During a recent government meeting, significant discussions emerged regarding the alarming issue of human trafficking, particularly within the context of tribal and non-tribal casinos. Senator Cortez Masto highlighted the vulnerability of Native populations to trafficking, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and targeted prevention strategies in these establishments.

The Not Invisible Commission, co-led by Senator Cortez Masto, has recommended initiatives aimed at educating casino and hotel managers on identifying and reporting suspected human trafficking incidents. The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has partnered with various agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to implement programs like the Blue Campaign Toolbox, which provides resources for training staff in recognizing signs of trafficking.

The conversation also underscored the broader implications of violence against women and the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW). The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has been actively involved in addressing these issues, with over 100 recommendations aimed at prevention and support for victims. The ACF commissioner expressed a commitment to enhancing NIGC's focus on public safety and the prevention of illegal activities, including human trafficking, within gaming venues.

A notable gap in data regarding the intersection of human trafficking and gaming was acknowledged, with calls for further research to understand the magnitude of the problem. The commissioner pledged to prioritize this data collection and report back to the committee, highlighting the necessity of legislative responses to effectively combat these pressing issues.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among committee members to deepen their understanding of human trafficking and to explore legislative avenues to address the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly within Indigenous communities.