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Washington DC, June 7, 2006 — National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Chairman Phil Hogen approved a management contract between the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians and Ellis Gaming on Tuesday June 6, 2006.

The Sho-Ka-Wah Casino in Mendocino County, California opened in August of 1998 with slot machines, a bingo hall, table games, food venues, and a full service lounge.  Ellis Gaming Hopland Manegament, LLC, of Las Vegas, Nevada will become the exclusive management of the Sho-Ka-Wah Casino which offers Class II and Class III gaming.  The Hopland Ellis Gaming contract was received by the NIGC on August 30, 2005.

Chairman Hogen stated “under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act NIGC reviews and approves management contracts to assure the best interestes of the Tribes are protected.  We are hopeful the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians have success with their gaming operations and are able to provide infrastructure and other needed program funding for their communities.”

Chairman Hogen also approved a management contract between the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma and Ellis Gaming on June 6, 2006.

The NIGC is an independent regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.

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