Ernie Stevens Jr. has been re-elected for his 13th term as Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA). Running unopposed, he received unanimous support from tribal leadership, reinforcing their confidence in his leadership.

Stevens said: “From day one of my Chairmanship, my commitment has been unwavering – my work is my campaign, always inspired and guided by our tribal leadership. For 24 years, I have remained steadfast, and I will not unpack my bags for the next two years either. Together, we will vigorously advance our proactive agenda and stand ready to unite Indian Country to defend tribal sovereignty at all costs. I promised each of you that I would dedicate myself fully – morning, noon, and night – to champion our interests in tribal government gaming. I am honored to be your messenger, amplifying the voices of our elected tribal officials, and I will carry your message with pride and purpose.”

During his tenure, Indian gaming revenues have soared from $11 billion in 2000 to over $49.1 billion in 2024, solidifying tribal government gaming as the largest segment of the gaming industry in the US.

SUZOHAPP has announced the appointment of Jim Kirner as its new Sales Director for North America.

With over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry, Jim brings a wealth of expertise to his role and will be pivotal in driving SUZOHAPP’s sales and product strategies across the region.

Throughout his career, Jim has been instrumental in driving transformational changes in the gaming sector, helping companies innovate and enhance the player experience. In the past, he directly worked on driving the adoption of Ticket-In, Ticket-Out (TITO) systems from the ground up and he played a critical role in the development of bonusing software solutions, as well as strategic accounts initiatives. His extensive experience spans a wide range of gaming sectors, including electronic table games, cash access services, ticket redemption kiosks, and slot machine sales at both the property and corporate levels. Prior to joining SUZOHAPP, Jim held key leadership positions at IGT, DiTRONICS, Interblock, and Aruze Gaming Global.

“I’m excited to join SUZOHAPP and leverage my experience to help drive growth and innovation across North America. Our industry is evolving rapidly, and I look forward to working closely with our talented team to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers while enhancing the gaming experience for players everywhere,” said Jim Kirner.

Advertisement

“Jim’s extensive background and in-depth understanding of SUZOHAPP’s customer base will be invaluable in refining our sales and product strategy. We are confident that his leadership and industry knowledge will be crucial to our continued success in North America, and we look forward to his contributions in strengthening relationships with customers and partners across the region,” said Geoff Mc Dowell, President of SUZOHAPP.

BetConstruct, a global pioneer in iGaming and sports betting solutions, has announced a significant milestone in the gaming industry. Through its affiliate entity, BetConstruct has become the first iGaming company authorized to facilitate the issuance of both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licenses. This remarkable achievement was made possible by obtaining a direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation in Canada.

The Tobique First Nation, renowned for its innovative and forward-thinking regulatory approach, has entrusted BetConstruct’s affiliate entity with the authority to oversee applications and facilitate the issuance of licenses from its jurisdiction. This partnership underscores shared values of innovation, transparency, and a commitment to responsible gaming practices.

This historic development places BetConstruct at the forefront of the Canadian iGaming market, redefining the opportunities available to gaming operators. By leveraging its affiliate entity’s licensing capabilities, BetConstruct empowers businesses to navigate a streamlined and transparent regulatory environment, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.

“At BetConstruct, we’ve always strived to push the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming. This landmark achievement with the Tobique First Nation reflects our unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for our partners while upholding the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in gaming,” said Vigen Badalyan, Co-Founder of BetConstruct.

Advertisement

The issuance of dual licenses under the watchful eye of BetConstruct’s affiliate not only highlights BetConstruct’s commitment to supporting its partners but also reinforces the company’s role as a trusted leader in the global iGaming landscape.

This milestone signals a new era for regulated iGaming, as BetConstruct takes bold steps to establish a robust ecosystem for operators and consumers alike. With its direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation, BetConstruct is setting a new standard for innovation, consumer protection, and sustainable growth in Canada and beyond.