Q&A with G2E Conference Advisory Board Member Jason Giles, Executive Director, National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA)

As a member of G2E’s Conference Advisory Board for the Indian Gaming Conference Track, what was the biggest trend you wanted to make sure was addressed in this year’s Indian Gaming Conference Track?

Clearly the internet gaming issue is front and center for Indian Country as we head to G2E this year. G2E does a good job of covering this topic so the Indian Gaming Conference Advisory Board wanted to ensure that the Tribal viewpoint is represented at these sessions.  However, we really felt that internet by itself does not fully capture all the technological advancements that are taking place in our industry. So we included within the internet topic other areas of technological change being brought forth by the digital era. This includes regulation and Class II gaming.  We wanted to make sure those are covered as well.

What are the top two sessions that you think are most critical for a tribal gaming casino exec to attend during the Indian Gaming Conference Track?

There are two panels we are excited about: “Preparing for State Gaming Market Changes: The Potential Loss of Exclusivity” and “Presidential Election 2012: Impact on Indian Country.” These two panels are important if you want to try and look into the near future for Indian Gaming. We have some excellent speakers on these panels who spend their time preparing for changes in the political landscape.  

What speaker are you most excited about that will be speaking at the Indian Gaming Conference Track? 

Well, aside from myself (just kidding), I am excited to hear from Kristi Jackson at Tribal Financial Advisors.  She will be heading up the “Preparing for State Gaming Market Changes: The Potential Loss of Exclusivity” panel and this is an area Tribes need to focus more attention on. States are looking for revenue since the recession began in 2008, and we are seeing more and more states legalize gaming. Tribal gaming enterprises are doing a great job of marketing and branding their name, but they must see the challenges coming down the road.  Kristi Jackson and her company are analyzing and preparing Tribal gaming operations for these challenges. 

Related links:
National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA)
G2E 2012 Conference Program