 Newsletter Signup
Stay informed with the
NEW Casino City Times newsletter! |
Gaming News
Chairman: Indian Gaming Commission Needs More Money16 May 2003WASHINGTON, DC – As reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal: "Budget restrictions are preventing the National Indian Gaming Commission from keeping pace with growth among tribal casinos, the agency's chairman said. "`To do all of the things we are supposed to do with the gaming industry, frankly, we need more resources,' commission Chairman Philip Hogen told the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Wednesday. "…Although Indian gaming revenue increased from $7.5 billion in 1997 to more than $13 billion in 2002, the commission's budget, which is funded by tribes based on revenue assessments, remained constant at $8 million, Hogen said. "Hogen reported the commission instituted a hiring and travel freeze last year to meet its budget. "…Instead of a budget limit, Hogen recommended Congress tie the commission's budget to a percentage of tribal revenue. "…Ernest Stevens, chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, a tribal organization, opposed raising assessments on tribes. He said tribes spend more than $200 million annually on local, state, and national regulations…" |