FanDuel is further building out its effort at tribal relations with the hire of former National Indian Gaming Commission chairman E. Sequoyah Simermeyer, 

In a notable stride toward fortifying its involvement in tribal gaming sectors, FanDuel has ushered in E. Sequoyah Simermeyer as vice president of strategic partnerships. Simermeyer, with his invaluable experience as the former chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), is poised to bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.

His tenure at the helm of the NIGC, the sentinel for 512 tribal gaming establishments across 29 states, was marked by significant contributions to the industry which boasts a $40 billion footprint in Tribal government gaming operations.

Simermeyer’s insight is seen as a key asset for FanDuel’s future endeavors, especially when considering his comprehensive understanding of the interplay between state regulations and tribal sovereignty. His appointment is a testament to FanDuel’s commitment to navigate the complexities of the tribal gaming landscape with the necessary expertise and cultural sensitivity.

This marks Simermeyer’s inaugural venture into the private sector, joining a robust team at FanDuel, a prominent wing of Flutter Entertainment. His arrival echoes an earlier strategic addition to the FanDuel family—Rikki Tanenbaum, who serves as the senior vice president of strategic partnerships. With her background as COO for the renowned San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and her experience in California’s racing industry, the synergies between Tanenbaum and Simermeyer are anticipated to be a force multiplier for FanDuel’s collaboration with tribal entities.

Indeed, their partnership at FanDuel is expected to steer the company through the intricacies of tribal operations, potentially widening its footprint in states that bear a significant tribal gaming presence.

Coinciding with these personnel developments, FanDuel President Christian Genetski’s recent movements illustrate the company’s intensified focus on tribal gaming cooperation. His advocacy in Alabama for a sports wagering bill with tribal involvement, coupled with his attendance at the Western Indian Gaming Conference, signal FanDuel’s recalibrated approach following past legislative challenges in California.

The failed 2022 initiative to legalize sports wagering in California dealt a harsh lesson, one that seems to have been taken to heart by FanDuel. It is recognized now more than ever that the road to gaming expansion in California is paved by the tribes.

While the future of sports wagering in California remains uncertain, the strategic acquisition of Tanenbaum and Simermeyer could well be the keystone that cements FanDuel’s place within the arena of tribal gaming cooperation.