On October 17, 1988, Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and Indian Country was changed forever. While some consider it an assault on tribal sovereignty, others see IGRA as opening the door for full-scale casino gaming, creating the $26 billion industry that operates today.

Twenty years later, many of the officials who had a hand in the creation of IGRA, and others who have had a crucial role in the development of Indian gaming over the years, got together to look back and ahead.

A conference, “20 Years of IGRA: Indian Country’s Winning Hand,” held last month at the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s resort and casino in Arizona, attracted almost 300 attendees to examine the roots and history of IGRA, as well as its economic, social and cultural impact on Indian Country and the communities that surround the reservations.

While it is clear that the growth of Indian gaming has been extraordinary over the past 20 years, the conference continued the debate over the role played by IGRA. An impressive array of speakers attacked the subject matter with vigor, and lively discussions were conducted between panelists and attendees.

In the end, most agreed that the American public needs to be educated about the sovereign nature of tribal governments and how they provide for their people by utilizing revenues gained from Indian gaming. Another point of agreement was that prosperous gaming tribes need to do more to encourage economic growth among non-gaming tribes and tribes with less lucrative casino locations.

A highlight of the conference was the Pathbreakers Award, honoring six individuals who played a key role in the development of Indian gaming: Frank Chavez, former chairman of the New Mexico Indian Gaming Association; Rick Hill, chairman of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin; John James, chairman of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, Mark Macarro, chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, Clinton Pattea, chairman of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation; and Ernest Stevens, Jr., chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.