The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) announced the approval of alternate technical standards for the Chickasaw Nation Office of the Gaming Commissioners (CNOGC) applicable to Class II mobile gaming on its reservation lands in western Oklahoma.
NIGC Chairman Sequoyah Simermeyer issued the approval, which allows the tribe to apply “alternate standards” for Class II mobile gaming using player-owned mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
“I would like to congratulate the nation on achieving this milestone, one that’s rare within the tribal gaming community,” Simermeyer said. “As Class II mobile gaming becomes a larger part of an operation’s offerings, we are excited the nation has taken this step for the potential economic opportunity it offers, and acknowledge the hard work that got them to this point.”
CNOGC, the tribal gaming regulatory agency of the Chickasaw Nation, submitted the alternate standards pursuant to 25 C.F.R. Part 547.17(b) – Minimum Technical Standards for Class II Gaming Systems and Equipment. The Chickasaw tribe developed and submitted documentation for an overall regulatory framework for Class II mobile gaming based on best practices from other jurisdictions that regulate mobile gaming, all of which NIGC reviewed thoroughly when making its final decision.
“Being one of only three nations to achieve this designation sends a signal throughout Indian Country,” said Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Dan Boren. “It’s such a breath of fresh air to have this collaboration and great working relationship.”
The year-long process of developing alternate technical standards was done collaboratively, and achieves a level of security and integrity sufficient to accomplish the purpose of the standard it is to replace.
“It was an honor to work side-by-side with the nation on alternative standards,” said Tim Cotton, NIGC IT audit manager. “At times, it can be an arduous endeavor to align technology with regulatory standards, and I’m proud to have worked closely with tribal regulators to elevate and further refine controls and protect tribal assets.”
