What is the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act?

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) is a federal law passed in 1988 that regulates the gaming activities of Native American tribes on their own lands. The IGRA was passed to provide a framework for the negotiation of tribal-state gaming compacts, and sets rules and regulations for Indian gaming, including both class I (traditional tribal gaming) and class II (bingo, lotto, etc.) gaming. The IGRA also provides for federal oversight of Indian gaming operations, and requires that revenues generated from Indian gaming be used to fund tribal government operations and services, provide for economic diversification and development, and help fund tribal programs and services that benefit the community. The IGRA recognizes the sovereign status of Native tribes, and provides a structure to ensure the integrity and safety of Indian gaming. With its stipulations, the IGRA helps to ensure that Indian gaming is conducted in a manner that is fair to both the tribes and non-Native people. The IGRA also sets regulations for licensing gaming operations and personnel, along with accounting, record-keeping, and reporting requirements to ensure that Indian gaming is being conducted legally and safely. The IGRA has been critical in providing economic stability for many Native American tribes in the United States, especially in states such as Indiana. The Act has been beneficial for both Native American tribes and non-Native people in the state, as gaming has brought new jobs, tourism, and revenue to local economies.

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