This will be a tradeshow like no other.
The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) is preparing to host its 2026 Tradeshow & Convention, which is the largest annual gathering within the U.S. tribal gaming industry. The event will take place this week at the San Diego Convention Center, drawing in more than 8,000 industry professionals, including tribal leaders, casino executives, and regulators.
The goal is to provide four days packed with educational sessions and networking opportunities.
A big attraction this year is the return of the DigitalPlay Summit. This segment will be integrated into the main tradeshow floor and will highlight advancements in iGaming, sports betting, and other digital innovations.
In addition to cybersecurity being a hot topic recently, prediction markets will also be addressed.
IGA Tradeshow to Address Industry Threats
The tradeshow will also address the elephant in the room. Pressing issues like prediction markets have become a hot-button topic.
Prediction markets, such as event contracts on platforms like Kalshi, are viewed by many tribal leaders as an existential threat to regulated tribal sports betting and exclusivity under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
In addition to Kalshi, these platforms include DraftKings (which just partnered with Crypto.com), FanDuel, and Fanatics (which has already been challenged by Tribal leaders).
The week includes a dedicated deep-dive block, with several sessions on the topic planned, including:
- "Prediction Markets: When Federal Oversight Fails"
- "Prediction Markets: The Redefinition of Gambling"
- "Prediction Markets: Building the Coalition for the Fight Ahead" — Features IGA Chairman David Z. Bean and James Siva (California Nations Indian Gaming Association), discussing legal and regulatory battles in courts and Congress, plus coalition-building with groups like the American Gaming Association (AGA).
Critics argue that such platforms could skirt regulations established by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, threatening tribal exclusivity and potentially diverting significant revenue from regulated tribal sportsbooks.
The sessions explore how prediction markets bypass tribal-state compacts, licensing, age verification, and consumer protections by framing bets as “derivatives.” Attendees will also hear from tribal lawyers, regulators, and industry experts on impacts and countermeasures. Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO, is also scheduled to speak tomorrow.
Conference Chair Victor Rocha emphasized the tradeshow's role in equipping tribes with essential knowledge to face current industry challenges.
Emerging Opportunities Will Also Be Discussed
According to Rocha, this year's event will also spotlight emerging opportunities, such as innovations in slots and sports betting technologies.
In addition to these discussions, the tradeshow offers a wide range of exhibits, a wellness walk/run, and ample networking opportunities. As tribes continue to navigate economic self-determination via gaming, the event serves as a critical platform for fostering knowledge and collaboration across the industry.
The Indian Gaming Association, a non-profit organization committed to advocating for sovereign tribal nations engaged in gaming, sees the tradeshow as its flagship event. Since its inception under the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the IGA has promoted economic development and tribal sovereignty through gaming.
