Fights, Renewed Resolve
This isn’t Indian gaming’s first rodeo.
Stevens pointed out that tribal gaming has faced wave after wave of challenges over the decades. Some more intense than others. Still, tribes have held the line. So when the Trump Administration pulled a gaming approval from a northern California tribe earlier this year, the message wasn’t “panic,” but “prepare.”
Stevens didn’t name names or stir up drama. Instead, he focused on next steps.
“Now’s not the time to sit back,” he said during a CDC Gaming interview.
Washington Isn’t Playing Nice
Not everything coming out of D.C. has been good news lately for tribes.
Two recent moves rattled Indian gaming operators: one, the revocation of that northern California tribe’s gaming rights — and two, a quieter push from within the Trump Administration to tighten control over tribal lands.
This shift, while not fully publicized, has already sent legal teams scrambling.
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The Department of the Interior has grown more cautious about approving tribal land-into-trust applications.
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The National Indian Gaming Commission is also seeing increased scrutiny from higher-ups.
One industry source described the atmosphere as “watchful,” not hostile — but also said that could change in an election year.
The Sweepstake Surge No One Asked For
Meanwhile, a newer challenge is quietly chewing away at tribal gaming’s revenue: online sweepstakes and prediction markets.
Operators of these platforms have started targeting rural and reservation-adjacent communities. They promise “risk-free” fun, but tribes say it’s cutting into their customer base.
These games don’t follow the same regulations. They’re often run offshore or by private companies exploiting legal grey areas. For now, they’re legal in many states. That might not last forever, but tribal leaders say the damage is already being done.
One tribal attorney from Oklahoma described it as “death by a thousand clicks.”
Stevens’ Strategy: Less Drama, More Action
What makes Stevens stand out is how he handles bad news — not with fireworks, but with facts and forward motion.
Even as other convention speakers sounded alarms, Stevens stayed calm. And he wasn’t minimizing the threats. He was just… focused.
“Lobby harder. Work closer with your senators. Educate the House reps who don’t understand what sovereignty means,” he told attendees during his remarks.
He’s been in this role since 2001. That’s a lot of Capitol Hill meetings. A lot of pressure. A lot of wins.
His credibility comes not from loud speeches, but consistency.
Why Tribes Aren’t Just Going to Roll Over
At the heart of it all is something much deeper than gaming. It’s sovereignty.
For many tribes, casinos aren’t just economic engines — they’re tools of self-determination. The money helps fund schools, healthcare, housing. Losing gaming means losing ground.
So, the pushback isn’t just about profits. It’s about survival.
Tribal leaders are well aware of that. That’s why Stevens keeps pressing for engagement. He knows the stakes.
And the good news? Congress is listening — at least some of them.
Here’s a look at how Indian gaming compares to other sectors:
| Sector | 2023 U.S. Revenue | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Gaming | $40.9 Billion | 20% of U.S. gaming market |
| Commercial Casinos | $60.4 Billion | Heavily concentrated urban |
| State Lotteries | $91 Billion | Mostly state-run |
| Online Sweepstakes | Est. $3.5 Billion | Loosely regulated category |
It’s clear that Indian gaming plays a massive role in the broader industry — and any threat to it has ripple effects far beyond tribal land.
A Familiar Fight, But a Different Battlefield
The tools may have changed, but the game hasn’t.
This is political. It’s legal. And it’s personal.
Stevens isn’t shouting from rooftops, but he’s not backing down either. There’s no playbook for 2025, but there is a history. A hard one. One full of lawsuits, court wins, betrayals, and victories.
This year’s fight may come with digital fronts and ambiguous regulations, but it’s still a sovereignty issue at its core.
And if Stevens has his way, tribes won’t just hold the line — they’ll make sure everyone in Washington knows where that line is drawn.
