Government oversight bodies, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) under the U.S. Department of the Interior, released a statement alerting tribal operators to confirm they maintain complete authority over their sports wagering ventures.
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) mandates that tribes bear the full ownership and accountability for all gambling activities at any gaming establishment situated on Native American land.
Although it is customary to collaborate with external entities (like suppliers and business managers) who may serve as providers, any third-party “administration” of sports betting necessitates explicit authorization from the NIGC.
As early as 2020, tribes received cautions regarding the potential regulatory hurdles associated with sports betting.
The NIGC assesses various factors—contract stipulations, revenue sharing arrangements, and the right to exert control—to ascertain the level of third-party participation in sports betting management.
The agency scrutinizes the terms of agreements signed between vendors and tribes to guarantee that the provisions do not empower vendors to dictate the internal regulations of sports betting—which is forbidden by IGRA.
Its a worrisome indicator if you encounter long-term agreements or disclaimers that read “unless otherwise stated in this contract.”
You can access the complete narrative on the iGB North America website.
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