Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA)
- Founded
- 1986-01-01
- Headquarters
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Established in 1986, the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) is a non-profit trade association that unites Indian Nations engaged in tribal government gaming throughout Oklahoma, along with non-voting associate members from businesses and organizations that serve the industry. As the primary voice for tribal gaming in the state, OIGA promotes the general welfare of Oklahoma Indian Tribes by developing sound policies and practices for gaming enterprises in Indian Country. The association educates tribal, federal, and state governments, as well as the general public, on issues relating to tribal government gaming while advocating for tribal sovereignty and economic self-sufficiency. OIGA is best known for its annual Conference and Trade Show in Oklahoma City each July, which draws nearly 3,000 attendees. Beyond the conference, the organization provides scholarships, industry awards, and a platform for tribal leaders to coordinate on regulatory and legislative challenges, including combatting illegal gambling operators. The core purpose of OIGA is to advance the economic, social, and political welfare of Indian peoples, making it a central hub for Oklahoma’s multi-billion dollar tribal gaming sector.
Events Organized
Detailed Review
Overview
The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) operates as the primary tribal gaming trade association for the state of Oklahoma, a jurisdiction where tribal government gaming generates an estimated $23.4 billion in annual economic impact. Founded in 1986, OIGA serves as a collective voice for sovereign tribal nations that operate casinos, hotels, and related enterprises under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and tribal-state compacts. The Association’s membership includes both tribal nations (voting members) and non-voting associate members that provide goods and services to the industry, such as technology vendors, food service providers, legal firms, and financial advisory practices like REDW Advisors & CPAs.
Annual Conference & Trade Show
OIGA’s flagship event is its annual Conference and Trade Show, held each July at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Billed as “the biggest little show in Indian Gaming,” the three-day event attracts nearly 3,000 vendors, tribal leaders, regulators, and guest speakers. It features a trade floor, educational sessions, and networking opportunities focused on critical industry topics such as regulatory compliance, responsible gaming, cybersecurity, and emerging threats like illegal sweepstakes casinos and prediction markets. The Association also hosts a mobile app (available on iOS) specifically for the conference, connecting attendees to exhibitors, scheduling, and networking tools.
Recognition Programs
OIGA runs several recognition programs. The Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Indian Gaming honors individuals who have worked through the ranks to make significant impacts in their workplaces and communities. The Modern Day Warrior Award recognizes professionals who have championed tribal government gaming and sovereignty, “trading the arrow for the pen.” Additionally, the John Marley Scholarship Fund—named for a key figure in the association’s early development—provides educational support to students pursuing careers related to tribal gaming and hospitality.
Advocacy & Public Policy
Advocacy is a core pillar of OIGA’s work. In recent years, the Association has been actively engaged in protecting tribal markets from unlicensed operators, including online sweepstakes casinos, illegal sports betting outfits, and prediction market platforms. OIGA leadership frequently meets with state and federal officials, participates in the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma (UINO) annual meetings, and collaborates with the national Indian Gaming Association (IGA) to strengthen regulatory frameworks. Through these efforts, OIGA ensures that Oklahoma’s tribal nations can continue to leverage gaming revenue for essential government services, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and cultural preservation.
Key Products
OIGA Conference & Trade Show
The Association’s flagship annual event, held in Oklahoma City each July, featuring a trade floor, educational panels, keynote speakers, and networking. Attracts nearly 3,000 industry professionals.
OIGA Mobile App
A mobile application (iOS) designed for the annual conference, providing schedules, exhibitor maps, attendee networking, and real-time updates.
OIGA Awards
Two annual awards: the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Indian Gaming and the Modern Day Warrior Award, honoring individuals who have made significant impacts in the industry.
John Marley Scholarship Fund
A scholarship program named after John Marley, providing financial support to students studying fields relevant to tribal gaming.
Advocacy & Public Policy Representation
OIGA acts as a lobbying and educational body, representing tribal nations’ interests before state and federal government, and fighting illegal gambling operations.
Key Persons
Jason GilesExecutive Director
David BeanChairman
- Matthew Morgan
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Recent News
IGA Chairman to testify on prediction market risks for tribal gaming at House hearing
IGA Chairman David Bean will testify before a US House subcommittee on July 21 about the threats unregulated prediction markets pose to tribal gaming, building on earlier joint opposition with the AGA and concurrent regulatory actions in Arizona.
2026-07-16