WASHINGTON, D.C. – NIGC Chairman Simermeyer continues outreach efforts related to self-regulation by visiting the Barona Band of Mission Indians Gaming Commission. The tribe has a long history and proven record of well-regulated Indian gaming. Among the nearly 250 tribal governments who regulate gaming activity, the Barona Band is one of only six tribes with a certificate of self-regulation from the NIGC.
Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), the NIGC may issue a certificate of self-regulation to tribes that qualify. Self-regulation was based in part on lawmakers’ expectations and tribal leaders’ insistence that those tribal governments with a strong and proven history of gaming regulatory capacity would be able to meet the IGRA’s objectives with less federal regulation.
Chairman Simermeyer served as a NIGC Commissioner and the NIGC Self-Regulation Director in December of 2017, when the Barona Tribe received their certificate of self-regulation by a unanimous approval.
“I was grateful to visit with Chairman VanWanseele and other Barona Gaming Commissioners today,” said Simermeyer. “It was great to see the ongoing successes, innovation and approaches to support the regulatory community. They have continued to achieve great things over the last six years and have an excellent reputation as a well regulated operation.”
The Chairman’s visit with the Barona Band of Mission Indians Gaming Commission follows the national presentation earlier this month on the NIGC self-regulation program. The Washington D.C. Region Director, Shawnna Castellano, and Chairman Simermeyer presented on June 15, 2022, as part of the NIGC National Training Conference. The presentation was held at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s casino in Shawnee, OK. The recorded presentation will be available through the NIGC website.