Insight in Indian Country Podcast
Trusted Expertise to Serve Tribal Nations | REDW National Tribal Practice
Episode 50 – “Show up, work hard, and be honest.”🤝The Economic Impact of Tribal Gaming with Rebecca George
This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader, Wesley Benally, welcomes Rebecca George, Executive Director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association, to the podcast. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding tribal gaming, the economic impact it has on communities in the Pacific Northwest, and the importance of education and advocacy in navigating state-tribal relations in Washington. Rebecca shares insights on the diversification of tribal economies beyond gaming and the future trends in gaming technology. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration and education to support tribal sovereignty and empower future leaders.
Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction to Tribal Gaming and Misconceptions
- 02:50 – The Impact of Gaming on Tribal Communities
- 05:51 – Navigating State-Tribal Relations
- 09:01 – Economic Diversification Beyond Gaming
- 11:47 – Future Trends in Gaming Technology
- 14:57 – The Importance of Education and Advocacy
- 18:01 – Advice for Future Tribal Leaders
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
- “We’re all fighting for our people.” Economic Growth, Diversification, and the Future of Indian Country with Chris JamesChris speaks candidly about the role gaming has played as a transformational economic driver — and why Tribes are increasingly looking beyond it to federal contracting, technology, agriculture, tourism, and citizen entrepreneurship.
- Spring 2026 Single Audit ReadinessIf your organization receives federal funding — whether you’re a Tribal government, local government, or nonprofit — 2026 is a year to pay close attention to your Single Audit readiness.
- NAFOA 44th Annual ConferenceREDW is proud to return as a Gold Sponsor of NAFOA’s Spring Conference, taking place April 27–28 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV. Join us as we connect with tribal leaders and industry experts to discuss the economic issues shaping Indian Country — and don’t miss REDW Principal and Cybersecurity expert John W. Graham’s session, “What Could Go Wrong? Cybersecurity Essentials for Tribal Governments,” on April 28.
- “We’ve got to generate revenue for the nation.” How DDC Is Winning in Federal IT for the Navajo Nation with Austin TsosieWhat does it look like when a Tribally-owned enterprise deliberately goes off the reservation to generate economic returns for its Nation? Austin Tsosie, CEO of DinĂ© Development Corporation (DDC) — the Navajo Nation’s 8A federal contracting arm — joins host Wes Benally to answer exactly that.
- REDW Advisors & CPAs Welcomes Soaring Bird Solutions, Expanding Advisory Services to Tribal Nations and EnterprisesSoaring Bird Solutions, LLC has joined the firm through a strategic acquisition, integrating its operations into REDW’s national advisory platform. Through this partnership, REDW will expand its capabilities in supporting Tribal Nations and Tribal enterprises, particularly in the areas of human resources strategy, leadership development, and organizational consulting.