Media Contact:
Monique Fontenot
(301) 751-4981
Monique.Fontenot@nigc.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NIGC Issues Notice of Violation Against the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 10, 2024 – Acting Chairwoman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Sharon M. Avery issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) against the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas for violating the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), NIGC regulations, and the Tribe’s Class II gaming ordinance.
The violation occurred at the Naskila gaming operation. The Tribe has failed to submit Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 and 2023 audited financial statements (AFS). The NIGC issued two letters of concern (LOC), each requesting the Tribe to submit the AFS within 10 days from the date of the LOC.
NIGC has made several attempts to rectify this issue. To date, the Tribe has not submitted FY 2022 and FY 2023 AFS for the gaming operation, which violates IGRA, NIGC regulations, and its gaming ordinance.
The Tribe could face civil penalties. If noncompliance continues for more than one day, the Chairwoman may treat each daily illegal act or omission as a separate violation for purposes of the total fine assessed. The current daily fine amount is $63,992 per violation.
The full NOV is available on the NIGC’s website.
Note: This press release updates an earlier version to clarify potential civil penalties.
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The National Indian Gaming Commission’s mission is to support tribal self-sufficiency and the integrity of Indian gaming through effective regulation. Together with tribes and states, the NIGC regulates more than 500 gaming establishments operated by nearly 245 tribes across 29 states. To learn more, visit www.nigc.gov and follow us on Facebook, social platform X, and LinkedIn.
Download the PDF here.
