NIGA opposes NIGC's latest Class II regulations

Thursday, October 25, 2007  

The National Indian Gaming Association opposes Class II regulations that were published in the Federal Register on Wednesday.

NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. said the rules would hurt tribal economies. "The most basic problem is that the new regulations arbitrarily slow down Class II games, making them less fun and less marketable," he said, the Associated Press reported.

The National Indian Gaming Commission says the changes are needed in order to draw a "bright line" between Class II games like bingo and Class III games like slot machines. The proposed rules require Class II games to play slower than Class III games and require a certain level of player participation.

Comments on the regulations are being accepted until December 10. The NIGC withdrew an earlier proposal after tribes complained it was getting too complex and burdensome.

Get the Story:
U.S. moves to regulate Indians' video bingo (AP 10/25)
Press Release: NIGC Publishes Class II Regulations (NIGC 10/24)

Federal Register Notices:
Classification Standards for Bingo, Lotto, Other Games Similar to Bingo, Pull Tabs and Instant Bingo as Class II Gaming When Played Through an Electronic Medium Using "Electronic, Computer, or Other Technologic Aids'" (October 24, 2007)
Technical Standards for Electronic, Computer, or Other Technologic Aids Used in the Play of Class II Games (October 24, 2007)
Definition for Electronic or Electromechanical Facsimile (October 24, 2007)
Minimum Internal Control Standards for Class II Gaming (October 24, 2007)