Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention 2026

Witterschein speaks on the need for customer advisory panels:

Those bombshells or live hand grenades that come up in research can be diffused when you install monthly advisory panels. To the VIP player, that's a great perk because they feel as if they're an insider to your property's operations. Invite 90 people to take part in the advisory panels and bring in 10 or 12 of them every month so you can work through those conflicts. Is the customer always right? No, but you have to strategize around that way of thinking.

J Carcamo and Associates President & Chief Brand Strategist Julia Carcamo said research is 'more important than it's even been' over the past 10 years for player retention. Witterschein added that operators 'need to listen for things that trigger you to go deeper.' Shank Marketing Principal & CEO Justin Shank referenced his previous marketing efforts for the Twilight movie series, stating how efforts were better focused on male teenagers rather than females who were are already going to see the movie. In casinos, it's better to find 'what's not working' rather than what is, according to Shank. 

Joe Witterschien, President of the Tribal Gaming Services and Advisory Group, on building strategies with a customer-first mindset:

I think what happens in the gaming industry is people tend to bring with them strategies that worked in properties they were at previously, but no one bothers to ask if that's what the customer wanted. When you understand a customer's key motivators, you also know, conversely, what not to waste money on. I think there's a lot of properties that don't have open ears, and in that relationship players can feel under appreciated.

Getting to that time at IGA where booths are starting to be deconstructed, bags are getting packed and the final panel sessions are being held. Keep up to date on this feed for down-to-the-wire coverage from Global Gaming Insider. The fun doesn't stop just yet!

In news away from IGA, Kalshi has brought on Stephanie Cutter as a Policy Advisor. Cutter also serves as Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Precision Strategies, stating she has 'spent decades' analyzing data to understand public attitudes toward issues, people and world events.

Rocha continued:

I've been a crypto skeptic since the beginning because its predicated on the 'fact' that it always grows. I think that causes a lot of people to take caution, especially when you have the CFTC Chairman acting like a carny saying 'oh come on down!' He avoids the tough questions. He's certainly not taking part in my webinar, he's not coming to IGA.

Rocha also shared his new nickname for CFTC Chairman Michael Selig during the IGA panel: Safe Space Selig, poking fun at his belief that Selig only accepts interviews where simple questions are asked. On crypto integrations across gaming, Rocha said:

Today it goes up 20%, tomorrow it goes down 20%. You have people on Wall Street jumping off buildings. The problem is this disconnect where we spent all of our careers trying to learn about regulations, but now you have all these new technologies that are supposed to make your life easier but god its so complicated.

IGA Conference Chair Victor Rocha on blockchain technology:

Putting everything on blockchain is like putting yourself out on the Internet in underpants. It's supposed to make it much easier to trace dirty money, but who's using it so far? Do you know anybody?

The final day of IGA kicks off with new leadership announcements. The Association has elected two new officers to its Board of Directors, including Tehassi Hill as Vice Chairman and Michell Hicks as Treasurer. Both will serve two-year terms in their respective positions. Hill is currently Chairman of the Oneida Nation, while Hicks has guided the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians through 'significant' economic growth and development. IGA Chairman David Bean addressed both appointments on April 2:

Vice Chairman Hill and Treasurer Hicks bring the experience, integrity and commitment needed to help guide this organization forward. As we face serious challenges, including illegal prediction market activity and federal overreach, we are strengthening our leadership team to protect Tribal sovereignty and the future of Indian gaming.

Imagine This continues to honor Tribal leadership by naming Kathy DeCamp as Native American Woman of the Year and Chad Fuss as Native American Man of the Year. The awards recognize outstanding Native American leaders who have made significant contributions to their communities and the Tribal gaming industry. Imagine This will also make $5,000 donations to IGA in the name of both winners. Fuss currently serves as Gaming CFO for Oneida Casino, while DeCamp holds the Executive Manager position for Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa.

Trustly Payments Director of Gaming Darren White on the 'friction' felt with cashless integration for Tribal operators:

We're getting a second bite at the apple with cashless payments, but the label of direct funding put on the execution of some of this concerns me in terms of where we will be in a year. Ultimately, progress will be made, but I can only say 'we'll see' in terms of how much adaption is inevitably made by operators.

We, of course, mean Mr. Dustin Gouker, despite the panel slideshow saying "Goucker." Maybe a timely April Fool's joke at the show!

Light & Wonder Global Head of Government Affairs Howard Glaser said consumer interest in online games has fueled the efforts made by prediciton market operators and sweepstakes casinos.

My observation would be, as you're fighting the good fight, don't lose sight of the bigger picture. Where are Tribes currently at with online gaming, because you always need to be prepared for the next issue ahead. The larger question is what will Tribes do with online gaming and how can they make it where the vertical isn't controlled by third parties.

Goucker closed the panel by saying 'if you're going fight (prediction markets), you need to bring everything you have to bear.'

Don't be surprised if you get to the Supreme Court and lose. I think we need to be prepared for a world where Tribes become active in prediction markets because it's a real possibility.

Chairman Siva confirmed Tribes are in a 'really tough spot' and 'can't afford to lose' the fight against prediction markets.

It's 100% going to get worse before it gets better. We need to win this one, and we need to win it quickly. We can't wait until 2028.

Moderator Dustin Goucker, despite the confidence displayed by Wallach, stated if he was given 100/1 odds on operators such as Kalshi winning the legal fight, he would take the bet. Crowell described the issue as 'more than just red and blue,' while Wallach fought back against Goucker's point by bringing attention to the winning record regulators have generated in state courts. Goucker, describing himself as a 'realist,' said a 'little secret is that congress doesn't do anything,' and can't be expected to pass a bill which could regulate a prediction markets.

If you really think this is the thing that should be going away, you should be donating to local election campaigns. A major change would stem from control in the House and Senate.

Daniel Wallach stated prediction markets operators 'cannot win' in state courts unless it's a 'rigged system.' The Wallace Legal LLC Founder addressed Chairman Siva directly when saying 'you will not lose the fight against prediction markets,' but believes the mindset extends to all Tribal communities.

If and when this case ever gets to the Supreme Court, it will be an insuperable hurdle for Kalshi and other operators to overrule what was determined in Murphy vs. NCAA.

Scott Crowell, Founding Partner of the Crowell Law Office, brought attention to how the same state regulators he's been fighting against for many years are now standing side-by-side with Tribes in the fight against prediction markets. Believing operators exist on a 'bogus' precedent, Crowell stated prediction markets need to be brought to light and exposed as unregulated forms of gambling. 

Daniel Wallach on current legal battles involving prediction markets:

This is a battle that can't be won before the regulatory body or before congress, it can only be won in the courts. Under the CFTC regulations, these operators don't need to seek pre-approval. The next shoe to drop is casino-style gaming, and when or if that happens, say goodbye to your revenue streams. It's up to the states and the Tribes to drag them into the fight in state court, and if you don't accomplish that, you're going to lose. You've got to fight back. If they're bringing Larry Bird, you need to bring Magic Johnson.

In closing, Chairman Bean stated:

When speaking with (federal lawmakers), they say 'we're in a tough position because we are choosing between friends.' Our respectful pushback to that was this isn't a choice between friends, this is a choice between following the law or ignoring the law. When you pull the curtain back here, it's just going to be a bunch of people counting money, it's a cash grab. We do not want to wait for what started out as a brushfire, but is now a wildfire, to remain unchecked.

Imagine This unveiled a new statue in honor of Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. prior to the tradeshow floor being opened at IGA. 

IGA Chairman David Bean on prediction markets:

This is no innovation, this is illegal gambling dressed up as finance. We have to let folks know they are not protected through these illegal online prediction markets. This is an overreach and outright blatant disrespect of Tribal sovereignty.

The IGA Tradeshow floor is quickly filling up. From Aristocrat to IGT & Everi to Ainsworth, many of the top suppliers in gaming are presenting the latest enhancements in gaming.

While clouds have mainly filled the San Diego sky up to this point, the Gaslamp Quarter always serves as a beautiful setting for IGA. With sights of the Bay, Petco Park and the city's Naval Base, it's no wonder why the conference calls San Diego home!

The IGA tradeshow floor officially opens today as excitement continues to build at the conference. Attendees are already lining up outside the expo hall to get a first glimpse into what the tradeshow floor has to offer. Suppliers and operators alike will display the latest innovations in gaming, and Global Gaming Insider will be on-hand to showcase the best booths at IGA. Keep up to date with this feed for live updates, as well as coverage of Chairman David Bean's press conference to address prediction markets. 

That's a wrap on day one of IGA! Check back here soon for more live updates.

Global Gaming Insider closes out its first day at IGA by meeting with Michael Hoenig — Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation VP Associate General Counsel for Gaming. The legal executive discusses how Tribes need to bring a more forward-thinking approach to prediction market regulation. 

The Huddle interviews continue on with Wallach Legal LLC Founder Daniel Wallach, speaking on how prediction markets are reshaping the definition of gambling. 

As part of the luncheon, IGA Chairman David Bean honored the legacy of Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr., and highlighted the growth Tribal gaming experienced under his leadership. 

The Chairman's Luncheon offers a perfect chance to refuel for what should be a jam-packed week in San Diego!

Tribal regulators address illegal markets and event contract trading, full story available on Global Gaming Insider. 

The Indian Gaming Association is also bringing a renewed focus on health, balance and leadership wellness to the 2026 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, taking place this week at the San Diego Convention Center.

The sessions begin on Wednesday morning, April 1, 2026, at 7:00 am PT.

These sessions are open to tradeshow attendees and are part of IGA’s continued commitment to supporting not only the economic strength of tribal gaming but also the well-being of the people who lead and sustain it.

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

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.

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. 

Get ready for Global Gaming Insider's coverage live from San Diego, as our reporter on the ground, Kirk Geller, brings you all the latest updates. We'll hear from some of the industry's most prominent speakers via interviews, conference panels – and of course pics and vids from the show. Stay tuned!

PREVIEW: As next week's showpiece event draws nearer, we have another glimpse ahead!

Check out our final IGA preview here.

Ainsworth heads to IGA with focus on continued growth

At this year’s show, Ainsworth will showcase 10 game families featuring 22 unique themes while supporting the continued growth of Tribal gaming operations.

Light & Wonder brings the boom to IGA

Light & Wonder will showcase a powerful lineup of new hardware, content, advanced systems and next-generation table innovations at the IGA 2026 tradeshow from booth #1341. 

IGA is one of the most important moments of the year for our Tribal gaming partners, and we are proud to showcase a portfolio built specifically with their players and business priorities in mind. – Light & Wonder Gaming CEO Siobhan Lane

Aristocrat debuting new class II games at IGA 2026

Aristocrat Gaming and Aristocrat Interactive will unveil a portfolio of new products at the 2026 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention from booth #1629.

Gaming Systems from Aristocrat Interactive are modernizing both the cardless and cashless membership journey, all while increasing operator efficiency, player loyalty and maximizing loyalty programs.

IGT in the house!

IGT has announced that it will present a portfolio of gaming, systems and financial technology innovation at booth 2143 at IGA.

As the premier annual Tribal gaming event, IGA provides IGT with the ideal opportunity to showcase its momentum in driving Class II and Class III innovation via new games, cabinets and groundbreaking mobile technologies from Everi, an IGT brand.

Galaxy Gaming will showcase its latest innovations at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention (IGA). Attendees are invited to visit booth #2551, where Galaxy Gaming will highlight its portfolio of table games, progressive systems and licensed content designed to drive performance on the casino floor.

The highlight? Monopoly!

The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) will hold a press conference at the 2026 Indian Gaming Trade Show & Convention, where Chairman David Z. Bean will address the growing national concern over illegal prediction market gambling platforms operating under the authority of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Tribal leaders warn this illegal federally enabled prediction markets are allowing sports wagering and casino-style betting to occur outside established tribal, state, and federal regulatory frameworks, threatening tribal sovereignty and undermining the economic foundation that supports tribal governments and essential services across Indian Country.

Chairman Bean will outline the Indian Gaming Association’s position and the unified response among tribal governments, regional tribal gaming associations, and national gaming organizations, working together to protect lawful tribal gaming and to ensure that federal policymakers do not allow financial market authorities to authorize gambling activity outside the law.

This issue has become one of the most urgent policy concerns facing tribal gaming today, as tribes across the country raise alarms about the rapid expansion of event-based wagering contracts operating beyond the regulatory structure established under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

The 2026 Matriarchs of Indian Gaming will be honored during a special ceremony on April 2, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Chairman’s Lounge, Booth 1050 on the trade show floor during the Indian Gaming Trade show and Convention in San Diego, California. Chairman Bean added:

As we celebrate the success of Indian gaming, it is especially important that we recognize the women who helped build this industry and continue to lead it today.

Their stories are not only a reflection of where we have been, but a roadmap for where we are going.

This annual recognition serves as a powerful tribute to Native women who embody the spirit of leadership, cultural strength, and community empowerment, reinforcing the importance of matriarchal leadership across Tribal nations.