Respected Tribal Leader who Dedicated his Career to Advancing Tribal Interests Passes Away

Last week the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) announced the sudden passing of Chairman, Ernest L. Stevens, Jr., who suddenly passed away on September 26, 2025.

Chairman Stevens dedicated his life to Indian Country. For more than two decades, as Chairman of IGA, he never wavered from the mission of advancing tribal government gaming and strengthening tribal sovereignty. Under his leadership, IGA became one of the most powerful and respected voices in Washington, D.C., tirelessly championing the rights of tribal nations and protecting the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Jason Giles, Executive Director of IGA said, “Ernie Stevens, Jr. was more than a chairman; he was a warrior, a statesman, and a champion for all of Indian Country.” Mr. Giles noted “His vision and commitment built bridges across tribal nations, Congress, and federal agencies, ensuring that tribal gaming remained a cornerstone of tribal self-determination and economic growth. His legacy will be unmatched, and his voice will echo for generations to come.”

Matthew Wesaw, Chairman, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana posted on social media: “The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana, along with myself, have lost a dear friend and confidant. While I deeply appreciated Ernie’s friendship and counsel, he was so much more. He was a true champion and statesman for Indian Country. Ernie was a leader’s leader, advocating

across political party lines and bridging divisions within Indian Country. He will be remembered for many things, but his dedication to maintaining the integrity of Indian gaming across the nation will stand near the top of the list—right after his devotion to his family.”

According to the press release issued by the IGA during his tenure, Indian gaming revenues grew from $11 billion in 2000 to a record-breaking $43.9 billion in 2024, making Tribal Government Gaming the largest segment of the U.S. gaming industry. This extraordinary achievement is a direct reflection of Chairman Stevens’ strategic vision and steadfast advocacy, working in lockstep with tribal leaders nationwide to foster the Indian gaming industry, ensuring that gaming revenues continued to fund schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development across Indian Country.

Information on services schedule to Chairman Stevens can we located at: indiangaming.org.

Detroit Casinos License Renewal 2025: Detailed Presentations by Each Operator Show Commitment to Detroit and Outline Business Challenges they are Navigating to Keep Detroit Jobs

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) earlier this month unanimously approved license renewals for Detroit’s three commercial casinos—MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown—during its regularly scheduled public board meeting.

The annual approval follows a comprehensive review of each casino’s operations, regulatory compliance, and commitment to responsible gaming practices, as required under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act. The decision ensures that Detroit residents and visitors can continue to enjoy a safe, secure, and well-regulated gaming environment.

“Detroit’s commercial casinos are not only entertainment destinations but also major contributors to the city and state economies,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “By renewing these licenses, the Board reaffirms its commitment to a gaming industry that promotes integrity, accountability, and community benefit. Our oversight helps ensure that patrons have a fair and responsible experience, while Michigan residents continue to see the economic value generated by casino revenues.”

The MGCB also emphasized the importance of small business participation in the casino supply chain, with measures in place to broaden opportunities for local vendors and suppliers.

Below is a link to the MGCB Video from the MGCB meeting which includes detail presentations (beginning at minute 15:30 in video) by each of the presidents from the three casinos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgYUf8ZM58o

Each of Detroit’s three casinos will be eligible for renewal again in September 2026.

Industry Veteran Joins Fanduel’s Responsible Gaming Efforts

On September 3, 2025 Fanduel announced the addition of Keith Whyte as a Responsible Gaming Strategic Advisor. In his role, Keith will offer insights on the company’s Responsible Gaming strategy and programs, including identifying new opportunities for advocacy and advancing partnerships, as well as leading and developing various events to further a culture of Responsible Gaming.

Whyte will also contribute to FanDuel’s ongoing Responsible Gaming initiatives, including consulting on and creating new content for the Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting program. This program, which was created last year in partnership with EPIC Global Solutions and FanDuel Responsible Gaming Ambassadors Randy Livingston and Anita Ondine Smith, is designed to equip trusted adults, including parents, guardians and coaches, with tools and resources to talk to young people about gambling, associated risks, how to recognize warning signs and where to go for support.

Whyte is Founder and President of Safer Gambling Strategies LLC, and joins FanDuel with over 30 years of experience in the responsible gambling and problem gambling prevention space. Notably, he served as the Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling for over 25 years, leading efforts to offer and promote awareness of treatment and support for individuals experiencing gambling harm. He is known for his advocacy, policy and program experiences and will bring significant knowledge of the industry, along with relationships across national and state gambling organizations to FanDuel.

“FanDuel has consistently demonstrated industry leading commitment to Responsible Gaming, and I’ve long admired their proactive approach,” says Keith Whyte. “I’m thrilled to join the team and contribute my experience to further advancing FanDuel’s efforts in promoting safe and responsible play.”

For more information about FanDuel’s Responsible Gaming initiatives visit: https://www.conversationsaboutbetting.com/.

Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 Announced

On September 25. 2025, The Innovation Group (TIG), in partnership with Global Gaming Business magazine (GGB) and iGaming Business (iGB), have announced the honorees of the Emerging Leaders of Gaming (ELG) 40 Under 40 Class of 2026.

Honorees were selected from a diverse cross-section of professionals from around the world, nominated through an open call to be recognized for their achievements within and dedication to the industry in all its forms. This year’s record-breaking 250+ nominations reflect the program’s growing recognition and influence. “Year after year, ELG 40 Under 40 underscores the importance of mentorship and recognition in advancing the next generation of leaders,” said TIG President & CEO Brian Wyman.

Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40, Class of 2026:

Ariel Adler, Vice President, Strategy, Business Development & Licensing, Light & Wonder
Ajoke Ajibola, Marketing Manager, Retail, Winners Golden Group
Olabimpe Akingba, Head of Responsible Gaming, PawaTech Limited
KJ Amin, Chief of Staff to CEO & President, MGM Resorts International
Tony Amormino, Chief Executive Officer & President, Apache Nugget Corporation
Angelika Antonova, Head of Sales, Affilka
Jason Ayton, SVP, Strategy & Business Development, OpenBet
Thomas Berman, Director, North America – Marketing, CRM & Engagement, Bally’s Interactive
Kelci Skye Binau, Esq., Gaming Law Attorney, McDonald Carano LLP
Jen Bryson, Vice President of Marketing – Hollywood Casino Columbus, PENN Entertainment
Zak Cutler, President of Global Gaming, Paysafe
Peter Czoch, Engineering & Math Manager, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE)
Mike de Graaff, Co-Founder & Chief Compliance Officer, BetComply
John Debono, Co-Founder & CTO, Elantil
Elmer Espiritu, Director of Technical Compliance, Sega Sammy Creation USA Inc.
Eric Flores, Chief Operating Officer, Trilogy Group & Trilogy Digital
Brant Frazee, VP of Online Game Development, AGS (American Gaming Systems)
Brooke Hilton, Head of Casino, PointsBet Canada
Kalyn Johnson, Associate/Lead Interior Designer, HBG Design
Stephen Kenney, VIP Services Director, Potawatomi Casinos Hotel
Steve Lang, Vice President, Business Development, DraftKings
Heior Langa, Business Development Manager, TaDa Gaming
Tashina Lazcano, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications, Konami Gaming, Inc.
Tom Light, CEO, FIRST – Best in Sports
Jessica Maier, Co-Founder and Director, Executive Gaming and Risk Advisory (EGARA)
David Mann, CEO, Swintt
May Mgbolu, Chief of Staff, Arizona Lottery, Special Gaming Advisor, Arizona Governor’s Office
Omotola Oronti, Marketing Manager, Bet9ja/Bet9ja Foundation
Nicole Porpiglia, Managing Director – Trade & Customs, KPMG LLP
Maria Romero de Alba, International iGaming Leader, BMM Innovation Group
Zachary Salem, Vice President of iGaming, Rush Street Interactive
Alex Smith, SVP, Legal & Regulatory Compliance, Fanatics Betting & Gaming
Daniel Stafrace, Head of Cybersecurity & IT, GameLounge
Heitor Langa, Business Development Manager, TaDa Gaming
Seni Thomas, CEO, EDGE Markets Inc.
Nana Totoe, COO, Sportingtech
Max Trafimovich, Chief Commercial Officer, SOFTSWISS
R. Alex Walsh, CFO, Aristocrat Gaming
Marissa Wheeler, Senior Director, Regulatory Compliance, IGT (formerly Everi)
David Williams, Partner, Discerning Capital
Shannon Wright, Regional Vice President of Operations, Caesars Entertainment

Nominations were reviewed and honorees selected by the ELG 40 Under 40 Selection Committee:

Pam Buckley, Executive Vice President, Global Gaming Women
Tommaso Di Chio, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Bragg Gaming Group (ELG 40 Under 40 Alumnus)
Daron Dorsey, President & CEO, AGEM
Jason Giles, Executive Director, Indian Gaming Association (IGA)
Cristina Romero de Alba, Partner, LOYRA
Michael Soll, President, ICRG
Yahaya Maikori, Partner, Law Allianz

Committee:

Pam Buckley, Executive Vice President, Global Gaming Women
Tommaso Di Chio, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Bragg Gaming Group (ELG 40 Under 40 Alumnus)
Daron Dorsey, President & CEO, AGEM
Jason Giles, Executive Director, Indian Gaming Association (IGA)
Cristina Romero de Alba, Partner, LOYRA
Michael Soll, President, ICRG
Yahaya Maikori, Partner, Law Allianz