The National Indian Gaming Commission, the independent federal regulatory agency that oversees the $33 billion tribal casino industry, updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on April 7, 2020.
According to the document, 520 tribal gaming facilities have closed operations as a result of the coronavirus. That accounts for virtually every facility in Indian Country.
“Tribal government leadership is the best first line of defense. The importance of the local level decisions that are guiding Indian gaming’s response to COVID-19 cannot be overstated,” NIGC Chairman E. Sequoyah Simermeyer said in a news release last month. “The collaborative approach by tribal leaders across Indian county with neighboring jurisdictions is informing local level decisions about reducing or modifying operations at Indian gaming facilities. The NIGC remains an active partner to assist with this collaboration and assessment.”
In addition to the FAQ, the NIGC has provided guidance and other information to tribal governments about COVID-19.
Documents can be found here: https://www.nigc.gov/commission/nigc-guidance-regarding-covid-19