American Indian Policy Institute

The CFTC is proposing changes to its rules concerning event contract derivatives, otherwise known as prediction markets.

👉 Overview: Prediction markets and event contracts have risen in popularity in recent years, presenting challenges to Tribal Nation gaming under the Indian Gaming and Regulatory Act (IGRA). Among the changes proposed include an update to the CFTC’s definition of “gaming”.

🔗 More background info: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-prediction-market-boom-is-posing-an-existential-threat-to-american-indian-gaming/

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🔍 In the proposal:

The CFTC’s proposed definition defines gaming as any activity that: (i) one or more participants typically engage in for purposes of recreation or to entertain others, (ii) is governed by rules; and (iii) includes measurable occurrences or outcomes that depend on the participants' luck, skill, or athletic ability during the activity.”

The CFTC invites Tribal Nations to provide comments on each of its proposals that may relate to the relationship between the federal government and Tribal Nations, or that may affect Tribal governmental, economic, or regulatory interests.

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📬 Public comments are due July 27, 2026 and can be submitted by 3 methods detailed in the federal register notice.

🔗 Document link: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/12/2026-11854/prediction-markets-public-interest-determinations

Questions can be directed via email to [email protected].

For more than a decade, Dr. Traci has led the American Indian Policy Institute, helping to redefine its mission, expand its impact, and advance community-driven work into emerging areas such as digital sovereignty.

As AIPI celebrates our 20th anniversary this year, Dr. Morris reflects on more than 10 years of service to the Institute and Tribal Nations, and the progress made through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy.

Join us in celebrating 20 years of impact.

Learn more: aipi.asu.edu/20years

AIPI was created to address the complex and expanding responsibilities of Tribal governments through research, policy development, and community partnership.

Each milestone we've achieved over the past 20 years reflects our ongoing dedication to supporting Native communities and strengthening governance, leadership, and self-determination.

Look back on AIPI's history and join us in celebrating 20 years.

Learn more at: aipi.asu.edu/20years

AIPI is celebrating 20 years of examining, exploring and elevating the issues that impact Tribal Nations and their citizens.

As we celebrate our 20th year, we also step into a new era—embracing a bold set of updates that reflect a changing world and an evolving mission. At the heart of this next chapter is a deepened commitment to Tribal Nations, built over decades through strengthened partnerships, expanded capacity-building efforts and innovative research.

Looking ahead, we are proud to build on our momentum with a new generation of initiatives, including:

• Expanded leadership education pathways through the Indigenous Leadership Academy

• New research, tools and solutions out of the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty

• Strengthened policy work in partnership with Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and the Indian Legal Program at ASU Law.

👉 Learn more at: aipi.asu.edu/20years

Join us as we celebrate 20 years of dedication, hard work and shared achievement this month! 🎉

This work has always been a collective effort, and for two decades, the AIPI community has remained steadfast in its commitment to examining, exploring and elevating the issues that impact Tribal Nations and their citizens.

From all of us at AIPI, thank you for being part of this journey and continuing to advance our shared mission.

With gratitude and appreciation from all of us at AIPI,
Yakoke (Choctaw), Chokma'shki (Chickasaw), Ahéhee' (Navajo/Diné)

👉 Learn more:
aipi.asu.edu/20years