NIGC Releases Draft of Casino Licensing Regulations

WASHINGTON, DC As reported by Indianz.com: "Tribes will have to certify every year that their casinos are operating within the law as part of a new rule developed by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

"Last Friday, NIGC Chairman Phil Hogen released a working draft of the proposed facility licensing regulations. He said tribes have until June 30 to submit comments as the agency moves forward with the rule-making process.

"...Under the proposal, tribes will have to submit an annual license for each and every Class II or Class III gaming facility they operate. Among other information, tribes must show that each gaming site is located on 'Indian lands' as defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

"...The majority of the 400-plus casinos in operation today are located on Indian lands. But recent developments have prompted the NIGC to take a closer look at the legality of particular sites due to the way the land was acquired..."
2006-05-20