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
- “No is a complete sentence.” | Breaking the Need to Explain YourselfA REDW HR Consulting duo brings their standing-room-only WEWIN National Conference session to the podcast — practical tools for confidence, boundaries, and voice in Indigenous women’s leadership.
- REDW to Speak at the 2026 WEWIN National ConferenceREDW is heading to Tulsa for the 2026 WEWIN National Conference, where Jessica Goodfox and Taryn Reynolds will lead a workshop on confidence, boundaries, and voice for Indigenous women in leadership.
- REDW to Exhibit and Present at the 2026 Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) ConferenceREDW will exhibit and present at the 2026 OIGA Conference, July 20–22 in Oklahoma City. Visit Booth #517 and join Kandi Link’s panel on casino accounting and audits.
- Oklahoma’s Hiring Demand Is Up Nearly 19%. What Does That Mean for Tribal Employers?By Taryn Reynolds, MSL, THRP II, REDW Senior Human Resources Consultant,and Jessica Goodfox, THRP, TMP, HRC Business Partner, REDW Oklahoma’s labor market is among the fastest-growing in the country —… Read more: Oklahoma’s Hiring Demand Is Up Nearly 19%. What Does That Mean for Tribal Employers?
- REDW to Present and Exhibit at the 2026 UNITY National Conference for Native YouthREDW is proud to participate in this year’s Conference in Oklahoma City, July 10-14, supporting Native youth leadership and financial literacy through an interactive workshop and on-site engagement.
