For Immediate Release                      

Contact: Shawn Pensoneau ~ (202) 632-7003

NIGC Considers Public Comments

Washington DC, September 25, 2006 — The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) announced an extension of the public comment period on proposed Class II definitions, classification standards, and technical regulations.  Official notice will be published in the federal register this week.  These regulations seek to clearly distinguish technological aids, which Indian Tribes may utilize to play bingo and similar Class II games without a Tribal-State compact, from slot machines and electronic facsimiles of games of chance which are Class III devices, and require Tribes to compact with State governments to play. 

“In order to thoroughly consider all comments and recommendations on this critically important issue, the NIGC will extend the public comment period to November 15, 2006” Chairman Hogen said.  Hogen continued “from the outset, the Commission has placed a high priority on working vigorously with Tribal leaders and experts in clearly defining the difference between Class II bingo machines which do not require a Tribal State compact and those Class III slot machines and facsimiles which require a Tribal State compact”. 

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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