IGT has revealed that its Vice President of Global Business Development and Tribal Ambassador, Knute Knudson Jr, will be inducted into the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Gaming Hall of Fame in October for his contribution to tribal gaming growth.
Knudson has spent his career being an advocate and proponent of Indian gaming for three decades, first working on drafting the Indian Gaming Act back in 1989 as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Department for Interior.
In the 1990s, Knutson worked at Sodak Gaming, securing economic self-sufficiency for Indian Country by financing more than $1.5bn in equipment and systems sales to tribes looking to start gaming businesses.
“Knute’s dedicated support and committed advocacy of tribal gaming expansion and sustained health and well-being of Indian country are unmatched in our industry,” said Renato Ascoli, IGT CEO, Global Gaming.
“Knute is a true champion of tribal gaming—a constant source of knowledge, guidance, and support to hundreds of tribes throughout his lengthy career. IGT is incredibly proud that Knute’s impact as a strategic partner and dedicated friend to Indian Country is being recognized with an induction into the AGA’s Gaming Hall of Fame.”
In the present day, Knutson is still committed to advancing the interest in tribal gaming growth. At IGT, he helps to provide tribal casinos with the firm’s technology, both hardware and software to help casinos improve their products.
“I am distinctly honoured and thrilled to be accepted into this esteemed group of AGA Gaming Hall of Fame honorees,” said Knudson.
“The advancement of Indian gaming, tribal self-sufficiency, and, importantly, Tribal Sovereignty has been my life’s work, and my success is intricately tied to Indian people who have trusted me to advance their causes and expand gaming opportunities on their behalf. I am grateful for their confidence, partnerships and friendships and thank IGT for its continued support.”
