National Indian Gaming Association postpones annual convention

Monday, March 16, 2020  

News from the National Indian Gaming Association, whose mission is to protect and preserve the general welfare of tribes striving for self-sufficiency through gaming enterprises in Indian Country. NIGA is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

The National Indian Gaming Association Board of Directors and Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr., are officially announcing today that the Association will be postponing the 2020 Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention in San Diego scheduled on March 24– 27.

At an emergency meeting (March 12, 2020) of the Board of Directors, the National Indian Gaming Association voted unanimously to postpone the event.

The decision to postpone the annual gaming convention comes after, among other developments, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order addressing California’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NIGA Board of Directors was also driven by the overwhelming critical safety concerns voiced by many tribal governments and the gaming industry.

National Indian Gaming Association Chairman, Ernie Stevens, Jr., stated: “The health and safety of our tribal gaming attendees are of paramount concern and postponing the Indian Gaming Tradeshow, for now, is the safest course of action. Our Board of Directors and Association staff will work diligently on the best path forward for all impacted attendees in light of this postponement.”

Governor Newsom’s Executive Order announcement can be found at: gov.ca.gov.

The National Indian Gaming Association will provide updates as they become available regarding the next steps after postponement.

NIGA keeps close watch on coronavirus ahead of annual convention (March 6, 2020)