Tribes Constructed the Gaming Industry. Who Will Lead it Subsequent?

Tribal nations constructed a $46.2 billion gaming business. Preparing extra Native professionals to guide it’s going to require schooling, mentorship and actual alternatives to advance.

Tribal gaming is among the largest financial engines in Indian Country. In fiscal 2025, tribal gaming operations generated a file $46.2 billion in gross gaming income, in keeping with the National Indian Gaming Commission. The complete was compiled from audited monetary statements submitted by 545 gaming operations owned by almost 250 tribal governments in 29 states.

These numbers present the dimensions of the business, however in addition they spotlight one thing deeper. Tribal enterprises aren’t simply companies. They are expressions of sovereignty, cultural accountability and long-term neighborhood planning. Because of that, Native management in tribal gaming should change into a precedence.

Tribes constructed this business. Native folks ought to assist information the place it goes subsequent.

This isn’t a criticism of the various non-Native professionals who’ve contributed to Indian gaming operations. It is a reminder that tribal nations want Native management at each stage, particularly within the govt suite. When the folks making choices perceive a Nation’s tradition and the accountability that comes with sovereignty, they’ll make choices grounded in that Nation’s values and long-term targets.

Many tribal casinos are positioned in rural areas with smaller labor swimming pools, which implies operators typically rent non-Native professionals to fill specialised positions. At the identical time, tribes want to organize extra Native workers to fill these positions.

The business wants a stronger pathway of Native professionals with the schooling and expertise to maneuver into tribal on line casino administration and govt positions. That gained’t occur by itself. Tribes must make creating Native management growth a precedence.

Why Native Leadership Matters

Tribal enterprises fund healthcare, schooling, housing, infrastructure, cultural preservation and authorities operations. When management is disconnected from Tribal tradition and long run priorities, the enterprise can drift away from its goal.

Native leaders can strengthen cultural alignment, neighborhood accountability and sovereignty. It additionally strengthens regulatory independence which is important in Tribal gaming.

The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation presents one instance of what that dedication can appear like. In 2020, the Nation committed $9 million to UNLV to assist programs, college and applications targeted on tribal gaming, hospitality and regulation. That dedication was not merely a present to a college. It was an funding in making ready Native folks to guide tribal governments and enterprises.

At the time, Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena mentioned gaming had helped the Nation meet its financial growth targets, however the business couldn’t attain its full potential with out making ready Native folks to handle these enterprises. The funding, she mentioned, was to coach and put together the tribe’s youngsters, grandchildren and future generations to chart a path to a sustainable future.

Building the Native Leadership Pathway

Education is one place to start.

As a Native pupil and proud graduate of UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, the highest-ranked U.S. hospitality and leisure management program within the QS World University Rankings by Subject, I’m a part of a rising motion of Native professionals making ready to serve in management roles in tribal enterprises. UNLV’s tribal applications have supported my schooling and helped me develop the talents wanted to serve in these positions.

UNLV’s applications — together with the Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program and the Tribal Education Initiative — are designed to assist Native college students and put together them for tribal gaming careers in operations, hospitality administration, regulatory businesses and tribal governments. These applications aren’t simply tutorial. They are investments in tribal self-determination.

Native college students who pursue hospitality, regulation, gaming and governance are gaining the talents to run large-scale enterprises, handle complicated operations and defend sovereignty by sturdy regulatory programs.

But tribal gaming schooling alone isn’t sufficient. Native professionals additionally want mentorship, sensible expertise and alternatives to advance.

The Path Forward

The Indian gaming business is getting into a brand new period. As properties broaden, diversify and modernize, the demand for skilled professionals who perceive each the enterprise and the communities they serve is rising.

To broaden Native management, tribal nations and gaming enterprises ought to spend money on Native schooling, mentorship applications and Native govt management coaching. Native workers must be given the expertise and alternatives wanted to compete for administration roles. Tribal governments ought to assist sturdy, impartial regulatory programs and create clear pathways for Native professionals to succeed in decision-making positions.

That means providing tuition help, paid internships and administration coaching. It means pairing Native workers with skilled mentors and giving them alternatives to work throughout departments. It additionally means creating succession plans earlier than senior positions change into vacant.

Partnerships with universities like UNLV ought to proceed to develop, as a result of these applications are already producing Native leaders who’re able to step in. Those partnerships can join Indian gaming professionals with schooling with internships, mentorship and employment. But tribal nations and gaming enterprises should full that bridge by giving Native college students and workers actual alternatives to advance.

Devon Tungovia (Hopi) is outreach coordinator for the Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program and a candidate for a grasp’s diploma in hospitality administration from UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. He expects to graduate in 2027.

DISCLOSURE: This article is sponsored content material created by Native Story Lab for the Indian Nations Gaming & Governance at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law. It was created and revealed as a part of a paid partnership and was not reported by the Tribal Business News editorial workforce.