and Performance Information

Fiscal Year 2019

BUDGET

JUSTIFICATIONS

The United States

Department of the Interior

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NOTICE: These budget

justifications are prepared

 for the Interior, Environment 

and Related Agencies 

Appropriations Subcommittees. 

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justifications prior to their 

printing in the public record of 

the Subcommittee hearings 

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Department of the Interior.

NATIONAL INDIAN

GAMING COMMISSION

NIGC - iii

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION

FY 2019 Budget Justification

Table of Contents

 Page

Item Number

Executive Summary

Executive Summary 1

Mission, Vision, and General Statement 2

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 4

Commission Structure 5

Organization Chart 6

Budget Priorities 8

Background 8

Annual Fees for Operations 9

2019 Budget

Narrative Summary Statement 10

Summary of the FY 2019 Budget 11

Reimbursable Expenses 11

Fee Regulation 12

Authorization, Objectives and Program Activities 13

Gaming Activity Fees – Program and Financing Schedules 15

Gaming Activity Fees – Object Classification Schedule 16

Reimbursable Activity – Program and Financing Schedule 17

Reimbursable Activity – Object Classification Schedule 18

Employee Count by Grade 19

Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Information 20

Summary and Highlights of Commission Activities 21

Executive Summary

NIGC - 1

National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC)

Executive Summary

The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC or “Commission”) was created by the 

Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-497). The purpose of the Indian 

Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) is, in part to promote tribal economic development and 

self-determination; support the integrity of the Indian gaming industry; and ensure that 

tribes are the primary beneficiaries of their gaming activities. To ensure those purposes 

of IGRA are carried out, IGRA created the NIGC as an “independent Federal regulatory 

authority for gaming on Indian lands... to meet congressional concerns regarding gaming 

and to protect such gaming as a means of generating tribal revenue.”1

In addition to the NIGC, there are approximately 6,000 Tribal Gaming Regulators serving 

as the primary regulators of Indian gaming. Further, each of the 29 states involved in 

Indian gaming provides regulatory support to implement their respective responsibilities 

under IGRA and tribal-state compacts. Besides NIGC, tribal and state regulatory 

agencies, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of 

Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Department of the Treasury all 

implement and enforce laws that serve to ensure that tribes are the primary beneficiaries 

of Indian gaming. The NIGC coordinates closely with all of these governmental entities 

to fulfill the mandates of IGRA. 

The NIGC’s budget is tied to the mandates of IGRA. In May 2006, Congress enacted the 

Native American Technical Corrections Act of 2006 (Sec. 301 of P.L. 109-221). This 

Act authorizes the Commission to collect up to 0.080 percent of the gross gaming 

revenue but it also links NIGC’s fee collections to the growth, or contraction, of the 

Indian gaming industry so that the agency’s funding reflects the financial status of the 

industry. Secondarily, the Act identified training and technical assistance as an agency 

function. 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.

 1 25 U.S.C. § 2702(3).
NIGC - 2

Mission

The NIGC’s mission is to (1) promote tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and 

strong tribal governments; (2) maintain the integrity of the Indian gaming industry; and 

(3) ensure that Tribes are the primary beneficiaries of their gaming activities. To fulfill 

its mission and achieve compliance, the NIGC works within the framework created by 

the IGRA by providing sound guidance, removing unnecessary roadblocks, and sensibly 

regulating gaming activities conducted by sovereign Indian tribes on Indian lands without 

stymieing the economic development and entrepreneurial spirit of tribes.

Vision

The Commission’s vision is to utilize all of its regulatory tools, including training, 

technical assistance, public education, and enforcement, to empower and partner with 

tribal governments to ensure that regulatory compliance and gaming integrity respect the 

capabilities and responsibilities of each sovereign tribe.

General Statement

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) established the National Indian Gaming 

Commission as an independent federal regulatory agency within the Department of the 

Interior. IGRA created the NIGC to protect tribal gaming as a means of generating 

revenue for tribal governance and tribal communities. IGRA further provides a legal 

framework structured to safeguard tribes as the primary beneficiaries of their gaming 

operations, support the integrity of the Indian gaming industry, and assure that gaming is 

conducted fairly and honestly by both the operators and players. 

The NIGC seeks compliance with IGRA, NIGC regulations, and tribal gaming 

ordinances with 499 gaming establishments owned, operated, or licensed by 246 

federally-recognized tribes located within 29 states. To do so, the Commission regulates 

and monitors tribal gaming activity, inspects gaming premises, conducts background 

investigations, analyzes audits of Class II and certain aspects of Class III gaming 

operations, and investigates violations of IGRA. The NIGC also coordinates its 

regulatory responsibilities with tribal regulatory agencies through the review and 

approval of tribal gaming ordinances and management agreements. The NIGC further 

provides technical assistance, including extensive training, to tribal leaders as well as 

tribal gaming commissions and operators. 

When technical assistance and training do not result in compliance with IGRA, NIGC 

regulations, and the tribal gaming ordinance, the NIGC will undertake enforcement 

action, which may include imposing appropriate sanctions for such violations, such as 

civil penalties and orders for temporary closure as well as referring criminal matters to 

appropriate tribal, Federal and state entities. As the NIGC fulfills these responsibilities, 

the Commission closely reviews any indications of corrupting influences, such as 

gamesmanship by non-tribal governmental entities.
NIGC - 3

IGRA authorizes the Commission to assess and collect fees on tribal gaming revenues 

to cover agency operating costs. The NIGC also conducts background investigations, 

including fingerprinting, of individuals and entities with a financial interest in, or 

management responsibility for, potential management contracts. These investigations 

are conducted to determine whether the management contracts can be approved. The 

Commission is reimbursed periodically by the potential contractors for performing these 

investigative services. The Commission is also reimbursed for fingerprint processing 

costs.

The Commission has unique relationships with the Indian gaming industry’s 

stakeholders. The Commission, as an agency of the Federal government, maintains a 

trust relationship with Indian nations. The Commission is committed to meaningful 

consultation with tribes prior to making changes to regulations or policies having tribal 

implications. Additionally, the Commission endeavors to provide tribes, states, sister 

Federal agencies, and stakeholders with courteous and timely responses to issues as 

they arise. 
NIGC - 4

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988

In 1987, the Supreme Court affirmed the inherent sovereign authority of tribes to operate 

and regulate gaming facilities on Indian lands free from state regulation if the state did 

not prohibit gaming. California v. Cabazon Band of Indians, 480 U.S. 202 (1987). The 

following year, Congress enacted the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Embodied in 

IGRA was a compromise between state and tribal interests. The drafters “balance[d] the 

need for sound enforcement of gaming laws and regulations, with a strong Federal 

interest in preserving the sovereign rights of tribal governments to regulate activities and 

enforce laws on Indian lands.”2

 IGRA fully preserved tribal regulatory authority over 

Class II gaming without state intervention. However, IGRA gave the states a role in 

determining the scope and extent of tribal gaming by requiring tribal-state compacts for 

Class III gaming. 

IGRA establishes the jurisdictional framework that governs Indian gaming. IGRA 

establishes three classes of games with a different regulatory scheme for each. 

• Class I gaming is defined as traditional and social Indian gaming for minimal 

prizes. Regulatory authority over Class I gaming is vested exclusively in tribal 

governments.

• Class II gaming is defined as the game of chance commonly known as bingo 

(whether or not electronic, computer, or other technological aids are used in 

connection therewith) and (if played in the same location) pull-tabs, lotto, 

punchboards, tip jars, instant bingo and other games similar to bingo. Class II 

gaming also includes non-banked card games. IGRA specifically excludes slot 

machines or electronic facsimiles of any game of chance from the definition of 

Class II games. Tribes retain their authority to conduct, license and regulate Class 

II gaming as long as the state in which the tribe is located permits such gaming for 

any purpose, and the tribal government adopts a gaming ordinance approved by 

the Commission. Tribal governments are responsible for regulating Class II 

gaming, with Commission oversight.

• Class III is defined as all forms of gaming that are neither Class I nor Class II. 

Games commonly played in casinos, such as slot machines, blackjack, craps, and 

roulette, fall in the Class III category. Class III gaming is often referred to as fullscale casino-style gaming. As a compromise among tribal, state and Federal 

interests, IGRA restricts tribal authority to conduct Class III gaming. Before a 

tribe may lawfully conduct Class III gaming, the following conditions must be 

met: (1) the facility must be located in a State that permits such gaming for any 

purpose by any person, organization or entity; (2) the tribe and the state must have 

negotiated a compact that has been approved by the Secretary of the Interior, or 

the Secretary must have approved regulatory procedures; and (3) the tribe must 

 2 134 Cong. Rec. S12649 (daily ed. Sept. 15, 1988).
NIGC - 5

have adopted a tribal gaming ordinance that has been approved by the Chair of the 

Commission. State and tribal governments are primarily responsible for 

regulating Class III gaming. 

Although Congress clearly intended states to address Class III regulatory issues in tribalstate compacts, IGRA did not make this mandatory, and many states accordingly rely 

upon continued tribal and Federal oversight by the NIGC to address their regulatory 

concerns regarding Class III tribal gaming under IGRA. Additionally, IGRA tasks the 

NIGC with a number of specific regulatory functions, such as: approving tribal 

ordinances for Class II and Class III gaming; approving management contracts; ensuring 

tribes and management contractors comply with IGRA and Commission rules and 

regulations; and implementing regulations. Accordingly, the Commission plays a key 

role in the oversight and regulation of both Class II and Class III gaming.

Commission Structure

The Commission is composed of a Chair, appointed by the President and confirmed by 

the Senate, and two Associate Commissioners appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. 

The Commission selects a Vice Chair by majority vote. IGRA established the NIGC as a 

bipartisan agency, permitting only two of the three Commissioners to be from the same 

political party. In addition, at least two members of the Commission must be enrolled 

tribal members. The NIGC’s organizational structure is composed of two main branches, 

the Office of General Counsel which handles legal affairs, and the Office of the Chief of 

Staff, which manages day-to-day activities and includes the Division of Compliance, 

Division of Finance, Division of Public Affairs, and the Division of Technology. 

The Commission provides Federal oversight to approximately 499 tribally owned, 

operated or licensed gaming establishments operating in 29 states. The Commission 

maintains its headquarters in Washington, DC, and has seven regional offices and two

satellite offices. The Commission has a combined staff of 116 full-time employees as of 

the end of 2017. Approximately half of the Commission staff is assigned to headquarters 

in Washington, DC, with the remaining staff assigned to regional offices located in 

Portland, Oregon; Sacramento, California; Phoenix, Arizona; St. Paul, Minnesota; Tulsa, 

Oklahoma; Washington, DC; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and satellite offices in 

Rapid City, South Dakota and Temecula, California.
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NIGC - 7

National Indian Gaming Commission

Regions

The Commission administratively established the locations of its field offices – not to 

reflect the distribution of gaming activity or market considerations – but to improve the 

level and quality of services it provides to tribes, and to enhance its ability to 

communicate, collaborate and interact with tribes located within each office’s geographic 

region. The field offices are vital to carrying out the statutory responsibilities of the 

Commission. By having auditors and compliance officers close to tribal gaming facilities, 

the Commission seeks to facilitate compliance with the Act and foster better relationships 

with tribal leaders, officials and regulatory personnel. In addition to auditing and 

investigative activities, the field staff provides technical assistance and training to 

promote a better understanding of gaming controls within the regulated industry, and to 

enhance cooperation and compliance to ensure the integrity of gaming operations.
NIGC - 8

Budget Priorities

The Commission will continue its positive trend of improving services to tribal 

governments and tribal gaming commissions while finding a stable balance in its fee rate 

collections. Technology in the gaming industry continues to evolve, resulting in both 

greater efficiencies and new challenges. In order to keep pace with changes in

technology, financial resources will be directed to providing technical training to the

Commission staff. In addition, the agency will continue to provide up to date technical

training to tribal gaming operators and regulators to assure their ability to regulate and 

safeguard the integrity of Indian gaming. Strategic flexibility will ensure that adequate 

resources are available to meet the growing needs for technical assistance and training in 

Indian gaming enterprises large and small.

Background

Prior to 1997, the Commission was legislatively prohibited from collecting fees in excess 

of $1.5 million annually. The 1998 Interior Appropriations Act (P.L. 105-83) expanded 

the fee base to include Class III (casino style) gaming and raised the limitation on annual 

fee collections to $8 million. In the 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 Interior Appropriations 

Acts, the Congress enacted a general provision raising this limitation to $12 million for 

fiscal years 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 respectively. On May 12, 2006, Congress 

enacted the Native American Technical Corrections Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-221) 

providing a new basis for determining the fee limitation to no more than 0.080 percent of 

the gross gaming revenues of all gaming operations.

3

 

This amendment allowed the Commission to maintain a fee collection level in proportion 

to the size of the industry it oversees. With fees now capped at 0.080% of the industry's 

gross revenue, the Commission’s funding expands or contracts in proportion to the 

growth or contraction of the Indian gaming industry. 

Another legislative change included in Public Law 109-221 was the requirement that the 

Commission, like other Federal agencies, be subject to the Government Performance and 

Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), and that any plan instituted in compliance with GPRA 

include technical assistance to tribal gaming operations.

4

 The NIGC strategic plan is 

posted on the NIGC website. 

 3 25 U.S.C. 2717(a)(2)(B).

4 25 U.S.C. 2706(d)(1)-(2).
NIGC - 9

Annual Fees for Operations

The Commission assesses annual fees on tribal gaming revenues in accordance with 

procedures set forth in 25 C.F.R. Part 514. In 2012, the Commission promulgated 

changes to these regulations that became effective on October 1, 2012. Per the new 

regulation, on or before March 1, the Commission will publish a preliminary fee rate. If 

necessary, changes to the fee rate will be published no later than June 1 of that year. The 

rate must be sufficient to generate income to fund the annual operation of the 

Commission, and to maintain a transition balance for the upcoming year’s operation. 

Each gaming operation must submit quarterly payments for fees assessed by three, six, 

nine, and twelve months after the end of their fiscal year.

5

Maintenance of the transition balance is essential to the fiscal integrity of the 

Commission because the unique statutory provisions governing the Commission’s 

funding subject it to significant cash flow variations. Unlike other Federal agencies, the 

Commission’s authorizing legislation does not provide for full funding at the beginning 

of each fiscal year. Instead, the Commission receives quarterly payments equal to 

approximately 1/4 of each gaming operation’s projected annual fee assessment. The 

carryover transition balance is necessary to cover the first and second quarter of operation 

until the fees are actually received and credited to the operating account. For example, 

fees collected on or before the December 31, 2018 due date will provide the operational 

capital for the first three months of calendar year 2019. The Commission attempts to 

maintain a transition balance to fund the first two quarters of the new year in order to 

absorb any cash flow variations that may occur.

 5 The NIGC recently consulted on, and enacted an update to 25 C.F.R. Part 514. Under the updated 

regulations, the Commission will make one fee announcement on November 1st of each year, rather than a 

preliminary and final rate in March and June of each year. The rule also defines the fiscal year used in 

calculating the required annual fee so that the fee rate is applied consistently to a gaming operation’s gross 

revenues for one fiscal year. Finally, among other clarifying revisions to the fee regulations, the rule 

describes the fees and statements required of gaming operations that cease operations.

FY 2019 Budget

NIGC - 10

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION

Narrative Summary Statement

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (P. L. 100-497) established the National Indian 

Gaming Commission as an independent regulatory agency within the Department of the 

Interior. The Commission monitors and regulates gaming activities conducted on Indian 

lands. The Commission fosters the economic development of Indian tribes by ensuring 

the integrity of Indian gaming on Indian Lands and ensuring that the tribes are the 

primary beneficiaries of their gaming revenues. Operating costs of the Commission are 

financed through annual assessments of gaming operations regulated by the Commission

consistent with provisions of the Native American Technical Corrections Act of 2006 (P. 

L. 109-221).
NIGC - 11

Summary of the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget

Permanent Appropriation

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, as amended, established the National Indian Gaming 

Commission to monitor and participate in the regulation of gaming conducted on Indian 

lands. The NIGC’s operational costs are financed through annual assessments of gaming 

operations regulated by the Commission. 

All costs associated with the Commission’s operation during fiscal year 2019 will be 

derived from fees assessed on, and collected from, the regulated Indian gaming industry. 

The Commission will continue its consultation with the affected tribes and evaluate their 

input prior to implementing the proposed budget. The revenue to be collected in 2019

will assure funding to address the full-year impact of new hires. The Commission will 

continue to maintain a carryover balance sufficient to assure that cash flow variations do 

not impact ongoing operations. Fees are paid quarterly, based on each gaming 

operation’s assessable gross revenue. This system often results in cash flow variations, 

and therefore a transition balance, derived from prior year funds carried forward to the 

new fiscal year, is essential for continuity of operations.

The agency’s actual employee count was 116 at the end of 2017 (113 total compensable 

full-time equivalents) and projected to be 132 at the end of 2018 and 2019. NIGC is 

forecasting full-year obligation for its gaming activity of $24 million for both fiscal year 

2018 and 2019. This will allow the Commission to hire additional local and field 

personnel to implement its responsibilities under the Act. These funds will also be used 

to upgrade and improve the NIGC’s information management system, and expand 

technical assistance and training. 

Reimbursable Expenses

The NIGC conducts background investigations of individuals and entities with a financial 

interest in, or management responsibility for, potential management contracts. Pursuant 

to 25 U.S.C § 2711(e), these investigations are conducted to determine whether the 

contracts can be approved. In accordance with § 2711(i), the Commission is reimbursed 

from the potential contractors to conduct these background investigations and also for 

fingerprint processing costs.
NIGC - 12

Fee Regulation

The regulations implementing the legislative provisions governing the collection of fees 

allow the Commission to collect the statutory maximum allowed by Congress:

§514.14 Annual Fees

(a) The total amount of all fees imposed during any fiscal year shall not exceed 

the statutory maximum imposed by Congress. The Commission shall credit 

pro-rata any fees collected in excess of this amount against amounts otherwise 

due according to §514.4.

Additionally, in 2012, NIGC regulations were amended to specifically address the 

collection of fees for fingerprint processing:

§ 514.15 May tribes submit fingerprint cards to the NIGC for processing?

Tribes may submit fingerprint cards to the Commission for processing by the Federal 

Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Commission may charge a fee to process 

fingerprint cards on behalf of the tribes.

§ 514.16 How does the Commission adopt the fingerprint processing fee?

(a) The Commission shall review annually the costs involved in processing fingerprint 

cards and, by a vote of not less than two of its members, shall adopt preliminary rates for 

each calendar year no later than March 1st of that year, and, if considered necessary, shall 

modify those rates no later than June 1st of that year.

6

(b) The fingerprint fee charge shall be based on fees charged by the Federal Bureau of 

Investigation and costs incurred by the Commission. Commission costs include 

Commission personnel, supplies, equipment costs, and postage to submit the results to 

the requesting tribe.

§ 514.17 How are fingerprint processing fees collected by the Commission?

(a) Fees for processing fingerprint cards will be billed monthly to each Tribe for cards 

processed during the prior month. Tribes shall pay the amount billed within forty-five 

(45) days of the date of the bill.

(b) The Chair may suspend fingerprint card processing for a tribe that has a bill 

remaining unpaid for more than forty-five (45) days.

 6 The NIGC recently consulted on, and enacted an update to 25 C.F.R. Part 514. Under the updated 

regulations, the Commission will make one fee announcement on November 1st of each year, rather than a 

preliminary and final rate in March and June of each year. 
NIGC - 13

(c) Fingerprint fees shall be sent to the following address: Finance, National Indian 

Gaming Commission, 1849 C Street, N.W., Mail Stop #1621, Washington, DC 20240. 

Checks should be made payable to the National Indian Gaming Commission (do not 

remit cash).

Authorization:

Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, Public Law 100-497, as amended.

Objectives:

To regulate and monitor gaming conducted on Indian lands and to protect Indian gaming 

as a means of generating tribal revenues.

Program Activities:

The Commission’s mission is to work within the framework created by the Indian 

Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) for the regulation of gaming activities conducted by 

sovereign Indian tribes on Indian lands to fully realize IGRA’s goals: (1) promoting 

tribal economic development, self-sufficiency and strong tribal governments; (2) 

maintaining the integrity of the Indian gaming industry; and (3) ensuring that tribes are 

the primary beneficiaries of their gaming activities. To effect these goals, the 

Commission is authorized to conduct investigations; undertake enforcement actions,

including the issuance of notices of violation, assessment of civil fines, and issuance of 

closure orders; approve management contracts; and issue such regulations as necessary to 

meet its responsibilities under the Act.

The Act grants broad authority to the Commission and provides authority to the Chair to: 

• issue temporary closure orders7

• levy civil fines, of up to $51,302 per violation per day, against a tribe, management 

contractor, or individual operator for violation of the Act, the regulations or a tribal 

gaming ordinance8

• approve tribal gaming ordinances9

• approve gaming management contracts10

• appoint and supervise staff11 

 7 25 U.S.C. 2705(a)(1). 8 25 U.S.C. § 2705(a)(2). Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements 

Act of 2015 (Sec. 701 of P. L. 114-74), the original civil penalty amount of $25,000 is adjusted annually. 9 25 U.S.C. § 2705(a)(3). 

10 25 U.S.C. § 2705(a)(4). 11 25 U.S.C. § 2707.
NIGC - 14

The Commission as a whole is empowered to: 

• monitor gaming activities12

• inspect gaming premises13

• conduct background investigations14

• inspect records relating to gaming15

• approve the annual budget16

• adopt regulations for the assessment and collection of civil fines17

• adopt a schedule of annual fees18

• issue permanent closure orders19

• adopt regulations as deemed appropriate to implement the provisions of IGRA20

 

In carrying out its responsibilities, the Commission also:

• maintains and enhances relationships with other Federal agencies and partner 

governments

• provides education, training and technical assistance regarding applicable regulatory 

requirements

• assists tribes with background investigations and fingerprint processing

• receives and processes appeals21

• conducts formal and informal hearings 

• consults with Indian tribes

• engages with states and the regulated community

• defends against lawsuits challenging the Commission’s actions

• issues advice and guidance through bulletins, advisory opinions and other 

publications

• provides audits and other evaluative services

 12 25 U.S.C. § 2706(b)(1). 13 25 U.S.C. § 2706(b)(2). 14 25 U.S.C. § 2706(b)(3). 15 25 U.S.C. § 2706(b)(4). 16 25 U.S.C. § 2706(a)(1). 17 25 U.S.C. § 2706(a)(2). 18 25 U.S.C. § 2706(a)(3).

19 25 U.S.C. § 2706(a)(5). 20 25 U.S.C. § 2706(b)(10). 21 25 U.S.C. §§ 2705(a),2706(a)(5),2713(a)(2).
NIGC - 15

Identification code 14-5141-0-2-806 2017 2018 2019

Actual Estimate Estimate

01.00 Balance, start of year.............................................. 1 1 1

 Receipts: 

Current law

11.10 NIGC, Gaming activity fees.................................... 18 19 20

02.00 NIGC, Total Balances and receipts........................ 19 20 21

Current law

21.01 NIGC, Gaming activity fees.................................... -18 -19 -20

21.00 Appropriation (previously unavailable):....................... -1 -1 -1

21.32 Appropriations and/or unobligated balance of 

appropriations temporarily reduced............................. 1 1

21.99 Total current law appropriations............................ -18 -19 -21

29.99 Total appropriations............................................... -18 -19 -21

50.99 Balance, end of year............................................... 1 1

 Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

Obligations by program activity:

00.01 Direct Program Activity 21 24 24

09.00 Total new obligations................................................. 21 24 24

Budgetary Resources:

 Unobligated balance:

10.00 Unobligated balance brought forward,

Oct 1....................................................................... 15 14 9

10.21 Recoveries of prior year unpaid obligations.......... 2

10.50 Unobligated balance (total) 17 14 9

Appropriations mandatory:

12.01 Appropriation (special or trust fund):.......................... 18 19 20

12.03 Appropriation (previously unavailable):....................... 1 1 1

12.32 Appropriations and/or unobligated balance of 

appropriations temporarily reduced............................. -1 -1

12.60 Appropriations, mandatory (total).......................... 18 19 21

19.30 Total budgetary resources available....................... 35 33 30

Memorandum (non-add) entries:

19.41 Unexpired unobligated balance, end of year........... 14 9 6

Unpaid obligations:

30.00 Unpaid obligations, brought forward, Oct 1........... 3 2 2

30.10 Obligations incurred, unexpired accounts............... 21 24 24

30.20 Outlays (gross)....................................................... -20 -24 -24

30.40 Recoveries of prior year unpaid obligations.......... -2

30.50 Unpaid obligations, end of year ................................. 2 2 2

Memorandum (non-add) entries:.................................

31.00 Obligated balance, start of year................................... 3 2 2

32.00 Obligated balance, end of year .............................. 2 2 2

Budget authority and outlays, net\:

 Mandatory:

40.90 Budget authority, gross........................................... 18 19 21

Outlays, gross:

41.00 Outlays from new mandatory authority................... 5 10 10

41.01 Outlays from mandatory balances........................... 15 14 14

41.10 Outlays, gross (total).............................................. 20 24 24

41.60 Budget authority, net (mandatory)........................... 18 19 21

41.70 Outlays, net (mandatory)......................................... 20 24 24

41.80 Budget authority, net (total).................................... 18 19 21

41.90 Outlays, net (total).................................................. 20 24 24

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

 Change in obligated balance:

 Obligated balance, end of year (net):

 Budget Authority

NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION

Special Fund Receipt/Expenditure Account

Gaming Activity Fees

(in millions of dollars)
NIGC - 16

 Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Identification code 14-5141-0-2-806 2017 2018 2019

Actual Estimate Estimate

Direct obligations

11.11 Personnel compensation: Full-time 

permanent............................................. 12 13 13

11.21 Civilian personnel benefits..................... 4 4 4

12.10 Travel and transportation of persons..... 1 1 1

12.31 Rental payments to GSA......................... 2 3 3

12.52 Other Services........................................ 2 3 3

19.90 Subtotal, direct obligations................... 21 24 24

99.95 Below reporting threshold...................... --- --- ---

99.99 Total new obligations............................. 21 24 24

Personnel Summary

 Total compensable workyears

 Full-time equivalent employment ................... 113 129 132

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION

Special Fund Receipt/Expenditure Account

Gaming Activity Fees
NIGC - 17

Identification code 14-0118-0-2-806 2017 2018 2019

Actual Estimate Estimate

 Obligations by program activity:

08.01 Reimbursable Program Activity 2 2 2

09.00 Total new obligations................................................................ 2 2 2

Budgetary resources:

 Unobligated balance:

10.00 Unobligated balance brought forward,

Oct 1...................................................................................... 3 3 3

Budget authority:

Spending authority from offsetting collections, discretionary

17.00 Collected............................................................................ 2 2 2

17.50 Spending authority from offsetting collections, disc (total) 2 2 2

19.30 Total budgetary resources available...................................... 5 5 5

Memorandum (non-add) entries:............................................

19.41 Unexpired unobligated balance, end of year........................ 3 3 3

Change in obligated balance:.................................................

Unpaid obligations:

30.00 Unpaid obligations, brought forward, Oct 1 (gross)............ 0 1 1

30.10 Obligations incurred, unexpired accounts............................ 2 2 2

30.20 Outlays (gross).................................................................... -1 -2 -3

30.50 Unpaid obligations, end of year ........................................... 1 1 0

Memorandum (non-add) entries:............................................

31.00 Obligated balance, start of year:............................................. 0 1 1

32.00 Obligated balance, end of year:............................................. 1 1 0

Budget authority and outlays, net:

 Discretionary

40.00 Budget authority, gross...................................................... 2 2 2

Outlays, gross:

40.10 Outlays from new discretionary authority............................. 1 1 1

40.11 Outlays from discretionary balances..................................... 0 1 1

40.20 Outlays, gross (total)....................................................... 1 2 2

 Offsets against gross budget authority and outlays:

 Offsetting collections (collected) from:...............................

40.33 Non-federal sources............................................................ -2 -2 -2

41.80 Budget authority, net (discretionary)...................................... --- --- ---

41.90 Outlays, net (discretionary) .................................................. -1 --- 1

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION

Reimbursable Activity

(in millions of dollars)

Program and Financing
NIGC - 18

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION

General and Special Funds: Salaries and Expenses

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Identification code 14-0118-0-4-806 2017 2018 2019 

Actual Estimate Estimate

Reimbursable obligations

22.52

Other services from non-Federal 

sources........................................................ 2 2 2
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2017 2018 2019

Actual Estimate Estimate

EX-IV 1 1 1

EX-V 2 2 2

AD-00 0 0 0

ES-4 0 0 0

ES-3 0 0 0

ES-1 0 0 0

GS-15 16 18 18

GS-14 18 23 23

GS-13 40 50 50

GS-12 21 20 20

GS-11 4 4 4

GS-10 4 3 3

GS-09 0 0 0

GS-08 0 0 0

GS-07 2 2 2

GS-06 5 6 6

GS-05 3 3 3

Total Employee Count 116 132 132

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION

EMPLOYEE COUNT BY GRADE OR GRADE EQUIVALENT

In accordance with the Act, appointments are made without regard to the provisions of 

Title 5, U.S. Code governing appointments in the competitive services. 
GPRA Information

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Government Performance and Results Act Information

In 2006, Congress amended the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. §§ 2701 –

2721, Pub. L. 100-497, and for the first time made the National Indian Gaming 

Commission subject to the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), 

Pub. L. 103-62. That obligation is set out at 25 U.S.C. § 2706(d)(1), which states: “In 

carrying out any action under this chapter, the Commission shall be subject to the 

Government Performance and Results Act of 1993.”

GRPA requires that an agency’s “strategic plan shall be updated and revised at least 

every four years.” 5 U.S.C. § 306(b). Consistent with this obligation and the 

Commission’s vision of adhering to principles of good government including 

transparency to promote agency accountability and fiscal responsibility, the NIGC 

followed the consultation requirements set forth in the GPRA, Executive Order 13175 

“Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments,” the National Indian 

Gaming Commission Policy on Consultation with Indian Tribes, and guidance from the 

Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The NIGC recognizes the importance of tribal 

consultation in formulating policy and maintaining the government-to-government 

relationship with tribal nations. To engage with tribal leaders in formulating the strategic 

plan, the NIGC sent written notice of the availability of the draft strategic plan and held a 

webinar to present and hear comments on it, followed by a comment period of more than a 

month. In addition, tribal input received during preceding consultation sessions related to the 

subject matter was taken into consideration. The NIGC also engaged with the public by 

posting the draft strategic plan for comment to the NIGC website. All relevant comments and 

feedback received during the webinar, in-person tribal consultations sessions, and from the 

public were taken into consideration in the strategic plan. The strategic plan for fiscal years 

2018-2022 will be published in February 2018. 
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Summary and Highlights of Commission Activities

During FY 2017, the Commission’s four primary initiatives arising from its 2014 

Strategic Plan consisted of consulting and building relationships with tribal governments, 

providing technical assistance and training, continuing its regulatory review, and 

reviewing its internal operations. As such, during the past fiscal year, the Commission 

accomplished the following goals and tasks.

• The Commission continued its emphasis on working with tribal, state, and Federal 

regulators to ensure effective coordination in the regulation of Indian gaming, 

working with tribes to ensure compliance with IGRA, and taking enforcement action 

for violations of IGRA when necessary.

• The Commission completed six consultations with tribes on seven important topics in 

FY 2017 including: Rural Outreach, Developing a Strong Tribal Workforce through 

Training, Management Contract Regulations and Procedures, Technical Standards for 

Mobile Gaming Devices, Regulatory Changes to Fees, and Class III MICS guidance, 

and 25 C.F.R. Part 547 Grandfathered Class II Gaming Systems.

• The agency increased its focus on rural outreach and protecting against 

gamesmanship on the backs of tribes.

• Implemented appropriate steps to address employee engagement. Based on the 

Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey results, 38 areas were identified as strengths and 

0 areas as challenges, however, the agency has identified opportunities to improve 

such as cross department communication, job growth, use of the FEVS survey as a 

means to communicate openly and stronger leadership within the agency. Despite 

these areas, the 2017 results when compared with previous results do show that the 

agency is continuing to trend towards employee satisfaction.

• Met NARA standards for electronic record management and is on schedule to meet 

records management priorities.

• The Office of General Counsel advised the Chair and Commission on management 

contracts, tribal ordinance submissions, and litigation. Additionally, the Office of 

General Counsel assisted and brought stability to the tribal gaming industry by 

offering opinions on a variety of matters including game classifications, Indian land 

status, and whether financing or other agreements implicate management or sole 

proprietary interest concerns.

• Commission staff continued to offer training and technical assistance to gaming tribes 

regarding regulatory changes.

• The Commission continued the process of targeting its training activities and agency 

resources by identifying partnerships, improving training offerings, and utilizing 

technology to more effectively reach target audiences. 

• Commission auditors performed seven internal control assessments (MICS audits),

eight onsite Internal Audit/ NIGC fee reviews, and 484 reviews on audited financial 
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statements. The audit findings were included in reports delivered to the audited tribes. 

The Commission will offer technical assistance to the tribes in identifying and 

implementing remedial action.

• Commission staff continued to diligently review management contracts. Two 

management contracts and six amendments to management contracts were approved 

by the Chairman in FY 2017.

• The Commission continued to conduct financial background investigations on 

persons and entities associated with management contractors. The Commission 

received 49 applications for background investigations in FY 2017.

• The Commission processed approximately 315,385 actions including dissemination

of fingerprint cards to and from the FBI and name checks for tribal gaming 

commissions. 

• The Commission, through its Compliance Division, addressed potential noncompliance through its standardized regulatory processes, analyzed tribal gaming 

facilities and created a compliance plan that in part ensured at least one site visit was 

completed at all tribal gaming facilities. The Compliance Division completed 561

site visits, 155 surveillance reviews, 290 licensing on site reviews and completed 49 

trainings events to 2,664 participants.

• The Commission, through its Technology Division, completed 20 Information 

Technology Vulnerability Assessments in FY 2017 and realigned its records 

management and retention schedules.

During FY 2018, the Commission will continue its four primary initiatives by 

working on the following goals and tasks. 

• The Commission will continue its efforts on consultations in FY 2018 with focus on 

three important topics including: Proposed Changes to Management Contract Process, 

Audit Submissions, and Management and Sole Proprietary Definition.

• The Commission continues its initiative to offer technical assistance, and enforcement

when necessary, to help facilitate compliance throughout all regions.

• The Commission continues to build upon relationships with tribal, Federal, and state 

regulatory and/or law enforcement agencies.

• Rural outreach and protecting against gamesmanship on the backs of tribes continue 

to be the focused priorities of the agency.

• The Commission continues to review and update its regulations to maintain the 

integrity of Indian gaming. The Commission will continue to consult with tribes as 

part of its regulatory review. 

• The Office of General Counsel continues to advise the Chair and Commission on 

management contracts, tribal ordinance submissions, and litigation. Additionally, the 

Office of General Counsel continues to assist and bring stability to the tribal gaming 

industry by offering opinions on a variety of matters including game classifications, 
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Indian land status, and whether financing or other agreements implicate management 

or sole proprietary interest concerns.

• The Commission continues to work on drafting (or revising) and adopting additional 

internal agency policies.

• The Commission continues to respond to requests from tribes for technical assistance, 

and increase both the amount and breadth of technical assistance provided. It utilizes 

all forms of training forums and locations to better reach targeted audiences being 

mindful of Commission and tribal financial resources. The Commission continues to 

provide training to tribes within all seven NIGC regions. The Commission continues 

to update the training catalog as necessary.

• The Commission is continuing efforts to modernize the NIGC IT network to improve 

and maintain reliability and manageability. This includes continuing to update the 

website to provide the end user with ease of navigation and searchability of NIGC 

resources. 

• The Commission continues to improve operational efficiency through enhanced 

records management that includes the electronic conversion of documents, forms and 

manuals.

• The Commission will continue to track technological developments in the industry to 

ensure the Commission provides up-to-date technical assistance, maintains current 

regulations, meets its oversight responsibilities, and otherwise performs its statutory 

mandates.

• The Commission continues to work on its everyday tasks, including:

- performing internal control assessments specific to Class II gaming 

operations.

- performing IT vulnerability assessments as a service for tribal gaming 

operations to protect against IT threats.

- responding to requests from tribal gaming operators and regulators for IGRA 

and gaming related training and technical assistance.

- working with tribes on the Tribal Access Portal (TAP), a database that enables 

tribal gaming regulators who are engaged in issuing gaming licenses to check 

whether a license applicant has a licensing history with any other gaming 

tribe. Along with information provided by the NIGC/FBI fingerprint 

submission service, the TAP system assists tribes to complete their own 

comprehensive background investigation of prospective license applicants.

- updating its database with accumulated financial data from the gaming 

operations’ audited financial statements and Agreed Upon Procedures (AUP)

report filings. The Commission establishes a preliminary and final rate 

utilizing this data.

- performing internal audits of NIGC departments to increase the Commission’s 

efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with Federal regulations.
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- reviewing management contracts and amendments to management contracts.

- processing fingerprint cards for tribal gaming employees as they are submitted 

by the tribal gaming commissions and tracking payment for fingerprint 

processing.

- continuing to respond to technical assistance requests from tribal governments 

and tribal regulators, in particular, assisting tribes that are considering entering 

the Indian gaming arena or have recently opened a new Indian gaming 

facility.

As part of its program objectives for FY 2019, the Commission plans to:

• Enhance relationships with partner governments and sister agencies.

• Continue to take steps to achieve the NIGC High Priority Performance Goals as 

identified in the Strategic Plan.

• Continue rural outreach and protecting against gamesmanship on the backs of tribes 

as the focused priorities of the agency.

• Continue efforts to modernize the NIGC IT network to improve and maintain 

reliability and manageability. This includes increasing cyber security protocols to 

protect agency data.

• Monitor strategic plan performance measures.

• Continue its regulatory review, which it began during FY 2011, and implement its 

new and/or revised regulations, and to provide training to tribes on compliance with 

any new requirements.

• Continue to review management contracts and tribal ordinance submissions.

• Continue, through its Office of General Counsel, to offer opinions on a variety of 

matters including game classifications, Indian land status, and whether financing or 

other agreements implicate management or sole proprietary interest concerns.

• Continue the development of the Commission’s internal administrative and personnel 

manual, and develop and implement corresponding training programs.

• Continue to inform the public about the Commission’s activities through various 

media and training resources.

• Coordinate and provide training events to tribal entities in each of the seven regions.

• Continue to respond to requests from tribes for technical assistance, and increase both 

the amount and breadth of technical assistance provided, updating the training catalog 

as necessary. 

• Utilize all forms of training forums and locations to better reach targeted audiences

and save Commission and tribal financial resources. 

• Continue to perform and grow knowledge reviews to examine how effective the 

agency’s training program is to achieve compliance.
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• Continue to perform internal control assessments, IT vulnerability assessments, and 

other types of compliance reviews to maintain the integrity of gaming industry.

• Continue to implement the requirements of GPRA, including the adoption of the 2018 

– 2022 strategic plan.

• Continue to update information systems to ensure compliance with the receipt of 

personal identifiable information.

• Maintain a consistently high level of compliance for the submission of gaming 

activity fees and external year-end audits through continued monitoring and contact 

with gaming tribes, with an emphasis on voluntary compliance.

• Continue to enhance internal records management. Monitor the training and 

employee development program in order to attract and retain highly-qualified 

personnel. The agency will annually assess the skills of its employees and provide 

necessary training.

• Continue to track technological developments in the industry to ensure the 

Commission provides up-to-date technical assistance, maintains current regulations, 

meets its oversight responsibilities, and otherwise performs its statutory mandates.

• Promote the self-determination goals of IGRA through administration and promotion 

of the law’s self-regulation provisions.