For Immediate Release ~ February 14, 2006

Contact: Shawn Pensoneau ~ (202) 632-7003

Washington DC, February 14, 2006 – Today the National Indian Gaming Commission published in the Federal Register, a preliminary annual fee rate of 0.00 percent for tier 1 and (continuation of NIGC policy) .053 percent for tier 2 for calendar year 2006.

Chairman Hogen noted that this is level with the calendar year 2005 rate of .053 percent.  Hogen said "we are pleased that through strong management, internal controls at the Commission and a solid working relationship with tribal regulators we have been able to hold the fee rate at a level rate for 2006.  We will continue to improve our capabilities and our staff to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Commission"

If an Indian Tribe has a certificate of self-regulation under 25 CFR part 518, the preliminary fee rate on class II gaming revenues for calendar year 2005 shall be one-half of the annual fee rate, which is .029 percent.

The National Indian Gaming Commission is an independent regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. The NIGC is funded through fees collected from gaming operations under its jurisdiction.  The agency bases fees on a percentage of assessable gross revenue of each gaming operation under the agency’s jurisdiction.

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