The new standards, 25 C.F.R. 547.4,
create a process for the submission (by tribes or game
manufacturers), review (by independent testing laboratories), and
approval (by tribal gaming regulatory authorities) of electronic,
computer, or other technological aids used in the play of Class II
games. The information collected allows regulatory oversight of the
games and aids.
US Code:
25
USC 2701 Name of Law: Indian Gaming Regulatory Act
This is a new rule. The
Technical Standards establish a process for ensuring that Class II
gaming systems have been reviewed and evaluated by a qualified,
independent testing laboratory prior to their approval by a tribal
gaming regulatory authority and their availability to the public
for play. The process helps to ensure the proper functioning of the
systems and the integrity, fairness, and auditability of games
played. The process requires a tribe's gaming regulatory authority
to require that all Class II gaming systems, or modifications
thereto, be submitted to a qualified, independent testing
laboratory for review and analysis. That submission includes a
working prototype of the game and aid, all pertinent software, and
complete documentation and descriptions of all functions and
components. In turn, the laboratory will determine that the gaming
system does or does not meet the requirements of the Technical
Standards and any additional requirements adopted by the tribe's
gaming regulatory authority. The laboratory will provide a written
report of its analysis and conclusions to the tribal gaming
regulatory authority, which in turn will approve or disapprove the
system or modification. The tribal gaming regulatory authority will
retain the laboratory report as long as the system or modification
remains available to the public for play. This process is necessary
to ensure the security and integrity of Class II gaming. Technical
standards generally are a fundamental part of Class III gaming and
of non-Indian, commercial casino gaming throughout North America.
No uniform standards exist for Class II gaming, however. The
implementation of such standards will assist tribal gaming
regulators in ensuring that games are implemented fairly, that all
gaming systems are secure and function properly, and that the
tribes and operators are able to properly account for gaming
revenue. The Technical Standards implement an analogous process for
determining whether a Class II gaming system is eligible for the
five-year grandfather period. This process again requires a tribe's
gaming regulatory authority to require that a Class II gaming
system be submitted, within 120 days after the effective date, to a
qualified, independent testing laboratory for review and analysis.
The submission must include a working prototype of the game and
aid, all pertinent software, and complete documentation and
descriptions of all functions and components. In turn, the
laboratory will determine that the gaming system does or does not
meet a small set of specified requirements. The laboratory will
provide a written report of its analysis and conclusions to the
tribal gaming regulatory authority, which in turn will determine
that the gaming system is or is not eligible for grandfather
status. Upon a finding of eligibility, the tribal gaming regulatory
authority will issue a certificate to that effect to the gaming
system manufacturer and a description of the grandfathered game to
the Commission.
$314,000
No
No
Uncollected
Uncollected
Uncollected
Uncollected
Michael Gross 202
632-7003
No
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.