Seminole Nation of Oklahoma signs pact with National Indian Gaming Commission

On Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Principal Chief Kelly Haney met with National Indian Gaming Commission officials at a conference in San Diego, Calif., to sign a new agreement that will reduce the Seminole Nation’s quarterly fine payments from 20 percent of their net gaming revenue to just 10 percent.  These quarterly payments are to be made until the remaining $8.9 million balance of an initial $11,376,000 fine levied against the tribe is satisfied.  The NIGC issued the civil fine assessment on June 3, 2003 for illegal gaming activities.
NIGC Chairman Philip N. Hogen acknowledged the drastic improvements in the Seminole Nation’s gaming operations. He said that the level of qualified individuals that have been employed and appointed is outstanding and a very positive turnaround from just five years ago when the NIGC issued a closure order for the Seminole Nation’s casinos.
The new agreement was approved by the Seminole Nation General Council Jan. 8, 2008.
The reduced fine payments are effective for the next 18 months. With the new agreement, the 10 percent of net gaming revenue not being paid to the NIGC can now be used by the Seminole Nation to fund the Gaming Commission, Lighthorse, social service programs, educational programs and establishment of a tribal court.