Indian Gaming Plan Released by NIGC

Last week the National Indian Gaming Commission released a strategic plan to come into compliance with governments regulations.

In a letter addressed to Tribal Leaders, Phil Hogen, NIGC Chairman stated, “As you are likely aware, when the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) was amended in 2006 to changed the manner in which the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) is funded, Congress added a provision that requires that NIGC to comply with the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). We seek your views on our draft GPRA plan.”

The letter continued, “There are three primary elements to GPRA. First, the agency must develop a five-year strategic plan. Second the agency must prepare and annual performance plan. Third and finally, the agency must publish an annual performance report. Our present efforts are focused on the first element.”

The submitted plan states a vision for Indian Gaming, “An Indian gaming industry in which Indian tribes are the primary beneficiaries of gaming revenues; gamins is conducted fairly and honestly by both operators and players; and tribes and gaming operations are free from organized crime and other corrupting influences.”

The plan also highlights the positives of Indian Gaming, “ the most recent totals for Indian gaming revenue for 2007 stood at over $26 billion. With theses increased resources, tribes have been able to strengthen tribal governments, better provide for the general welfare of their respective tribal members, reinvest in the expansion of gaming facilities, and diversify into other economic growth opportunities.”

The main goals outlined in the strategic plain include: increase compliance with gaming laws and regulations, increase service to tribal governments and gaming operations, and maximize the use of Commission resources.

Chairman Hogen will be seeking comments on the plan from tribes and tribal leaders until the end of October.