In a significant move that’s already generating considerable buzz within the gaming and gambling community, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has announced a series of new initiatives aimed at enhancing operations and regulatory oversight across Native American gaming establishments. Leading the communication front on these developments is Monique Fontenot, whose insights into the commission’s strategies have been invaluable to stakeholders looking for clarity on the direction of tribal gaming in the United States.
Fontenot, in her capacity as a spokesperson for the NIGC, has been at the forefront of outlining the nuances of the newly announced policies. According to insiders, these steps are not only expected to streamline the regulatory process but also strengthen the economic impact of tribal gaming, all while maintaining the integrity of the industry. With years of expertise in managing public relations and strategic communications within the niche of gambling and gaming regulation, Fontenot’s updates are keenly awaited by industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.
For more information on these and other developments within the National Indian Gaming Commission, interested parties are encouraged to reach out directly to Monique Fontenot at Monique.Fontenot@nigc.gov or by calling (301) 751-4981.
Sharon M. Avery named acting chair by NIGC
In a notable update from the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), Sharon M. Avery has been elevated to the position of Acting Chair, a change announced on May 16, 2024. This pivotal move follows her recent appointment as Associate Commissioner, a role she began just days earlier on May 6, 2024, appointed for a three-year term by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. Her dual role as Associate Commissioner and Acting Chair will continue until a new chair, approved by the Senate upon the President’s recommendation, assumes office.
With the legal authority of a Senate-confirmed leader, Acting Chair Avery is now at the helm of the NIGC, poised to steer the agency through its next phases of governance and oversight over the intricate landscape of Indian gaming. This temporary leadership transition underlines the agency’s ongoing commitment to effective regulation and support for the thriving sector of Native American gaming, ensuring that the regulatory framework keeps pace with the industry’s evolving dynamics.
With an extensive background in tribal legal affairs, Avery has cemented her role as a pivotal figure in the Native American gaming sector. A proud member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, Avery’s journey in this specialized field spans over a decade, initially fueling her expertise within the legal team of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Here, Avery not only honed her skills but eventually ascended to the crucial position of General Counsel for Tribal Operations. Her accomplishments caught the eye of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), leading to her tenure of over four years as an Associate General Counsel at the NIGC Office of General Counsel.
Avery’s intricate understanding of tribal gaming laws and regulations has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the industry. Her contributions are significant in steering the future direction of tribal gaming, ensuring compliance, and fostering growth. The path she has carved out serves as an invaluable conduit between tribal operations and national gaming standards, highlighting her as an influential figure in the industry.
Highlights of Avery’s career
- Over 10 years of experience in the legal department for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan;
- Served as the General Counsel for Tribal Operations;
- Associate General Counsel at the NIGC Office of General Counsel for more than four years;
