PR-105 11-2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shawn Pensoneau
(202) 632-7003
NIGC Welcomes Director of Enforcement
Washington, DC November 10, 2008 — National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Chairman Phil Hogen has announced that John Peterson has been named as NIGC's new Director of Enforcement. Peterson has been NIGC's Regional Director in the agency’s St. Paul, Minnesota office since 1999, where he has been responsible for enforcement activities in the NIGC's largest geographical region, stretching from Montana to Michigan. Before coming to the NIGC, Peterson gained valuable experience in the regulation of Indian gaming as an enforcement agent with the South Dakota Gaming Commission between 1990 and 1998.
NIGC Chairman Hogen noted, “John has close to 20 years experience in Indian gaming and will be a great fit as the new leader of our Enforcement Division. In the St. Paul office he's worked with a wide variety of tribal gaming operations--large and small, rural and urban--and has successfully dealt with many challenging situations. We look forward to drawing on his experience and knowledge in his new position.”
In his new role with the NIGC, Peterson will focus on leading the NIGC enforcement division throughout the six regions that make up NIGC’s jurisdiction. The NIGC is responsible for oversight and regulation of approximately 400 Indian gaming operations in 28 states. Additionally, Peterson will be responsible for protecting the financial integrity of Tribal gaming operations and ensuring Indian gaming remains free from criminal influence.
Peterson will be making the transition from the St. Paul offices to the NIGC Headquarters in Washington, DC, over the next several weeks.
The NIGC is an independent regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
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