The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has confirmed the resignation of chairman E. Sequoyah Simermeyer after more than four years in the role.

Simermeyer was confirmed by the US Senate as NIGC chairman in November 2019 and led the agency through unprecedented challenges during the Covid 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 $40.9 billion last year.

Prior to his tenure as chairman, Simermeyer served with NIGC as associate commissioner and director of the Office of Self-Regulation since November 2015.

“I’ve witnessed first-hand 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,” said Simermeyer.

“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.”

On transitioning to the next stage of his career, Simermeyer said he was 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,” he continued. “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.”

The NIGC regulates more than 500 gaming establishments operated by nearly 250 tribes across 29 states.