For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Mark Gaston
(202) 632-7003
NIGC Announces 25 CFR 514 Notice of New Proposed Fee Rate Rulemaking
WASHINGTON, November 14, 2017 – The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding the frequency and timing of its announcement of fees pursuant to 25 C.F.R. Part 514. In previous years, the Commission set the preliminary fee rate by March 1st and the final by June 1stof each year. The new proposed rule changes this to one final fee rate adoption no later than November 1 of each year. The Commission will continue to publish the rate in a Federal Register notice.
The NIGC consulted with tribes on the proposed change to the fee regulations, in Tulsa, OK, Scottsdale, AZ, San Diego, CA, Billings, MT, Biloxi, MS, and in Portland, OR. In addition, the Commission issued a discussion draft on January 30, 2017, and solicited written comments through July 1, 2017. The Commission developed the proposed rule after carefully considering the comments received.
In addition to changing the frequency and timing of the fee rate announcements, the proposed rule defines the fiscal year of the gaming operation that will be used for calculating the fee payments. The proposed rule also includes additional revisions intended to clarify the fee calculation and submission process for gaming operations. Additional highlights of the proposed rule include:
• Fee Rate Adoption
• Assessed Fiscal Year
• Ceasing Operations.
• Fingerprint Processing Fees
“This change will make our process more efficient and simplified for gaming operations. Allowing us to focus on our mission to support tribes’ economic development through gaming,” Chairman of the NIGC, Jonodev Chaudhuri said.
The proposed rule can be found in full on the Federal Register and will be open for comment for 30 days.
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The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act created the National Indian Gaming Commission to support tribal self-sufficiency and the integrity of Indian gaming. The NIGC has developed four initiatives to support its mission including (1) To protect against anything that amounts to gamesmanship on the backs of tribes; (2) To stay ahead of the Technology Curve; (3) Rural outreach; and (4) To maintain a strong workforce within NIGC and with its tribal regulatory partners. NIGC oversees the efficient regulation of 499 gaming establishments operated by 244 tribes across 28 states. The Commission’s dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the growing $31.2 billion Indian gaming industry. To learn more, visit www.nigc.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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