Patrice Kunesh Chosen as National Indian Gaming Commission Chair
US President Joe Biden wants Patrice Kunesh as National Indian Gaming Commission chair. If the appointment is confirmed by the Senate, she will take charge of the only federal gambling regulator in the US. Kunesh is currently deputy assistant secretary for Native American Affairs. She will replace Sharon M. Avery, the outgoing acting chairwoman.
Support for the nomination
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is happy about the appointment. Kunesh is fully committed to advancing the interests of Tribal Nations and communities. She is of Standing Rock Lakota descent and has shown her commitment to federal, state, and tribal service. Her confirmation as chair will help enhance the governance and oversight of tribal online gaming as well as the land-based casinos in Native American land. She will work with the tribes and address important aspects affecting the oversight of the sector and tribal sovereignty.
Background and experience
Kunesh is a Harvard Kennedy School graduate with an extensive background in law, public policy, and tribal economic development. Besides her deputy assistant secretary position, she also serves as the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans.
Kunesh has worked in academia as a law professor at the University of North Dakota and was a deputy solicitor for Indian Affairs. Working with the Native American Rights Fund and as in-house counsel for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has also prepared her for her new role. She has a deep understanding of tribal issues and proven leadership skills. This will make her contribution valuable.
A crossroads for tribal gaming
The United States has come a long way from the times of pinball arcades to modern online casinos. The appointment of Patrice Kunesh comes at a time when tribal gaming is in transition. Since the passing of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988, tribal gaming has become an integral part of the U.S. gaming industry. The industry has grown from small gaming halls to huge global event centers with slot games, table games, etc.
The Supreme Court has made some interesting recent decisions, such as striking down the Chevron doctrine and not granting certiorari to West Flagler Associates in a federal challenge to Florida sports betting. This could influence the roll-out of online gaming across the nation. The decisions have the potential to tilt the balance in favor of tribes in some states.
Transformation and growth
Many events have shaped Native American history but the tribes as contenders in the gaming industry is an interesting development. It is experiencing year-over-year growth. Tribal gaming helps to provide jobs, improve infrastructure, community services, and more. Tribes are doing things on their own lands and out into the wider community.
Some of the challenges along the way have been to differentiate itself from commercial gaming, contribute to local tribal economies, and engage a new generation of tribal members. Educating the next generation can lead to careers for tribal members in casinos.
By forming their gaming commissions, the tribes could improve their connection to the operation side of the industry. They have been refining their approach to contracts, tech, and software. The tribes have evolved with the times and have increasingly embraced innovation and technology. Michigan as a market has shown how frameworks for tribal gaming can help it thrive.
