It has been announced by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) that the Catawba Nation and its casino development partner violated the law with business agreements related to the tribe’s Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain.
The investigation lasted over a year and could carry a daily fine until the tribe and its partners have addressed the issues with its contract.
If they can't bring the business agreements into compliance, the casino could be temporarily closed by the NIGC, according to agency officials.
NIGC Chairman E. Sequoyah Simermeyer said: "We do not take this enforcement action lightly, but do so to preserve the integrity of the industry and protect the valuable tool Indian Gaming represents for many Tribes."
The tribe and Kings Mountain Sky Boat Partners, LLC, the management authority over the casino operation face fines of up to $57,527 per day for each violation and the Two Kings Casino could be subject to a temporary closure order.
The violation was levied because Kings Mountain Sky Boat Partners is not allowed to have management authority according to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Catawba Chief Bill Harris said: "The Catawba Nation is committed to resolving the issues cited by the National Indian Gaming Commission regarding the lease agreements for our casino resort project with Sky Boat Partners.
"The issues don’t involve current casino operations."
In the last decade, the gaming commission has issued violations in just 15 cases. In those 15 cases only twice did the NIGC order gaming operation to close.
