The National Indian Gaming Commission will hold consultations with tribal nations from February through May, 2017. NIGC Chairman Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri said, “Tribal consultations are vital to our ongoing regulatory work. The law mandates that tribes be the primary beneficiaries of their operations. It is crucial to work hand-in-hand with our regulatory partners on a government-to-government basis to together preserve the integrity of Indian gaming.”
The consultations will cover:
- Non-binding guidance for Class III minimum internal control standards;
- Rural outreach;
- Developing a strong workforce through training;
- Management contract regulations and procedures;
- Technical standards for mobile gaming devices;
- Modifications to fee regulations; and
- Grandfathered Class II gaming system regulations.
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act provides the statutory framework to promote tribal economic development, self-sufficiency and strong tribal governments. Tribal consultations help accomplishing this goal, as well as help to develop federal policies with tribal implications and to strengthen the government-to-government relationships between the United States and Indian tribes.
The NIGC, in compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, oversees the efficient regulation of 497 gaming establishments operated by 244 tribes across 29 states—a $29.9 billion industry.
