In the United States, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has announced the launch of an official body to specifically help address problem and responsible gambling issues important to Native American communities. 

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling matters but has worked with a range of state and national bodies since 1972 to assist in the reduction of the multiple economic and social impacts associated with gambling addiction.

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Recognized Remit

The non-profit NCPG stated its new Tribal Advisory Council represents ‘a deeper level of collaboration’ with tribal gaming entities and will work towards increasing awareness and respect of Native American cultures as these ‘relate to all facets of gambling’ for the benefit of wider society.

The Executive Director for the NCPG, Keith Whyte, declared this fresh endeavor is to also partner with tribal leaders and experts so as to provide ‘expertise and momentum’ for his larger organization’s culturally specific efforts while simultaneously ‘recognizing the importance of Native American history and sovereignty’.

“Our work with tribes is based on a deep respect for tribal sovereignty and our core values of neutrality, collaboration, respect and credibility,” Whyte said. 

“We have a responsibility to listen and learn as well as the opportunity to share our knowledge as we seek to reduce the social costs of gambling addiction and improve health and wellness in all communities.”

Capable Control

At the same time as debuting the Tribal Advisory Council, the NCPG disclosed the new body is to be led by an eight-member board embracing the Executive Vice-President for tribal casino operator Four Winds Casinos, Raquel Buari, in addition to the President for the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico, Shannon Dictson.

This panel is also to feature the President and Chief Executive Officer for Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment, Ray Pineault, the Chair for the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, James Siva, and the Executive Director for the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Gaming Office, Maria Lopez.

Rounding out this distinguished leadership team are the Executive Advisor for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Jacob Coin; the Chair for the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, Matthew Morgan; and the Chief Executive Officer for tribal-owned iGaming provider Wondr Nation, Anika Howard.

“The relationships and partnerships we have forged over the years are the strong foundation for this exciting new project,” Whyte said.

Eminent Alliance

The NCPG detailed the efforts of the Tribal Advisory Council are to be additionally aided by a new partnership with Trilogy Group, which is a tribal-owned organization specializing in governmental affairs and public relations as well as the formulation of community outreach campaigns and economic development and diversification strategies.

The Chief Executive Officer for Trilogy Group, Valerie Spicer, has over 35 years of experience in the gaming industry, including as a past Executive Director for the Arizona Indian Gaming Association and hailed the formation of the Tribal Advisory Council. The practiced professional asserted her enterprise is now looking forward to working with the NCPG and its latest branch in order to support ‘stronger connections with the tribes’

“This work acknowledges the significance of tribal gaming in the gambling sector, the impacts of tribal gaming on communities and ways we can support finding balance in helping people heal from gambling-related harm respectfully amid the complexity,” Spicer said.