Media Contact: Mary Parker
(202) 336-3470
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Notice of Violation Issued Against the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 16, 2023 – Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), E. Sequoyah Simermeyer, issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) today against the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (Tribe), located in Belcourt, North Dakota. The NOV resulted from a thorough investigation by the NIGC Rapid City, S.D. Region Office that identified multiple violations of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and NIGC regulations.
As set forth in the NOV, the investigation found the Tribe has violated Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and NIGC regulations by failing to provide notice of intent to issue a facility license at least 120 days before allowing KEYA Radio Station (KEYA) to begin hosting class II and III gaming. Additional violations include failing to issue a facility license to KEYA where class II and III gaming were being conducted, failing to notify the NIGC within 30 days of the expiration of Chippewa Downs Racetrack (Chippewa Downs) facility license, failing to issue a facility license to Chippewa Downs where class III gaming was being conducted, and failing to submit Chippewa Downs facility license to the NIGC within 30 days of issuance.
“After issuing two Letters of Concern based on a detailed investigation, we issued a Notice of Violation to ensure compliance. We do not take this enforcement action lightly, but issue it to preserve the integrity of the industry and protect the valuable tool Indian Gaming represents for many Tribes as codified in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act,” Simermeyer said.
The Tribe could face civil penalties not to exceed $57,527 per day for each violation and the Tribe’s gaming operation could be subject to a temporary closure order.
The full NOV is available at National Indian Gaming Commission (nigc.gov).
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The National Indian Gaming Commission’s mission is to support tribal self-sufficiency and the integrity of Indian gaming through effective regulation. Together with tribes and states, the NIGC regulates more than 510 gaming establishments operated by 240 tribes across 29 states. To learn more, visit www.nigc.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
