NIGC REPORT

What accomplishments are you most proud of from
your previous term?

In the fall of 2010, the Commission began an effort to
identify regulations that needed review. The staff did a remark-
able job of combing through our regulations to assemble a list
of suggestions of their own as well as from tribes. This process
was new to the Commission, but well received by tribes. We
were able to work collaboratively with tribes to develop an
agenda of regulatory revisions. We began with informal drafts
which informed the later formal rulemaking process, so tribes
had already had an opportunity to provide comments and
were not surprised when we published notices of proposed
rulemaking in the Federal Register. As a result of working
respectfully with tribes, we were able to revise a number
of important regulations including the Class If MICS and
‘Technical Standards, which provided for practical controls to
further secure the integrity of the industry.

How do you see Indian gaming and the work the
NIGC does evolving over the next three years?

First off, it has been an honor to serve the Administration
and Indian Country over the last three years at the National
Indian Gaming Commission. I’m also very grateful and
humbled to have been considered by former Secretary of the
Interior Ken Salazar and to have been reappointed by
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell for an additional term on
the Commission.

Since 2010, the Commission has pushed forward a very
ambitious plan to transform the NIGC into a more compli-
ance oriented and transparent agency. A key component of
this transformation is our effort to provide better training and
technical assistance. The Indian gaming industry continues
to evolve and many times, tribes are on the leading edge of
introducing new technology to their customers. As such, the
NIGC must also be at the forefront of new technology and
be in a position to provide tribes with the technical assistance
they require. Over the next three years, I see the NIGC con-
tinuing to play a large role in ensuring compliance through
high-quality training and technical assistance programs.

14 Indian Gaming june 2013

Daniel Little Reappointed as Associate Commissioner
at the National Indian Gaming Commission

On May 16, 2013 Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced that
National Indian Gaming Associate Commissioner Daniel Little would be
reappointment to the Commission for an additional three year term.
Commissioner Little was initially appointed by former Secretary Ken Salazar
in February 2010. Indian Gaming magazine recently had an opportunity to
ask Commissioner Little to reflect on his first term, what he hopes to achieve
in a second term and his views on Internet gaming.

What other critical issues are currently facing Indian
gaming and how is the NIGC responding to these
issues?

Ibelieve the biggest issue facing Indian gaming is increased
competition and market saturation. No longer is tribal
gaming the only option for many customers. As tribes transi-
tion to this more competitive environment by streamlining
their operations and looking for efficiencies, the NIGC must
also adapt accordingly to ensure strong regulation is not
compromised. We must also continue to be a valuable resource
for the industry by providing the necessary training and tech-
nical assistance needed to preserve compliance.

How important is tribal consultation to the work the
NIGC is doing?

‘The Commission has done a good job establishing a track
record of meaningful dialogue with tribes. We know that the
process of consultation is just as important as the substance of
consultation. True government-to-government consultation
must be inclusive, collaborative and meaningful, as well as an
on-going dialogue and exchange of ideas. For the NIGC in
particular, consulting with tribes is especially important because
of the three-tiered regulatory framework that IGRA established.
As the primary regulators, tribes are positioned to provide
valuable insight regarding the practicality of rules and how best
to ensure the integrity of their operations. Over the last three
years, we successfully revised a number of very substantial
regulations. This was only achieved because the tribes conveyed
their views and provided quality comments, thus informing the
Commission’s final regulations which further protect Indian
gaming. I am very grateful to the tribes for their on-going
communication with the Commission.

How is the NIGC different today than when IGRA was
passed by Congress back in 1988?

The NIGC is still relatively young as far as Federal agencies
go. When Congress passed IGRA, it created the NIGC and
provided the framework for the Agency to begin implement-
ing the law. Since then, the Commission has developed
extensive regulations to create standards for the industry, hired


many experts to ensure compliance with the regulations and _ primary beneficiaries of their own gaming revenue and strong
implemented a training and technical assistance program to _ regulation provides for that. #

provide the guidance to ensure that the industry has the tools
necessary to maintain compliance. Today the NIGC is strong,

collaborative, transparent and dedicated
to working with tribes to ensure compli-
ance.

Can you speak about the issue of
Internet gaming, and the potential
implications it could have for
tribes?

Internet gaming is a complicated issue
on which tribes have varying positions.
Some tribes have been very clear about
their desire to explore Internet gaming as
a potential market. Any expansion of this
segment of the industry will require
action by Congress. If the NIGC is
tasked with regulating Internet gaming,
we will do so in accordance with the law
just as we do now.

What role do you see the NIGC
playing in Internet gaming?

Currently, there is no pending legisla-
tion which provides a role for the NIGC.
However, we have heard from tribes that
they desire us to play a regulatory role
should a bill be enacted. We have been
monitoring the issue and will be prepared
should Congress pass legislation.

Why do you think it’s important to
have a strong regulated Indian
gaming industry?

I believe Indian gaming is the hallmark
for gaming regulation. IGRA provides for
a three-tiered system that includes tribes
as the on-the-ground regulators, states
with regard to Class-[II compacts, and
the NIGC providing federal oversight.
IGRAS policy is also that Indian gaming
provides for a means of promoting tribal
economic development, self-sufficiency
and strong tribal governments. If you
look at tribal facilities, you will see strong
governance as indicated by their commit-
ment and dedication of tremendous
resources to regulation. ‘Tribes must be the

For more information about the National Indian Gaming
Commission, visit www.nigc.gov.

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