John James, CEO of Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (Navajo Gaming), joins Wes Benally this episode to discuss the evolution of tribal gaming. They discuss the importance of customer experience and the role of innovation in the industry. John shares insights on navigating economic uncertainty, balancing technology with team development, and the significance of non-gaming amenities in enhancing customer experiences. A must-listen for aspiring leaders in the gaming sector!

Chapters

· 01:18 - Evolution of Tribal Gaming Over the Decade

· 04:53 - The Experience of Brick-and-Mortar Casinos

· 08:25 - Customer-Centric Operations in Gaming

· 11:54 - Navigating Economic Uncertainty in Gaming

· 14:42 - The Role of Innovation in Gaming Operations

· 17:32 - Balancing Technology and Team Development

· 19:21 - Non-Gaming Amenities and Customer Experience

· 25:01 - Future Trends in Tribal Gaming

· 29:14 - Advice for Aspiring CEOs in the Gaming Industry

REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!

This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader, Wesley Benally, welcomes Rebecca George, Executive Director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association, to the podcast. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding tribal gaming, the economic impact it has on communities in the Pacific Northwest, and the importance of education and advocacy in navigating state-tribal relations in Washington. Rebecca shares insights on the diversification of tribal economies beyond gaming and the future trends in gaming technology. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration and education to support tribal sovereignty and empower future leaders.

Chapters

· 00:00 - Introduction to Tribal Gaming and Misconceptions

· 02:50 - The Impact of Gaming on Tribal Communities

· 05:51 - Navigating State-Tribal Relations

· 09:01 - Economic Diversification Beyond Gaming

· 11:47 - Future Trends in Gaming Technology

· 14:57 - The Importance of Education and Advocacy

· 18:01 - Advice for Future Tribal Leaders

REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Wesley Benally interviews James Siva, Vice Chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, discussing the dual perspectives of tribal leadership and gaming advocacy. They explore the future of gaming in California, the importance of balancing community values with economic decisions, and the need for economic diversification among tribal nations. Siva emphasizes the significance of engaging younger generations in the gaming industry and the power of inter-tribal collaboration. He also shares valuable advice for future tribal leaders, encouraging them to ask questions and embrace their unique perspectives.

Chapters

· 00:00 - Introduction to Tribal Leadership and Gaming Advocacy

· 03:09 - The Future of Gaming in California

· 05:54 - Balancing Community Values and Economic Decisions

· 09:09 - Economic Diversification for Tribal Nations

· 11:55 - Engaging the Younger Generations in Gaming

· 14:55 - Inter-Tribal Collaboration and National Impact

· 20:58 - Advice for Future Tribal Leaders

REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs. Thanks for listening!