NIGC approves two casino management contracts

Friday, June 9, 2006  

The National Indian Gaming Commission announced the approval of casino management contracts between two tribes and a Las Vegas firm.

The NIGC approved a management contract between the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma and Ellis Gaming. The firm. will manage the Kickapoo Casino and help the tribe build a new one.

The agency also approved a management contract between the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians of California and Ellis. The firm will manage the Sho-Ka-Wah Casino.

All gaming management contracts must be reviewed by the NIGC under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The agency is also taking a broader look at different types of gaming agreements, citing changes in tribal business practices.

Citing lengthy review periods for management contracts, tribes instead sign consulting agreements with gaming firms. These types of agreements are not reviewable, according to the NIGC.

It can take more than a year for the NIGC to give an answer on management contracts. The Kickapoo Tribe submitted its contract in July 2005 while the Hopland Band submitted one in August 2005.

Get the Story:
Feds approve Oklahoma tribe's casino management contract (The Native American Times 6/8)