An International Game Technology executive, whose gaming industry career has spanned 25 years pioneering the Indian casino market, is the 2018 recipient of the National Indian Gaming Association’s Associate Member Lifetime Achievement Award.
Knute Knudson, IGT’s vice president of business development and tribal relations, was presented the award at the 2018 Global Gaming Expo.
“I’ve had the incredible opportunity at IGT to work side-by-side with tribal gaming government leaders, many of whom are now personal friends, as they break boundaries and create new opportunities for their tribes,” Knudson said.
The award recognizes outstanding leaders and advocates of the tribal gaming government industry.
Knudson’s efforts at IGT and Sodak Gaming have influenced the success of hundreds of tribes as they established and expanded their Indian gaming operations across the U.S.
“Knute Knudson is a personal friend of mine and a longtime friend of the Indian Gaming industry,” said National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. “Knute is somebody that knows the industry, does his homework, has a giant heart, and will advise us without hesitation in a good way.”
IGT CEO North America Renato Ascoli said the company pleased NIGA honored Knudson.
“His profound passion for our tribal customers’ success, coupled with his immense knowledge of the tribal gaming industry make him a valued and trusted resource to IGT and beyond,” Ascoli said.
