The National Indian Gaming Commission has withdrawn two controversial regulations that would have cost tribes more than $1 billion in revenues, Chairman Phil Hogen said on Thursday.
Hogen spoke at the Oklahoma Sovereignty Symposium about the two regulations. Since they have such a major impact on tribes, he said the agency has to conduct cost-benefit studies that will be available next month.
The withdrawn regulations deal with classification standards and definitions of Class II games like bingo.
If they go into effect, certain electronic games that are currently considered Class II would become Class III games like slot machines.
As a result, tribes in states without Class III compacts would have to remove the machines. Tribes in states with Class III compacts would have to share revenues or meet other state requirements.
Two other Class II regulations -- for technical standards and minimum internal control standards -- remain on the agenda, Hogen said.
The National Indian Gaming Association welcomed the move. Tribes opposed the regulations, citing the impact on their gaming revenues.
“Our thanks goes out to tribal government leaders and tribal gaming commissioners for their hard work in staying active and engaged with the NIGC and requesting consultation with tribes prior to the development of such sweeping regulations," NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens said in a statement.
Get the Story:
Government retreats on tribal bingo regulation
(AP 6/6)
Controversial gambling proposals tossed (The Tulsa World 6/6)
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