National Indian Gaming Commission names new regional director

Thursday, January 24, 2019  

The National Indian Gaming Commission has a new director for its Portland Region.

Samuel Wetzler has 25 years of experience in tribal gaming, according to the NIGC. He will be overseeing a region with 53 gaming facilities owned and operated by 48 tribes in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

"For the better part of the past two decades I’ve worked for gaming tribes and look forward to continue the mission, principles, and priorities of the National Indian Gaming Commission,” Wetzler said in an NIGC news release.

The NIGC has continued operations amid the government shutdown that has affected numerous other federal agencies. That's because its funding comes from fees assessed on tribal gaming facilities.

"As in the past, the FY 2019 budget will continue to include expanding tribal consultation and improving intergovernmental coordination, providing training and technical assistance to tribal gaming commissions and operations, conducting a regulatory review, examining and assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of the commission, and enhancing the information technology infrastructure," the agency's most recent budget justification reads.

Upcoming tribal outreach includes a February 2-7 training conference at the Vee Quiva Casino, owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community in Laveen, Arizona. Those who can't attend in person can participate online.

Additional training conferences are taking place in Shawnee, Oklahoma (February 26-28); Alpine, California (March 12-14); and Rapid City, South Dakota (May 7-9).

The NIGC has headquarters in Washington and regional offices across the nation.