For Immediate Release                    

Contact: Shawn Pensoneau

 (202) 632-7003

NIGC to Update Regulations

Phoenix, AZ March 28, 2007 — The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has set as one of its goals this year to update and modernize it regulations and issue regulations that address several important issues.  In keeping with this goal, the Commission is in the process of developing amendments and additions to it regulations in several areas of interest.  The areas under consideration are annual fees, definition of net revenue, management contracts, background investigations and facilities license requirements.    

Chairman Hogen said “The proposals for annual audits should accommodate Tribes with multiple gaming operations and make the process less onerous for the smallest operation and the definition of net revenue will conform to current accepted accounting practices.”

Most of the updating of these regulations has been underway for several months, with the facility license requirements being considered for over a year.

Hogen continued “The management contract regulations have been in need of revision for some time and these proposals should bring them up to date and streamline the process.”  In hopes of clearing up background investigations Chairman Hogen said “There’s been some confusion about whether these regulations applied to “employee” or “licensees” –this change will clarify that it just applies to licensed applicants.”

And finally, facilities license requirements is an area the NIGC has particular concern about.  Hogen said “IGRA has always provided that Tribes license their gaming facilities, as well as constructing and operating them in a manner that safeguards the environment and health and public safety.  This proposal, which we have circulated to Tribal leaders over the past couple months will provide logical linkage of these requirements and insure that at the outset and periodically thereafter, these safety issues are monitored.”

The NIGC is seeking comments and input on these proposals until May 15, 2007. 

Documents related to the proposed changes can be viewed by clicking on these links:

Tribal Leader Letter on Proposed Changes to NIGC Regulations