WASHINGTON, April 16, 2015 — Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri (Muscogee Creek), President Obama’s nominee for Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), was confirmed by the Senate today. Chaudhuri is the ninth presidentially appointed and Senate-Confirmed Chair for the Indian gaming regulatory agency.
“I am humbled by President Obama’s confidence in me and am honored by the Senate’s confirmation,” said Chaudhuri. “I am eager to continue the agency’s work towards an efficient, well-functioning, and effective regulatory structure that protects the industry and promotes its integrity and health.”
Chaudhuri has been serving as the Acting Chairman since October 2013 under an acting authority designation. Prior to his appointment to the NIGC, Chaudhuri served as Senior Counselor to the Department of the Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, where he provided guidance and assistance on a wide range of national policy issues, including Indian gaming, economic development, energy, Alaska affairs, and tribal recognition.
The National Indian Gaming Commission is committed to the prompt and efficient regulation of the Indian gaming industry spanning more than 450 gaming establishments, associated with nearly 242 tribes across 28 states. The Commission’s dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the $28 billion Indian gaming industry.
The National Indian Gaming Commission is an independent regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
