Tribal Entities Must Pursue Multi-Channel Strategies to Counter Competition
In the rapidly shifting gaming landscape, traditional tribal casinos are adapting to cater to the digital-first generation of gamblers. The new era demands evolution for tribes to stay competitive, and the increasing popularity of mobile gaming is a clear sign tribes can't afford to fall behind.
Industry experts highlighted this urgency during the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention. Companies like SportRadar, Betting Hero, and Chalkline Sports shared insights on how to navigate the digital wave and stay ahead in an evolving market. The panel was moderated by Joe Kustelski, co-founder of Chalkline Sports.
According to research at Chalkline, omnichannel players are six times more valuable than retail-only players. This underscores the importance for tribal operators to embrace the omnichannel approach to maintain their competitive edge.
Dominic Ortiz, CEO of the Potawatomi Casinos & Hotels, shared his experience in transitioning from land-based gambling to the omnichannel realm. He emphasized the need for tribal casinos to explore white label and social casino options to modernize their strategies. Ortiz also stressed the importance of protecting tribal exclusivity and sovereignty when collaborating with big players in the industry.
With the digital world moving at an incredible pace, Ortiz explained the challenges of making informed decisions in this fast-changing environment. He cautioned that tribal leaders cannot afford to be left behind and must engage customers on social media, adapt to the technological shift, and protect their brands and market.
A significant concern for tribal leaders is the threat posed by illegal operators of sweepstakes and prediction markets. For decades, tribes have maneuvered the gaming landscape, paying gaming taxes and generating revenue. Ortiz emphasized the need for tribes to join forces to counter these disrupters, who argue they are federally recognized and can enter their market without seeking a license or paying taxes.
Suzanne Leckert, co-founder of Convergence Strategy Group, praised Connecticut tribes for pioneering the omnichannel approach, with the Mohegan and Seminole tribes leading the way in offering successful sports betting and igaming products. Michigan tribes are also on everyone's radar as they experiment with different partnerships to find their ideal solution.
As the gambling world becomes increasingly digital, tribes must stay innovative and proactive to protect their sovereignty. Collaborative efforts with tech firms and regulatory bodies, thorough education on cybersecurity and AI adoption, and market diversification are crucial components of this strategy. By leveraging technological agility and legal vigilance, tribes can compete in the digital gaming landscape and preserve their unique cultural identity.
- Joe Kustelski, the co-founder of Chalkline Sports, moderated a panel at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, discussing the importance of navigating the digital wave to stay ahead in the evolving gaming market.
- Domic Ortiz, CEO of the Potawatomi Casinos & Hotels, stressed the need for tribal casinos to explore white label and social casino options as part of their transition to the omnichannel realm, while protecting tribal exclusivity and sovereignty.
- Suzanne Leckert, co-founder of Convergence Strategy Group, commended Connecticut tribes for pioneering the omnichannel approach in the gaming industry, with the Mohegan and Seminole tribes leading the way in offering successful sports betting and igaming products.
