Insight in Indian Country Podcast
Trusted Expertise to Serve Tribal Nations | REDW National Tribal Practice
Episode 51 – “Nothing beats a warm welcome.” Innovating the Casino Experience with John James
John James, CEO of Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (Navajo Gaming), joins Wes Benally this episode to discuss the evolution of tribal gaming. They discuss the importance of customer experience and the role of innovation in the industry. John shares insights on navigating economic uncertainty, balancing technology with team development, and the significance of non-gaming amenities in enhancing customer experiences. A must-listen for aspiring leaders in the gaming sector!
Chapters
- 01:18 – Evolution of Tribal Gaming Over the Decade
- 04:53 – The Experience of Brick-and-Mortar Casinos
- 08:25 – Customer-Centric Operations in Gaming
- 11:54 – Navigating Economic Uncertainty in Gaming
- 14:42 – The Role of Innovation in Gaming Operations
- 17:32 – Balancing Technology and Team Development
- 19:21 – Non-Gaming Amenities and Customer Experience
- 25:01 – Future Trends in Tribal Gaming
- 29:14 – Advice for Aspiring CEOs in the Gaming Industry
REDW Advisors and CPAs is proud to bring you the Insight in Indian Country Podcast, covering important advisory, accounting, and finance topics that impact Tribal Nations and business affairs.
Meet Your Host
Wesley Ryan Benally, CPA
REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader
As the leader of REDW’s National Tribal Practice, Wes is committed to improving financial literacy throughout Indian Country and hosts the Insight in Indian Country Podcast. He oversees audits of a wide range for Native American communities, state and local government agencies, and non-profits nationwide, is a member of the Arizona State Board of Accountancy’s Peer Review Oversight Advisory Committee, and serves as an instructor with Arizona State University’s American Indian Policy Institute. In addition, as a Board member for a tribal gaming entity that operates in two states, Wes keeps up with regulatory issues important to tribal gaming operations. Wes is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
More from Insight in Indian Country
- NAFOA 43rd Annual ConferenceFrom April 28-29 in New Orleans, REDW will be joining with tribes, state and federal government officials, and leading industry experts to discuss the latest economic issues in Indian Country.
- The true cost of reactive internal controls in tribal gaming operations.As tribal casinos handle more cash than most banks, proactive security measures have become crucial for protecting assets and communities.
- Ransomware: Are You on a Hacker’s Hit List?Join the Cybersecurity experts from REDW for an interactive webinar that offers five critical defense strategies for safeguarding your Tribal organization, plus our free Cyber Incident Response Playbook.
- Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium 2025 Spring ConferenceAs a proud supporter and sponsor of the OTFC, REDW will be both speaking and exhibiting at this event.
- “Nothing beats a warm welcome.” Innovating the Casino Experience with John JamesJohn James and Wes Benally discuss the importance of customer experience and the role of innovation in the tribal gaming industry.
