What is the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act?
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) is a federal law that oversees and regulates gambling activities on Native American lands. It was passed by Congress in 1988 to provide a framework for Native American tribes to enter into gambling agreements with state governments, and to protect tribal sovereignty. IGRA created three classes of gaming activities that tribes could offer: Class I, Class II, and Class III. Class I gaming activities are traditional Native American forms of gambling, such as ceremonial games of chance that do not involve betting. Class II gaming activities are similar to those found in casinos, such as bingo, pull tab, and certain forms of electronic gaming. Class III gaming activities are those typically found in commercial casinos, such as slot machines, craps, and roulette. In Tennessee, the IGRA is enforced by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The BIA is responsible for approving tribal-state compacts that regulate Class II and Class III gaming activities, as well as for conducting background checks, reviews, investigations, and monitoring of Class II and Class III gaming activities. Furthermore, the BIA is responsible for issuing tribal gaming licenses, approving tribal gaming ordinances, and conducting other regulatory activities. IGRA has had a positive impact on the economic and socio-cultural development of many Native American tribes, allowing them to generate revenue and create meaningful employment opportunities. It has also ensured that gaming activities conducted on Native American lands are conducted in a socially responsible manner.
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