Washington DC October 18, 2007 — The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) will publish proposed facility license regulations in the Federal Register today.

 

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) which Congress enacted in 1988 provides that tribes must license their gaming facilities, and that when they build and operate gaming facilities, they must make provisions for protection of the environment and health and public safety. The proposed regulations would require that when tribes license their gaming facilities, and when they periodically   renew those licenses, that they identify the environmental, health and public safety laws and regulations which apply to them, and certify that those licensed facilities are in compliance, when licensed. Additionally, the regulations will require the tribe to provide basic lands information for any new gaming facilities located on Indian lands, as defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

 

“We hope these regulations will provide more structure to the licensing process for tribal casinos and bingo halls,” NIGC Chairman Phil Hogen stated. He continued “The definitive goal is to help insure that throughout the Indian gaming industry conditions will be safe and secure, and that environmental concerns are properly addressed.”

 

The NIGC will accept comments for a 45-day period from date of publication in the Federal Register.

 

Proposed Facility License  Standards                      

Tribal Leader Letter         

 

 

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