Washington, D.C. — It is with deep sadness that the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) announces the passing of Daniel “Danny” James Tucker, longtime former Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation (Sycuan), and a pioneering leader in the tribal gaming movement. Chairman Tucker passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, at his home in El Cajon, California, at the age of 73.
Chairman Tucker served multiple terms as tribal chair (1993–1996 and 2003–2014) and guided the tribe through the transformative period of Class III gaming. Equally important was his role on the national stage: he served as Vice-Chairman of what was then the National Indian Gaming Association. He helped shape the organization’s early formation and growth.
Under his leadership, the Sycuan Band not only expanded its gaming enterprise but also dedicated itself to community investment, cultural preservation, and regional partnerships. His advocacy and presence were evident in state-level gaming compact negotiations, federal advocacy efforts, and throughout Indian Country’s evolving economic development agenda…