NIGC chooses members of Class II advisory panel

Tuesday, March 9, 2004  

The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) on Monday announced the members of an advisory committee that will refine rules and regulations affecting Class II games.

Only one member is from Oklahoma, the state where classification of games has been a hot issue. But NIGC chairman Phil Hogen said the committee will "benefit the entire Indian gaming industry."

"In light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to deny petitions for certiorari in United States v. Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska and Ashcroft v. Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma, our efforts to provide guidance in distinguishing between Class II and Class III games will be even more important," Hogen said in a statement.

Hogen created the committee in response to concern over how the NIGC classifies casino games. Class II machines are permissible without a state-tribal compact. Class III machines require state approval but some states refuse to negotiate.

The members of the Joint Federal-Tribal Class II Game Classification Standards Advisory Committee are:
* Norm Des Rosiers, Commissioner, Gaming Commission, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay, California
* Mark Garrow, Inspectors Manager, Gaming Commission, St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, New York
* Joseph Carlini, Executive Director, Gaming Commission, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, California
* Melvin Daniels, General Manager, Muckleshoot Indian Bingo, Washington
* Kenneth Ermatinger, Executive Director, Gaming Commission, Sault St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa, Michigan
* Charles Lombardo, Sr. Vice President of Gaming Operations, Seminole Tribe of Florida
* Jamie Hummingbird, Director, Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission, Oklahoma