Opinion ID: 2626204
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)

Text: ¶ 8 In 1987, the United States Supreme Court decided that an Indian tribe may operate bingo games on an Indian reservation located in a state that permits gaming for any purpose and that state law does not apply to bingo games played predominantly by non-Indians coming onto the Indian reservation. California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, 480 U.S. 202, 107 S.Ct. 1083, 94 L.Ed.2d 244 (1987). The Cabazon ruling impelled Congress to legislate in the area. Senate Report No. 100-446, reprinted in 1988 U.S.C.C.A.N. 3071 (S.Rep. No. 100-446). ¶ 9 Congress had considered the problems and benefits of Indian gaming in committee hearings for at least three years before Cabazon. Congress enacted Public Law 100-446, finding that gaming was a means of economic development for the tribes that would promote tribal self-sufficiency and strengthened tribal governments. 102 Stat. 2467 (1988). In Public Law 100-446, Congress legalized gaming in Indian country [6] and provided a statutory framework for regulating gaming in Indian country in IGRA. [7] ¶ 10 Congress attempted to balance the federal, tribal and state interests in Indian gaming through a system of joint regulation in IGRA. [8] IGRA established three classes of Indian gaming. Id. § 2703(6), (7) and (8). As to class I gaming (social games with prizes of minimal value and tribal ceremonial or celebrating games), tribal regulation is exclusive. Id. § 2710(a). As to class II gaming (bingo games played with cards, pull-tabs, lotto, punch boards and other games similar to bingo games played with cards), tribal regulation is subject to approval and oversight of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Id. § 2710(b). As to class III gaming (all gambling not included in class I or class II gaming), tribal regulation is subject to the terms of an agreement between the tribe and the state, a tribal-state compact. Id. § 2710(d). ¶ 11 In creating the tribal-state compact system and authorizing state regulation of gambling in Indian country, IGRA does not specifically address the subjects of damages to members of the public that may be caused by wrongful activity of Indian tribes and the judicial relief against the tribes. Instead, IGRA specifically authorizes the tribes and states to compact as to any other subjects that are directly or indirectly related to the operation of gaming activities. Id. § 2710(d)(3)(C)(vii). Tribes and states may allocate the applicable law and forum for adjudication of patron tort claims. Id. § 2710(d)(3)(C)(i), (ii).