Nov
20
2009
George Skibine, the interim Chair of the NIGC, recently spoke publicly about his role -- or perhaps lack thereof. He said he expects his interim appointment to be short -- "seven months – max" -- and that during that time, he will not make any significant changes. "We're not going to have any regulations while I'm there," he said, indicating that the NIGC would not amend or promulgate regulations under his interim leadership.Yet he also shared his own views on some hot-button issues, such as the "bright line" between Class II and Class III machines and the NIGC's power to regulate Class III gaming. His views, he said, "won't make any difference" during his interim appointment, given his intent not to make any significant changes in law or policy. Nevertheless, even as a placeholder, Skibine will impact tribal gaming law and policy in his interim role. He's already acted to delay any minimum internal control standards for Class II machines.
Skibine stated that he's not seeking a Presidential appointment to the NIGC. But Skibine dropped an interesting hint, saying at one point, "but if I were to stay . . . ." Just an innocent hypothetical?
Read more in Indian Country Today: Skibine Is "Setting the Table" For Next NIGC Chair
