For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Kim Myers
(202) 632-7003
NIGC Announces Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
WASHINGTON, September 28, 2017 – The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The proposed rule would amend the Class II minimum technical standards to remove the sunset date for the operation of certain Class II gaming systems. With the sunset provision date approaching, the Commission included part 547 technical standards into the 2017 consultation period. After thorough review and consideration of all comments received during consultations, meetings and written comments from the discussion draft, the Commission is now proposing the NPRM to part 547 technical standards.
“After much deliberation and upon considering all of the comments and information we received from the Class II gaming industry, the Commission is proposing a rule that permits the continued operation of what have been referred to as grandfathered gaming systems, yet adds other safeguards to ensure the security of the systems and protect both the gaming public and the gaming operation,” Chairman of the NIGC, Jonodev Chaudhuri said. “By proposing this rule, the Commission is furthering its priority of removing unnecessary roadblocks to economic development while maintaining the integrity of the gaming industry.” He said.
The proposed rule can be found in full on the Federal Register and will be open for comment for 45 days. Highlights of the proposed rule include:
• Removal of the November 10, 2018 sunset for systems manufactured before November 10, 2008 that have not already been made fully compliant with part 547 (2008 systems);
• Requires tribes to conduct an annual review of 2008 Systems to determine whether such systems may be approved pursuant to the standards for newer systems; and
• Requires all system modifications be submitted to a testing laboratory for testing to the standards for newer systems and that Tribal Gaming Regulatory Authorities may approve modifications that either advance or maintain system compliance.
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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.
Download the PDF here.
