Several people have asked why I created Indian Country Online: The 2013 Congress and the simple answer is this: As online gaming gains traction in the gaming industry, Indian country needs to be prepared for the eventuality of online poker, and possibly … maybe … one day … full-blown online gambling. Indian Country Online Congress is my contribution to this dialogue.
As my dear friend Valerie Spicer, executive director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, reminds me, online gaming won’t be for every tribe. I agree, especially in the absence of federal legislation, but it’s something every gaming tribe should understand regardless of its position today.
In other words, if online gaming comes to your state, do you know how it’ll affect your business? Can you afford to stand on the sidelines and watch?
Case in point: On April 30, Ultimate Poker became the first legal online poker room in the U.S to accept paying customers. Not only is it a success, but 20 more companies are chomping at the bit to go online in Nevada. With New Jersey in the batter’s box, and Delaware right behind them, it’s only a matter of time before other states, desperate for tax revenue, join in.
At the inaugural Indian Country Online, we’ll look at the fundamentals of iGaming. We’ll peel back the curtain to examine the nuts and bolts of the industry.
I want us to see online gaming through the eyes of the entrepreneurs already profiting from it. Even if a tribe decides against going online, there will be plenty of business opportunities to pursue.
I understand it looks complicated, and it kinda is, but it’s not magic. Twenty-five years of running successful casinos have more than prepared Indian country for the technological and regulatory challenges. The wheel has already been invented in Europe and Canada. Everything that can happen in this industry has already happened, and it’s important we learn from their mistakes.
I hope you’ll join me June 3-4 at the Pechanga Casino & Resort for the inaugural Indian Country Online Congress: No Tribe Left Behind conference. I’ve spent a lot of time and effort with the wonderful people of Spectrum Gaming to bring you an information-packed event.
