For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Mark Gaston
(202) 632-7003
NIGC Announces the Publication of Final Rule for Part 514 Fees
WASHINGTON, January 22, 2018 – The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has published a final rule amending its fee regulations. A key amendment included in the final rule affects the frequency and timing of the adoption of the annual fee and fingerprint rates. Previously, the Commission set the preliminary fee and fingerprint rate by March 1 and the final rates by June 1 of each year. The new rule changes this process to just one final fee and fingerprint rate adoption no later than November 1 of each year.
The NIGC began development of this rule with a notice from the Commission to tribal leaders by letter dated November 22, 2016, announcing its inclusion in the Commission’s 2017 consultation series. The Commission 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.
After the comment period closed, the Commission published a proposed rule to the Federal Register on November 13, 2017. The proposed rule included amendments to the discussion draft prompted by internal review and the Commission’s careful consideration of the substantive comments received through consultation and written submissions. This proposed rule invited interested parties to submit any comments to the Commission regarding the new proposed rule.
“We have developed this final rule through consultation with tribes and careful consideration of comments received. This rule simplifies the budgeting and fee calculation process, creating significant efficiencies for both the tribes and the agency.” Chairman of the NIGC, Jonodev Chaudhuri said.
In addition to changing the frequency and timing of rate announcements, the final rule includes additional revisions intended to clarify the fee calculation and submission process for gaming operations. Highlights of the final rule include:
Fee Rate Adoption Frequency and Timing
Definition of Assessed Fiscal Year
Requirements for Ceasing Operations
The final rule can be found in full on the Federal Register.
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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.
