NCPG establishes Tribal Advisory Council to address responsible gambling in Native American communities

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has unveiled its newly established Tribal Advisory Council. The council seeks to increase awareness and respect for Native cultures as they relate to all facets of gambling so that these cultural practices can help other Native and non-Native communities, the non-profit organization said.

The NCPG noted that even though it has worked with tribal gaming entities for many years, the formation of the Tribal Advisory Council represents "a deeper level of collaboration" to address matters of responsible gambling and problem gambling that are of importance to Native American communities.

The Tribal Advisory Council will provide expertise and momentum for NCPG’s culturally specific work while recognizing the importance of Native American history and sovereignty in consultation with Native American leaders and experts, according to a statement from the non-profit.

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

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

Founding members of the NCPG Tribal Advisory Council include:

• Raquel Buari, J.D., Executive Vice President, Four Winds Casinos
• Jacob Coin, Executive Advisor, San Manuel Tribal Council, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
• Shannon Dictson, Mescalero Responsible Gaming Program & President, Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico
• Anika Howard, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and CEO of Wondr Nation
• Maria Lopez, Executive Director, Pascua Yaqui Tribal Gaming Office
• Matthew Morgan, Chairman, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
• Ray Pineault, J.D., President and CEO, Mohegan
• James Siva, Chairman, California Nations Indian Gaming Association

To help facilitate the work of the Tribal Advisory Council, NCPG has partnered with Valerie Spicer and Sheila Morago of the Trilogy Group, a women-owned firm with over 50 years of combined experience in governmental affairs, business, economic development, and tribal gaming.

“We applaud the formation of the NCPG’s Tribal Advisory Council and look forward to supporting stronger connection with the tribes,” said Valerie Spicer, Trilogy Group President. “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.”

As part of its efforts to provide culturally specific education, members of the Tribal Advisory Council will participate in two sessions at NCPG’s upcoming National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling 2024, which will be held July 17th-19th in San Diego, CA. These sessions include:

Truth and Rehabilitation: Recognizing and Addressing Historical Trauma in Tribal Communities Through Rehabilitation (July 18, 2024 – 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM PT)

Session summary: In order to work respectfully with Native American communities, it is critical to understand the impact of historical trauma.

Truth and rehabilitation initiatives are important because they promote the belief that confronting and reckoning with the past is necessary, acknowledge past wrongs, establish rehabilitation as a means of healing people and relationships, and contribute to the healing process. Learn from examples of truth and reconciliation initiatives from around the world to begin understanding how to work with tribal communities.

Perspectives and Advancements in Tribal Responsible Gaming (July 18, 2024 – 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM PT)

Session summary: Tribal communities across the United States play a significant role in the gambling industry. This session brings together tribal gaming representatives with expertise in the gambling sector to share insights, challenges, and best practices.

Attendees will hear firsthand accounts of how tribal sovereignty intersects with the regulation, operation, and social impacts of gambling enterprises – addressing addiction and promoting responsible gambling from the vantage point of the newly formed Tribal Advisory Council.