Watchdog for $46 billion tribal gambling industry can't enforce the law without a chairperson

A vacancy in the chairmanship of the National Indian Gaming Commission is preventing key regulatory functions, including enforcing legal violations and approving management agreements for tribal casinos. This lack of oversight is stalling partnerships, such as one involving the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma's casino and Harrah’s parent company. Industry leaders warn that this systemic inertia weakens protections for tribes that rely heavily on casino revenue to fund essential services.