Zona de Azar USA – FanDuel Strengthens Tribal Relations Team with Key Hire

USA.- February 27, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com FanDuel is set to bolster its commitment to tribal relations with a significant hire, marking the third executive appointment with expertise in tribal gaming within the past six months.

E. Sequoyah Simermeyer, the former chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, will join FanDuel as the Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, the company exclusively revealed to Sports Handle.

Simermeyer’s appointment follows the strategic additions of Rikki Tanenbaum, the former COO of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, who joined in October as the Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, and Frank Sizemore, the former Vice President of Operations at San Manuel, hired in January as another Vice President for Strategic Partnerships.

These hires underline FanDuel’s proactive efforts to engage with Indian Country and establish meaningful partnerships across the nation. While already collaborating with Connecticut’s Mohegan Tribe and Washington’s Suquamish Tribe, FanDuel, like many operators, is eyeing entry into California, positioning itself for the anticipated legalization of sports betting in the state.

“I think it’s another positive step forward. I still think we have a long way to go, but I think it’s important to have these steps as we look to the future of the expansion of gaming in California and across Indian Country,” commented James Siva, Chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, to Sports Handle. “This is the first time that any of these companies are looking to work with Indian Country.”

The unexpected resignation of Simermeyer from the NIGC was made public last Wednesday, causing a stir at the Western Indian Gaming Conference at the Pechanga Casino Resort in suburban Los Angeles. Although the announcement did not disclose Simermeyer’s destination, his move to FanDuel has been widely acknowledged within the industry.

“He’s a big deal; I think it shows a seriousness,” noted Victor Rocha, founder of Pechanga.net and conference chairman for the Indian Gaming Association, speaking to Sports Handle. “Sequoyah is really admired because he listens. He’s done a great job of taking more of a hands-off approach.”

Edited by: @MaiaDigital www.zonadeazar.com