Gaming Commission is:

• An independent body responsible for the regulation of the Tribe's Gaming

• Separated completely from the Tribe's role as owner and operator of Tribal Gaming operation.

• Gaming Commission purpose is regulatory, no managerial.

• Ensures compliance with Tribal, Federal, and State Laws, as party to State-Tribal Compact.

Staff:
Executive Director
E. Bernadette Huber

Compliance Officer
Justin McKosato

Internal Control Auditor
David Cook

Surveillance Director
Garry Drake

Vendor License Investigator
Velinda Gaunt

Key License Investigator
Alan Gunter

ITO Gaming Commission is the Tribal Gaming Regulatory Authority (TGRA)

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act(IGRA) was adopted by Congress in 1988 to:

• Promote economic development, self sufficiency, and strong governments

• provide statutory basis for the Federal regulation of Indian gaming

• Establish the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC)

IGRA Provisions include: 3 Classes of gaming

• Class I - Social games for prizes of minimal value or traditional games

• Class II - Bingo, pull tabs, and games similar to bingo including technologic aids

• Class III - All other forms of gaming, not Class I or Class II

Tribes are primary day-to-day regulators (Tribal Government regulatory Authority - TGRA)

State governments regulate Class III based on compacts Indian gaming is subject to Federal regulations including: NIGC, BIA, FBI, IRS, Fin CEN (Patriot Act)

Commissioners

Commission Functions

• Conduct background investigations
• Issue, deny, review, suspend, or revoke Tribal gaming licenses for gaming employees and vendors
• Promulgate Tribal gaming regulations
• Establish Tribal internal control standards (TICS)
• Continuously monitor Indian gaming operations to ensure compliance
• Oversee audits of the Indian gaming facility
• Conduct investigations of any alleged misconduct, take appropriate enforcement action
• Conduct hearings, take testimony, take disciplinary actions, levy fines, and issue closure orders
• Resolve patron disputes
• Issue separated licenses to each place, facility, or location on Indian lands where Tribe elects to game
• Ensure that facilities are constructed, maintained, and operated in a manner that adequately protects the environment and teh public health and safety
• Ensure that net revenues from any gaming activities are used according to law
• Exclude individuals (patrons, employees) who may be a threat to teh integrity of the gaming center
• Work cooperatively with state, NIGC, and Tribal, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies
• Report to the governing body of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma

Iowa Tribal Gaming Ordinance

Tribes must adopt a Gaming Ordinance if they elect to conduct gaming.

Purpose of ITO Gaming Ordinance:

• To Promote the public order, peace, safety, and welfare of all persons coming with the jurisdiction of the Iowa Tribe Of Oklahoma

• To provide a safe and wholesome means of recreational activity in a community setting

• To provide a source of revenue for the operation of the programs and departments of the Tribal Government by ensuring that any gaming activity conducted is fair, responsible, and consistent with applicable federal law and any Tribal-State compact to which the Tribe is a party