Indian Gaming Association and TGPN meet at Valley View Casino to strengthen tribal gaming

The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) continued its outreach to tribal gaming leaders as Chairman David Z. Bean met with the Executive Board of the Tribal Gaming Protection Network (TGPN) at Valley View Casino & Hotel, located on the lands of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians.

The visit was part of Chairman Bean's continued commitment to strengthening partnerships across Indian Country. The meeting honored the legacy of the late Ernie Stevens Jr., who advocated for strong regulators, informed professionals, and trusted networks to protect tribal gaming.

TGPN leadership shared updates on their expanding education and networking initiatives, which support gaming professionals, regulators, and tribal governments in safeguarding the integrity of tribal gaming operations. The discussion also highlighted TGPN’s year-round training programs and growing national visibility through signature events such as the Women in Tribal Gaming Symposium.

"TGPN represents the kind of forward-thinking collaboration Chairman Stevens believed in," said Bean. "He understood that protecting tribal gaming was not only about policy. It was about strengthening the people and systems that stand on the frontlines every day.”

Bean said that Indian gaming regulators play a crucial role in the success of tribal government gaming. "Indian gaming is the most regulated industry anywhere, and we remain confident that the success tribes have built comes in great part from the experts who regulate each tribal casino, one community at a time," he added.

Additionally, Bean highlighted the importance of strengthening organizations that support and empower these regulators and expressed pride in continuing the message and legacy championed by Stevens.

TGPN has become a widely recognized platform for education, resource sharing, and professional development, reflecting Stevens’ long-standing emphasis on regulatory integrity and capacity building.

"IGA is proud to continue standing with TGPN," Bean added. "Their work directly supports tribal sovereignty by ensuring our gaming professionals and regulators are equipped, connected, and supported. We encourage tribes and gaming commissions to take part in TGPN's upcoming events and activities that help strengthen our collective foundation.”

The Executive Board and Bean also explored ways IGA and TGPN can align efforts in the year to ensure tribal governments remain informed, prepared, and unified in addressing emerging industry challenges.

Bean said that nurturing these relationships is an essential part of carrying forward Stevens’ legacy, whose belief in unity, education, and collaboration helped shape the structures on which tribal gaming relies today.