Chickasaw Nation gains rare approval to operate Class II games
The Oklahoman Tribal operator can now offer bingo-based games subject to strict standards.
The Chickasaw Nation, a Tribe located in southern Oklahoma, has become the third Tribe to win approval from the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) for ‘alternate’ standards, related to Class II gaming.
The tribe, which already operates some of the region’s largest casinos, such as Riverwind, will now be able to offer bingo-based games via mobile apps and other machines. The approval does not cover other popular gaming activities such as sports betting – only bingo-based games similar to slot machines.
Oklahomans will be able to gamble on their mobiles while on Chickasaw Tribal land. The gaming apps will use geo-location devices to ensure bettors are gambling in approved areas.
This is a significant development for tribal gaming authorities within Oklahoma, who have a fraught relationship with sitting Governor Kevin Stitt. The Chickasaw Nation was one of three Tribes, along with the Cherokee and Choctaw Native American Nations, to file a lawsuit against the governor in 2019.
The Chickasaw will have to abide by strict measures – the aforementioned ‘alternate standards,’ under the terms of this approval. It refers to the Tribe’s in-house rules for Class II gaming.
The standards focus on preventing cheating and ensuring Class II gaming machines are well-maintained. The rules set say that gaming systems may not cheat or mislead players and equipment installed at a gaming facility must be identical to the one approved by the government.
They also state that equipment must work according to the manufacturer’s intent, gaming systems must undergo testing at a laboratory and any repairs made to the machines must follow a specific protocol.
Furthermore, any modifications to machines must be approved by the state. The rules also cover all kinds of equipment-related specifications, related to player interfaces, electrostatic discharge and circuit boards.
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