IGRA stands for the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which is a federal law enacted by the United States Congress in 1988. This law provides a regulatory framework for gaming activities on Indian lands in the country. Its purpose is to establish the conditions and guidelines under which Indian tribes can engage in gaming operations, as well as to protect the rights and interests of both tribes and the general public.
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act defines three distinct classes of gaming activities. Class I refers to traditional tribal ceremonies and social games that are purely for cultural or social purposes and do not involve wagering. Class II covers bingo and similar games, including non-banking card games that are authorized by the tribe or the state. Class III encompasses all other forms of gaming, including casino-style games, slot machines, and horse racing.
Under IGRA, Indian tribes are given the opportunity to engage in Class II and Class III gaming activities through the negotiation and approval of a gaming compact between the tribe and the state government in which the tribe is located. These compacts address various aspects, such as revenue sharing, regulatory oversight, and the extent of gaming activities allowed.
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act also established the National Indian Gaming Commission, an independent federal agency responsible for regulating and overseeing Indian gaming operations across the United States. This agency ensures compliance with IGRA, promotes fair and honest gaming practices, and fosters economic development for tribes through gaming ventures.
Overall, IGRA serves as a vital piece of legislation that governs and regulates Indian gaming activities, balancing tribal sovereignty and economic opportunities with public interest and controls.
