The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, enacted in 1988 and subsequently codified at 25 U.S.C. 2701, established a federal jurisdictional framework to govern Indian gaming.
Pursuant to that act, the Yakama Nation General Council, on March 9, 1994 approved GC-05-94 authorizing the Tribal Council to adopt a Class II and Class III gaming ordinance for the purpose of establishing a Class II and Class III gaming operation.
Additionally, GC-05-94 created a five member Gaming Commission and delegated to them the responsibility to plan, finance and approve management contracts for the Class II and Class III gaming operation.