Compliance Updates

NIGC Announces Departure of Chairman E. Sequoyah Simermeyer

Published

11 months ago

February 22, 2024

NIGC Announces Departure of Chairman E. Sequoyah Simermeyer

The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) announced the resignation of E. Sequoyah Simermeyer, as the chairman of NIGC, effective Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024.

Simermeyer, confirmed by the U.S. Senate in November 2019, led the Agency through unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic. During this time, the Agency helped set the regulatory conditions for a multi-year, post-pandemic recovery, where Indian gaming gross revenues rose to a record $40.9B last year. Prior to his tenure as chairman, Simermeyer served with NIGC as associate commissioner and director of the Office of Self-Regulation since 2015.

Reflecting on his time at the Agency, Simermeyer said, “I’ve witnessed firsthand how tribes across the Indian gaming industry have pursued economic sustainability through gaming by relying on – and cultivating – the robust regulatory reputation for which Indian gaming is well known, and made better when supported by effective and efficient measures by Indian gaming’s regulators. I’m proud of the integral part this Agency has played in meeting the challenges of an evolving industry, and encouraged that NIGC’s strong cadre of professionals will continue to work hand-in-hand with gaming operations to ensure tribal gaming remains primarily for the benefit of its citizens as the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) mandated 35 years ago.”

From day one, Simermeyer established industry integrity, preparedness, outreach, and Agency accountability as strategic goals for the Agency, leading NIGC through a period of growth and expansion of programs and services available to gaming tribes.

Under Simermeyer’s leadership, the Agency took steps to grow its capacity to provide outreach, training and technical assistance to gaming tribes, notably formalizing its Environmental Public Health and Safely (EPHS) program to assist tribes with overall operational preparedness, and expanding the Agency’s ability to provide cybersecurity technical assistance as the industry faced emerging threats from cybercrimes, including NIGC’s first Chief Information Security Officer. His “3 for 35” campaign for workforce preparedness, aimed at building regulatory capacity to future-proof tribal gaming, was also an Agency signature outreach effort during his tenure.

NIGC’s efficient and effective approach to regulation was driven by its formalized, collaborative tribal consultation process, where over the past three years, the Agency published eight final rules to keep pace with changing regulatory conditions and industry best practices, while allowing tribes the maximum flexibility allowed under IGRA to pursue efficiencies intended to help operations grow and thrive. To further strengthen its compliance and oversight functions, the Agency also rolled out the “Report a Violation” tool on its website to allow for reporting suspected IGRA violations. NIGC also provided important clarity in the wake of industry-wide questions arising from emerging topics such as significant court decisions on sports betting, the impact of cannabis on licensing and the use of gaming revenue, and the independence of tribal gaming regulatory bodies.

Simermeyer also positioned the Agency as a lead collaborator with federal agencies and organizations similarly dedicated to the success of tribal gaming. NIGC’s annual multiagency Cybersecurity Symposium, Anti-Money Laundering/Banking Security Act (Title 31) regulatory training conference and ongoing partnership with the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign to prevent human trafficking, are all examples. He also led the Agency to pursue memoranda of understanding with federal agencies like the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, to promote a shared interest in researching the impacts of lending to tribes engaged in gaming and facilitating tribal access to capital.

Focusing on Agency operations, Simermeyer led the Agency through a multi-year IT security modernization plan to improve NIGC’s internal cybersecurity and resilience. Additionally, he transformed the Agency’s Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Audit program to better align with FBI requirements. As another step towards transparency and accountability, the Agency reimagined its fiscal annual report to better tell the story of its commitment to preserve and protect Indian gaming under IGRA, and the stories of the employees behind it. Perhaps most important, under Simermeyer’s leadership, the Agency achieved a 91% employee satisfaction rating on the 2023 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS), making the NIGC one of the best places to work in the federal government.

On transitioning to the next stage of his career, Simermeyer is grateful for his nearly nine years with the Agency. “My time with NIGC has been some of the most memorable and impactful years of my career. As a Native person, I’m truly blessed to have been surrounded by experts dedicated to protecting and preserving the valuable resource Indian gaming represents for our communities. I’m thankful for the advice and counsel of my fellow commissioners and NIGC staff, and the support and hard work of the nearly 5,000 tribal regulators who work alongside NIGC day-in and day-out to keep Indian gaming strong now, and for the next 35 years,” said Simermeyer.

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Additional details regarding the transition will be forthcoming.

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Michigan Gaming Control Board Orders MyBookie.ag to Cease Operations in the State

Published

3 days ago

January 27, 2025

Niji Narayan

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Duranbah Limited N.V., the operator of MyBookie.ag, based in Curaçao. The site offers a variety of casino-style games, such as slots, poker, and live-dealer games like blackjack, roulette, and craps. It also allows users to place bets on sporting events and horse races.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams stressed the agency’s dedication to safeguarding consumers and ensuring compliance with Michigan’s gaming regulations.

“Our investigation into MyBookie.ag found that their operations were accessible to Michigan citizens, which violates state laws. We are taking strong action to uphold the principles of fair and legal gaming,” Williams said.

MyBookie.ag offers numerous payment methods for deposits and the funding of players’ accounts, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, various cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and others), and MoneyGram. However, withdrawals can only be made via Bitcoin or bank wire transfer.

The MGCB’s investigation revealed that MyBookie.ag’s operation of online casino-style games for paying customers, without a valid Michigan gambling license, breaches several state laws, including:

• Lawful Internet Gaming Act: Internet gaming is only permitted by licensed operators. Only casinos licensed under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and federally authorized tribal casinos within Michigan may apply for such a license.

• Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act: Operating a gambling business without an MGCB-issued license is a felony, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.

• Michigan Penal Code: Gambling, which involves consideration, prize, and chance, is broadly prohibited. Accepting money or anything of value with the understanding that it will be paid based on the outcome of an uncertain event is illegal.

Duranbah Limited N.V. has 14 days from receipt of the letter to cease offering gambling services to Michigan residents, as required by the cease-and-desist letter. If the company fails to comply, the MGCB is prepared to collaborate with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office for further legal actions.

Compliance Updates

MGCB Executive Director Applauds Reappointment of Board Member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Governor

Published

6 days ago

January 24, 2025

Niji Narayan

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced the reappointment of Troy resident and Board member Deidre A. Lambert-Bounds by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. This reappointment reaffirms the governor’s confidence in Lambert-Bounds’ dedication, integrity, and invaluable contribution to the agency’s mission of ensuring a fair and transparent gaming environment.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s decision, noting that Lambert-Bounds’ continued leadership will greatly benefit the agency.

“Board member Lambert-Bounds has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment and insight in regulating Michigan’s gaming industry, and we are thrilled to have her continue as a vital part of our Board. This reappointment is a testament to her unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness,” said Williams.

Reappointed for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2028, Lambert-Bounds is the president and co-owner of Ignite Social Media LLC, and the chief operating officer and co-owner of its sister company, Carusele Media. She also serves on the executive boards of the Sphinx Organization, International Women’s Forum, and the Michigan Partnership for Equity and Opportunity.

The reappointment is Lambert-Bounds’ second four-year term of serving on the MGCB, representing Independents, for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2028. She previously served from July 22, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2024, and succeeded Barbara Smith, whose term expired Dec. 31, 2020.

The MGCB is responsible for implementing, administering, and enforcing the provisions of the law related to the licensure, regulation, and operations of the three authorized Detroit casinos — MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. The agency also licenses and regulates fantasy contests, regulates pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming (millionaire parties), and audits tribal gaming compact agreements for the state’s 12 federally recognized tribes.

The Board comprises five Michigan residents appointed by the Governor, with one member designated by the Governor as the chairperson. Under the Michigan Gaming Control & Revenue Act, no more than three members may belong to the same political party.

Compliance Updates

BMM Testlabs Earns Accreditation in Maranhão, Brazil To Test Fixed Odds Betting Systems and Lottery Platforms

Published

1 week ago

January 22, 2025

George Miller

BMM Testlabs Earns Accreditation in Maranhão, Brazil To Test Fixed Odds Betting Systems and Lottery Platforms

BMM Testlabs, the world’s original gaming test lab renowned for exceptional product compliance and testing services, today announced its official accreditation to test systems and games for the Brazilian state of Maranhão.

This new accreditation allows BMM Testlabs to test fixed-odds betting systems and lottery platforms for the Maranhão market. The Company is now authorized in every Brazilian jurisdiction that has regulated at state-level online fixed-odds betting.

The Maranhão accreditation, issued by Maranhão Parcerias SA (MAPA/LOTEMA), authorizes BMM Testlabs to work with lottery operators in the state to ensure compliance and quality standards for the gaming and lottery industry through end-to-end product compliance testing for Maranhão’s standards.

Additionally, Brazil’s Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas has federally authorized BMM Testlabs to test betting systems, live gaming studios, and online games used by fixed-odds betting operators.

BMM Testlabs’ Marzia Turrini, President of iGaming & Cybersecurity, said, “We are excited and deeply honored that the State of Maranhão’s official lottery has entrusted BMM Testlabs with the responsibility of testing products for their new online fixed odds betting program, knowing that we’ll do so with the highest levels of impartiality, technical expertise, transparency, efficiency, and, most of all, integrity.”

With the Maranhão accreditation, BMM Testlabs solidifies its position as the leading independent test lab in Brazil. BMM Testlabs is accredited in all jurisdictions that have authorized fixed-odds betting for online gaming and sports betting.

BMM Testlabs brings 44 years of global leadership in product compliance across regulated markets and is trusted by games, systems, and lottery manufacturers, suppliers, developers, and regulators worldwide.

In addition to product compliance testing, BMM Testlabs provides end-to-end cybersecurity protection solutions. Through its sister company, RG24seven Virtual Training, BMM also offers compliance-grade virtual training on responsible gaming, anti-money laundering, and other important topics – presented by industry experts and available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.