National Council on Problem Gambling Press Release by Cait Huble
Washington, DC (JULY 15, 2024) – Today, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to reduce the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction, proudly unveiled its newly established Tribal Advisory Council. While NCPG has worked with Tribal gaming entities for many years, the formation of the Tribal Advisory Council represents a deeper level of collaboration to address matters of responsible gambling and problem gambling that are of importance to Native American communities.
The Tribal Advisory Council seeks to increase awareness and respect for Native cultures as they relate to all facets of gambling so that these cultural practices can help other Native and non-Native communities. The Advisory Council will provide expertise and momentum for NCPG’s culturally specific work while recognizing the importance of Native American history and sovereignty in consultation with Native American leaders and experts.
“Our work with tribes is based on a deep respect for Tribal sovereignty and our core values of neutrality, collaboration, respect and credibility. We have a responsibility to listen and learn, as well as the opportunity to share our knowledge as we seek to reduce the social costs of gambling addiction and improve health and wellness in all communities,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “The relationships and partnerships we have forged over the years are the strong foundation for this exciting new project.”
Founding members of the NCPG Tribal Advisory Council include:
Raquel Buari, J.D., Executive Vice President, Four Winds Casinos
Jacob Coin, Executive Advisor, San Manuel Tribal Council, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
Shannon Dictson, Mescalero Responsible Gaming Program & President, Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico
Anika Howard, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and CEO of Wondr Nation
Maria Lopez, Executive Director, Pascua Yaqui Tribal Gaming Office
Matthew Morgan, Chairman, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
Ray Pineault, J.D., President and CEO, Mohegan
James Siva, Chairman, California Nations Indian Gaming Association
To help facilitate the work of the Tribal Advisory Council, NCPG has partnered with Valerie Spicer and Sheila Morago of the Trilogy Group. The Trilogy Group is a Native American-owned and operated organization with over 50 years of combined experience in governmental affairs, business, economic development and Tribal gaming.
“We applaud the formation of the NCPG’s Tribal Advisory Council and look forward to supporting stronger connection with the Tribes. This work acknowledges the significance of Tribal Gaming in the gambling sector, the impacts of Tribal gaming on communities, and ways we can support finding balance in helping people heal from gambling-related harm respectfully amid the complexity,” said Valerie Spicer, Trilogy Group Founding Partner and President.
As part of its efforts to provide culturally specific education, members of the Tribal Advisory Council will participate in two sessions at NCPG’s upcoming National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling 2024, which will be held July 17-19 in San Diego, CA.
