Watchdog for $46 billion tribal gambling industry can’t enforce the law without a chairperson

Albuquerque, New Mexico (AP) — On the opening day of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma's new Harrah’s-branded casino, the tribe’s chairman marveled at the influx of customers at the gambling floor, as a line of vehicles exited the parking lot. The chairman, Jacob Keyes, noted the success, saying, “We couldn’t let them in because we were so full.”

However, a looming issue threatens to undermine the partnership between the tribe and the gambling giant. The National Indian Gaming Commission, responsible for overseeing tribal gambling, remains without a chairperson, preventing the tribe from fully benefiting from the Harrah’s contract. President Donald Trump has yet to nominate a successor to the last chairperson, who stepped down in January.

This lack of leadership hampers the commission's ability to enforce legal and safety regulations, approve new tribal gambling laws, and certify management agreements between tribes and casino operators. Industry experts warn that the commission's inaction could lead to delayed business deals, weakened oversight, and increased risks for tribes relying on casino revenue to fund essential services.