What is the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act?

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) is a federal law passed in 1988 that provides guidelines for the operation of gambling facilities on Native American reservations and other tribal trust lands. The IGRA establishes three classes of gambling, which include Class I, Class II, and Class III gaming. Class I gaming is defined as “traditional tribal gaming and social gaming”; Class II gaming covers “bingo and similar games”; and Class III gaming is “full casino-style gaming” such as slot machines, blackjack, and poker. In order for Native American tribes to conduct gaming activities on their reservations, they must enter into an agreement with the state in which the gaming is located. This agreement is known as a tribal-state compact and it must be approved by the Secretary of the Interior. Each tribal-state compact is unique to the tribe and the state it is located in. For example, the state of New Hampshire has approved a tribal-state compact with the Pequawket tribe and their gambling facility, which allows for Class III gaming activities. The IGRA also established the National Indian Gaming Commission, which is an independent federal agency that oversees, regulates, and audits Native American gaming activities. The Commission also provides technical and legal assistance to tribes interested in developing gambling activities. By ensuring the lawful operation of gaming by tribes, the IGRA has helped to boost the economy of those living on or near tribal reservations.

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What is the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act?

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