The new chairman of the Indian Gaming Association said that the transition has been difficult for him personally, but the trade organization will carry out the mission set by the former chair and prediction markets need to be a big focus in the coming weeks and months.
David Bean spoke Wednesday during an IGA webinar. He and hosts Jason Giles, IGA’s executive director, and Victor Rocha, the conference chairman, remembered the leadership of former Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr., who died in September. Bean reminded IGA members that tribes have accomplished so much by coming together over the decades and that they will continue the work of Stevens and his team.
IGA’s bylaws elevated Bean to the paid chairmanship in the wake of Stevens’s death. He’ll serve until the next election in April 2027. The vice chairman’s position, which Bean previously occupied, will be up for election in the spring.
Giles said Bean takes over during a tumultuous time, with the passing of Stevens and the shutdown of the federal government, on track to last several more weeks, according to Giles.
Bean said that sports prediction markets are offering illegal gambling that violates Native sovereignty and state compacts. He’s calling all tribes to action.
“We want tribes to get engaged and active as best as they can and call their reps,” Bean said. “Let’s roll up our sleeves and meet (members of Congress).”
Giles and Rocha made fun of Congress for focusing on an NBA sports betting scandal and meeting with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver instead of tackling other issues.
Bean noted the good news, that Congress is talking about the loss of SNAP benefits, which is important to Indian Country for buying food.
“Tribes always suffer first during these shutdowns and God forbid we should get some bad weather, especially in the Great Plains where snow removal is important (in getting people to hospitals and medical care),” Giles said. “Without Park Service employees to plow the roads, that falls on tribes. You might have police and fire that aren’t getting paid or buying their own gas. It escalates really quick.”
Bean said that a whirlwind of emotions and activities has been thrust on him with the death of Stevens.
“The outpouring of love and support from all around Indian Country has been overwhelming. That gives each and every one of us strength to carry on in the chairman’s footsteps. We know our job is to protect tribal sovereignty, Indian gaming, and our communities. That occurs through educating members of Congress and coming together as tribal leaders to come up with solutions. It’s not enough to say this is wrong and you can’t do that. We have to say this is wrong and this is what you have to do to fix it.”
Bean said he will always be grateful for the friendship and guidance from Stevens.
“I’m praying for guidance,” Bean said. “These are uncharted waters for many of us. Visiting his grave was healing, as was being in his homeland (in Green Bay). In the Oneida territory, I walked in the chairman’s footsteps literally, following the path he laid out to protect Indian gaming, bring people together, and lift and protect our youth and women.
“These are the things we have to be mindful of and respect the lessons from our ancestors and elders,” Bean said. “They’ve known tougher times than any of us have. They laid a path as the chairman laid a path. We’re going to continue on that path and find ways to grow through expanded communication, websites, and calls to action and engage Indian Country. Truly honoring the chairman’s legacy makes it easier to move forward, knowing that he would say let’s get to work. The pain is still there for all of us, but we honor him by carrying out his legacy.”
Bean said they have a team of lawyers and lobbyists ready for anything that threatens tribal sovereignty and plan to meet with as many members of Congress as possible.
“Our goal doesn’t change. We will meet with lawmakers when and where we can. This prolonged shutdown makes it impossible to meet them in Washington, D.C. Last week, we had a couple meetings canceled, because folks picked up and went home.”