May 17, 2017 

By First Class Mail & Email 

D. Michael McBride JU, Attorney General 

Seminole Nation of Oklahoma 

Crowe & Dunlevy 

500 Kennedy Building 

32 l S. Boston Ave. 

Tulsa, OK 74103 

Re: Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Gaming Code Amendments, 

Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Tribal Resolutions 2016-102 & 2017-24 

Dear Mr. McBride: 

This letter responds to your request on behalf of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma for the 

National Indian Gaming Commission to review and approve the Tribe's amendments to its 

gaming ordinance. The amendments were adopted by the Seminole Nation Council in 

Resolutions 2016-102 and 2017-24. The amendments bring the code into proper format and 

uniformity with the rest of the Nation's Code of Laws and also conforms with the Indian Gaming 

Regulatory Act and NIGC regulations. 

Thank you for bringing these amendments to our attention and for providing us with a copy. 

These amendments are approved as they are consistent with the requirements of the Indian 

Gaming Regulatory Act and the NIGC's regulations. If you have any questions or require 

anything further, please contact Staff Attorney Mary Modrich-Alvarado at 202-632-7003. 

cc: By Email only: 

Principal Chief Leonard Harjo 

Assistant Chief Lewis Johnson 

General Council members 

Sincerely, 

Christina Vaughn, Esq., Assistant Attorney General 

NEW MAILING ADDRESS: NIGC/DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 1849 C Streel NW, Moil Stop If. 1621 Washington, DC 20240 Tel: 202 632.7003 fa><: '.202.632.7066 

REGIONAL OFFICES Portland, OR; Sacramento, CA; Phoonix, AZ; St. Paul. MN; Tulsa OK; Oklahoma City, OK 

WWW.NIGC,GOV 
SEMINOLE NATION CODE OF LAWS 

TITLE 15 

INDEX 

SEMINOLE NATION CODE OF LAWS TITLE 15 INDEX ................................................... i 

SEMINOLE NATION OF OKLAHOMA PUBLIC GAMING ACT OF 2011 ....................... 1 

SEMINOLE NATION CODE OF LAWS TITLE 15 ................................................................. 1 

GENERAL PROVISIONS ........................................................................................................ 1 

Section 1. Title ...................................................................................................................... 1 

Section 2. Authority .............................................................................................................. 1 

Section 3. Findings .............................................................................. ................................. J 

Section 4. Purposes ............................................................................................................... 2 

Section 5. Definitions ........................................................................................................... 3 

Section 6. Interpretation of Act. ........................................................................................... 8 

Section 7. Sevcrability .................................................................... ............ ........................ .. 9 

Section 8. Repeal of Inconsistent Legislation ....................................................................... 9 

Section 9. Codification ......................................................................................................... 9 

Section 10. Effective Date of Act. ...................................................................................... 9 

Section 11. Proprietary Interest. ....... ................................................................................ 10 

Section 12. Classes of Games Authorized ........................................................................ 10 

Section 13. Regulation of Gaming .................................................................................... 10 

Section 14. Use of Gaming Revenue ................................................................................ 10 

Section 15. Management Contrncts .................................................................................. 1 J 

Section 16. Internal Revenue Code and Other Applicable Federal Laws ........................ 11 

Section 17. Designation of Agent for Service of Process ................................................. 11 

Section 18. Con'!Qliance with Compact. ........................................................................... 12 

Section 19. Consent to Jurisdiction . ............ .......................................... ........................... 12 

Section 20. Noncompliance .............................................................................................. 13 

CHAPTER ONE SEMINOLE NATION GAMING AGENCY AND 

COI\llMISSIONERS ................................................................................................................. 14 

Section 101. Establishment of Seminole Nation Gaming Agency 

Successor in Interest; Structure ............................................................................................. 14 

Section 102. Establishment, Appointment, Term, and Qualifications of the 

Seminole Nation Gaming Agency Commissioners and Chief Gaming Regulator; 

Provision for Acting Chief Gaming Regulator. ..................................................................... 16 

Section 103. Outside Employment and Activities of the Chief Gaming Regulator ........... 18 

Title 15 - Page i 
Scctjon 104. Removal or Suspension of Gaming Commissioners ..................................... 18 

Section 105. Duties and Authorities of the Chief Gaming Regulator. ............................... 20 

Section 106. Duties and Authorities of the Seminole Nation Gaming Agcncy .................. 23 

Section 107. Issuing, Revising, and Withdrawing Regulations .......................................... 26 

Section 108. Confidentiality of SNGA Records ................................................................. 30 

Section 109. Right to Appeal SNGA Actions .................................................................... 31 

Section 110. Appellate Procedure of the Seminole Nation Gaming Commission, 

Judicial Review: Due Process .................... ... ........................................ ................................. 32 

CHAPTER TWO LICENSING .............................................................................................. 39 

Section 201. Gaming License, Permit or Registration Required ........................................ 39 

Section 202. Exemptions ..................................................... ................................ ............... 40 

Section 203. Applications and Requirements for Licenses . ......... ... .................................. .41 

Section 204. Registration of Non-Gaming Vendors ........................................................... 58 

Section 205. Applications and Requirements for Class I Gaming Permits ........................ 59 

Section 206. Applications and Requirements for Work Permits ........................................ 59 

Section 207. Inspection of Premises ................................................................................... 59 

CHAPTER THREE CIVIL AND CRIMINAL ACTIONS, PENAL TIES, AND 

ENFORCEMENT .................................................................................................................... 61 

Section 301. Civil Yiolations .............................................................................................. 61 

Section 302. Criminal Violations ....................................................................................... 64 

Section 303. Civil Sanctions ........ ............................................. ..................................... .... . 64 

Section 304. Investigations and Examinations of Violations ............................................. 66 

Sectjon 305. Civil Process .................................................................................................. 67 

Section 306. Agent for Service of Process for Gaming Vendors and Financing Vendors. 69 

Section 307. Production of Records; Hearings ................................................................... 69 

Section 308. Price-Eixing and other Trade Restraints Prohibited ...................................... 70 

Section 309. Protection of Informant Identity .................................................................... 71 

CHAPTER FOUR ................................................................................................................... 72 

Section 401. Responsibilities of SNGE .............................................................................. 72 

Section 402. Gaming Requirements ........... ................... ..................................................... 73 

CHAPTER FIVE REVENUES AND AUDITS ..................................................................... 76 

Section 501. Audits and Accounts - Responsibility ........................................................... 76 

Section 502. Gaming Revenue . .......................................................................................... 77 

Title 15 - Page ii 
SEMINOLE NATION OF OKLAHOMA PUBLIC GAMING ACT OF 2011 

SEMINOLE NATION CODE OF LAWS 

TITLE 15 

GENERAL PROVISIONS 

Section 1. Title. 

This Act shall be cited as the "Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Public Gaming Act of 2011." 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 2. Authority. 

The Nation is empowered to enact this Act pursuant to the Constitution of the Seminole Nation, 

Art. V, Sec. (a) & (d). 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 3. Findings. 

The General Council finds that: 

(a) The present needs of the Seminole people include employment and training, 

health care, education opportunities, nutrition, mental health, juvenile services, housing, planning 

and development, legal services, senior citizen programs and social services which are not 

presently being met in sufficient quantity hy United States government agencies; 

(b) The Seminole Nation desires to be self-sufficient in its internal affairs, as reliance 

upon federal resources has been adverse to the quality of life within this nation in both the recent 

and far past; 

(c) The Seminole Nation wishes to promote its economic development, selfsufficiency, and capacity for self-governance; 

(d) The regulation of public gaming within the Seminole Nation is in the interest of 

the Seminole people and their health and welfare; 

(e) Public gaming operations have been introduced to the Seminole Nation, and it is 

of vital interest to the public health, safety and welfare of the Seminole people that the Nation 

regulated public gaming in a manner commensurate with the interests of the Seminole people; 

and 

Title 15 - Page 1 
(f) The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, 25 U.S.C. §2701 et seq., recognizes 

the authority of the Seminole Nation to regulate gaming within its borders. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 4. Purposes. 

The purposes of this Act are to: 

(a) Promote the public health, safety, welfare, and standard of living of the Seminole 

people by regulation of public gaming activities and to generate revenue for self-perpetuation 

and essential governmental services; 

(b) Promote economic development, self-sufficiency, and a strong government for the 

Seminole Nation; 

(c) Establish the legal and regulatory framework for the regulation, control, and 

licensing of all classes of gaming activities within the jurisdiction of the Seminole Nation, 

including Class I, II, and III gaming activities; 

(d) Establish the powers and authority of the Seminole Nation Gaming Agency, as 

successor in interest to the Seminole Nation Gaming Commission, and create the position of 

Chief Gaming Regulator to supervise, direct, and lead the SNGA, which shall serve as the 

primary regulator of the Seminole Nation's gaming activities, and which shall have the power 

and authority to: 

(1) License the Nation's gaming facilities, employees, vendors. and financers; 

(2) Monitor and regulate all gaming activities conducted within the 

jurisdiction and authority of the Nation; 

(3) Adopt and implement such rules and regulations as may be necessary to 

carry out the purposes of this Act; 

(4) Conduct investigations and sanction violations of the gaming laws and 

regulations of the Seminole Nation; 

(5) Conduct hearings; and 

(6) Establish a schedule of fees and monetary penalties; 

(e) Ensure that Seminole Nation gaming laws are fully and fairly enforced in 

accordance with principles of fundamental fairness and due process of law in relation to all 

persons involved in gaming activities under the jurisdiction of the Nation; that the Seminole 

Nation's gaming activities are conducted fairly and honestly by both gaming operators and 

Title t 5 - Page 2 
players; and that such gaming activities remain free from corrupt, incompetent, unconscionable, 

and dishonest persons and/or practices; 

(t) Establish as a matter of law that a Seminole Nation License to operate a gaming 

activity is a revocable privilege, not a right or property interest; 

(g) Ensure that such gaming activities are carried out in conformity with the Indian 

Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, 25 U.S.C. §2701 et seq. and any Tribal-State Gaming Compact 

with the State of Oklahoma as may presenlly be in effect or be executed hereafter; 

(h) Ensure that revenues from the operation of the Seminole Nation's regulated 

gaming activities are used only for authorized purposes; and 

(i) Ensure that the Seminole Nation is the primary beneficiary of the revenues 

derived from the Nation's gaming activities. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 5. Definitions. 

For the purpose of this Act -

(a) Chief. "Chief of or Principal Chief' means the Principal Chief of the Seminole 

Nation. 

(b) Chief Gaming Regulator. "Chief Gaming Regulator" means the official who 

directs the SNGA on a daily basis and performs the duties of the Chief Gaming Regulator 

established by this Title, including implementing this Act which governs the actions of any 

gaming operations licensed under this Act. 

( c) Collateral Agreement. "Collateral Agreement" means any contract, whether or not 

in writing that is related, either directly or indirectly, to a management contract or to any rights, 

duties or obligations created between a Nation (or any of its members, entities, or organizations) 

and a management contractor or subcontractor (or any person or entity related to a management 

contractor or subcontractor). 

(d) Commissioner. "Commissioner" means SNGA Gaming Commissioner. 

(e) Commission. "Commission" shall mean the SNGA Commission. 

(f) Compact. "Compact" means an effective Tribal-State Gaming Compact between 

the Seminole Nation and the State of Oklahoma pursuant to the terms and conditions of 25 

u.s.c. §2710(d). 

(g) Covered Game. "Covered Gaine" shall mean the following games conducted in 

accordance with the standards, as applicable, set forth in Sections 11 through 18 of the StateTitle 15 - Page 3 
Tribal Gaming Act thal sets forth the terms of the Compact between the Nation and the State of 

Oklahoma, amendments or successor statutes thereto: an electronic bonanza-style bingo game, 

an electronic amusement game, an electronic instant hingo game, nonhouse-banked card games; 

any other game, if the operation of such game by a tribe would require a compact and if such 

game has been: (i) approved hy the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission for use by an 

organizational licensee, (ii) approved by state legislation for use by any person or entity, or (iii) 

approved by amendment of the State-Tribal Gaming Act. For purposes of this Title, the term 

"Covered Game" shall also mean any Class I or Class II operated in the Nation's Jurisdiction for 

which no compact is required with the State of Oklahoma. 

(h) Covered Game Employee. "Covered Game Employee" shall have the same 

meaning under this Title as defined under the Compact. 

(i) Gaming. "Gaming" means all forms of Class I, Class II, or Class III Gaming, as 

defined in IGRA (25 U.S.C. §2703(6-8)). 

(j) Gaming Facility. "Gaming Facility" means each location at which the Gaming 

Enterprise operates Covered Games authorized under IGRA or the Compact and Title 15 of the 

Seminole Nation Code of Laws. 

(k) Gaming Financer. "Gaming Financer" means a person or entity providing 

financing to the Enterprise as described in Part 1 O.C.1 of the Compact and excepting persons or 

entities excluded under Part 10.C.3 or Pait 10.C.4, who requires a License under the terms of the 

Compact. Provided, this term shall also include any person or entity employed, retained, or 

engaged to procure financing or provide development services. 

(1) Gaming Goods. "Gaming Goods" means any items or supplies used for or in 

conjunction with games and gaming and the security for such games and shall include, but not be 

limited to, the Games themselves (including gaming machines, gaming tables, cards, chips, dice, 

etc.); machines that count, weigh, or otherwise are used to process currency, chips, gaming 

tickets, gift cards, and other items of monetary value on the gaming floor or in hackroom 

operations including currency and ticket counters, ticket redemption units, ticket and currency 

kiosks, and bill breakers; software and computer hardware that controls such games and/or that 

monitors or accounts for money and tickets for one or more games or that tracks players; security 

equipment such as surveillance cameras, recording equipment, key security systems, etc.; and the 

parts and supplies for such games, machines, items, and systems. 

(m) Gaming Operation. "Gaming Operation" means the Gaming Enterprise together 

with the Gaming Enterprise Board, employees, agents and the gaming facilities. 

(n) Gaming Vendor. "Gaming Vendor" means any person or entity that: 

(J) Manufactures, sells, or supplies gaming equipment any gaming equipment 

or parts or provides goods, or services for the gaming activities at the 

Gaming Enterprises, including accounting services and financing, but 

excluding certified public accountants or attorneys and their firms to the 

extent that they are providing services covered by their professional 

licenses; 

Title 15 - Page 4 
Nation. 

(2) Provides any other goods and services to or related to the Gaming 

Operation which person or entity is determined by regulations authorized 

under this Title to be a Gaming Vendor; or 

(3) Otherwise meets the description under Part 10.B. l of the Compact for 

requiring a License; and 

(4) Provides development and/or construction services in relation to a gaming 

facility licensed or required to be licensed by this Title. 

(5) A person or business entity engaged by the Seminole Nation under a 

Management Contract is also a Gaming Vendor. 

(o) General Council. "General Council" means the General Council of the Seminole 

(p) Hearing de Novo. "Hearing De Novo" means a new hearing or a hearing for the 

second time contemplating an entire trial in the same manner in which the matter was originally 

heard with, in addition, a review of previous hearings. 

(q) IGRA. "IGRA" means the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, 

25U.S.C, §2701, et seq., as amended. 

(r) Indian Lands of the Seminole Nation. "Indian Lands of the Seminole Nation" 

means all lands of the Seminole Nation that meet the definition of Indian lands as defined in 25 

U.S.C. §2703(4). 

(s) Key Employ. "Key Employee" means: 

(1) A person who performs one or more of the following functions within the 

Gaming Enterprise: 

(A) Bingo Caller; 

(B) Counting room supervisor; 

(C) Chief of security; 

(D) Custodian of gaming supplies or cash; 

(E) Floor manager; 

(F) Pit Boss; 

(G) Dealer; 

(H) Croupier; 

(I) Approver of credit; or 

Title 15 - Page 5 
(J) Custodian of gambling devices including persons with access to 

cash and accounting records within such devices; 

(2) A person or entity that is a Covered Employee; 

(3) If not otherwise included, any other person employed by the Gaming 

Enterprise whose total cash compensation is in excess of $50,000 per year; 

(4) If not otherwise included, the four most highly compensated persons in the 

Gaming Enterprise; 

(5) Any person employed by SNGE who has substantial responsibilities 

related to the Gaming Enterprise; or 

(6) Any person or entity providing services requiring: 1) access to sensitive or 

restricted areas of a gaming facility; 2) actual or remote access to a 

gaming system, gaming accounting system, and/or player tracking system; 

3) access to the internal components of gaming machines; and/or 

(7) Any other person or entity designated a Key Employee by regulation 

issued pursuant to this Title. 

(t) License. "License" means a revocable privilege granted by authority of the 

Seminole Nation Gaming Agency to do an act or series of acts, which without permission, would 

be unlawful under this Act. lt is a permission granted by the SNGA to an instrnmentality of the 

Seminole Nation to operate gaming establishments or to a person or entity to be employed by or 

to conduct business with such gaming establishments under the jurisdiction of the Seminole 

Nation. 

(u) Licensee. "Licensee" means the holder of a License issued by SNGA under this 

Title. 

(v) Management Contract. "Management Contract" means any contract, subcontract, 

or agreement collateral thereto between the Seminole Nation and a third-pa1ty contractor or 

between a Seminole Nation contractor and a subcontractor if such contract or agreement 

provides for the management of all or part of a Gaming Enterprise. Any person or entity 

operating under a Management Contract shall also be deemed a Gaming vendor under this Title. 

(w) Nation. "Nation," when used alone or as "Seminole Nation" means the Seminole 

Nation of Oklahoma. 

(x) National Indian Gaming Commission or NIGC. "National Indian Gaming 

Commission," or "NIGC," means the federal agency established by the IGRA 

(y) Net Win. "Net Win" shall mean the total amounts wagered less payouts/winnings 

to patrons. 

Title 15 - Page 6 
(z) Net Revenues. "Net Revenues" shall have the same meaning as that defined in 

Section 2703(9) of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. 

(aa) Non-gaming Vendor. "Non-gaming Vendor" means a provider of services or 

goods to a Gaming Enterprise or any entity providing administrative or other services to or on 

behalf of the Gaming Enterprise that are not directly related to or used in connection with 

gaming activities or the handling, processing, and/or accounting of cash or cash equivalents from 

the gaming activities, but excluding goods and services provided by a publicly regulated utility 

company. Examples of such goods and services include, but are not limited to, providers of: 

uniforms or laundry services; food, beverages and goods; cleaning supplies and services; general 

purpose equipment or items such as light bulbs, vacuum cleaners, and decorations; and 

entertainment services. Goods and services provided by Non-gaming Vendors explicitly exclude 

goods and services provided by Gaming Vendors. 

(bb) Patron. "Patron" means any person on the premises of a gaming facility for the 

purpose of playing games authorized under IGRA or the Compact. 

(cc) Patron Dispute. "Patron Dispute," for purposes of this Act, shall mean a dispute 

between a patron and a Gaming Enterprise, such as a dispute over the amount of a prize or a 

dispute over access of the Gaming Enterprise or a game within the Gaming Ente1prise, but shall 

not mean a to1t claim for personal injury or property damage against a Gaming Enterprise. 

( dd) Primary Management Official. "Primary Management Official" means: 

(1) The person having management responsibility for a management contract; 

(2) Any person employed by a Gaming Facility, and/or SNGE or under a 

contract who has authority to: 

(A) Hire, fire, direct, supervise, and/or discipline employees of a 

Gaming Facility, and/or SNGE or of the contractor performing 

services for the Gaming Operation; 

(B) Establish, approve, and/or implement policy for the Gaming 

Operation; 

(C) Supervise, direct, or operate gaming actJV1t1es, including any 

person with authority to direct the placement or removal of games 

on or from a Gaming Facility; and 

(D) Supervise, direct, or oversee the financial affairs and activities of 

the Gaming Operation; and 

(3) The chief financial officer or other person who has financial management 

responsibility as an employee of SNGE, or under a contract providing 

services to the Gaming Enterprise. 

Title 15 - Page 7 
(ee) Principal. "Principal" means, with respect to any Gaming vendor or Gaming 

Financer, its sole proprietor or any partner, trustee, beneficiary, or shareholder holding five 

percent or more of its beneficial or controlling ownership, either directly or indirectly, or any 

officer, director, primary management employee including its Chief Financial Officer or other 

person who has financial management responsihility as an employee or under contract, or key 

employee thereof. 

(ff) Secretary. "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Department of the Interior. 

(gg) Seminole Nation Comt. "Seminole Nation Court" means a court established by 

the Seminole Nation to exercise criminal and/or civil jurisdiction over actions arising in Indian 

Country within the Seminole Nation pursuant to the Seminole Nation Constitution and Code of 

Laws. 

(hh) SNGA. "SNGA" means the Seminole Nation Gaming Agency established 

pursuant to this Act. 

(ii) SNGA Gaming Commissioner. "SNGA Gaming Commissioner" means the 

official who directs the SNGA, and the Chief Gaming Regulator, and hears appeal and performs 

the duties of the Commissioner established by this Title, including issuing regulations 

implementing this Act which govern the actions of any gaming operations licensed under this 

Act 

Qj) SNGE. "SNGE" or "Gaming Enterprise" means the entity established under Title 

8 of the Seminole Nation Code to manage and operate the Nation's gaming and gaming-related 

activities and includes its executive director, employees, agents, its employees and agents as 

more particularly described under Title 8 of the Seminole Nation Code, or any successor in 

interest. 

(kk) State Compliance Agency (or SCA). "State Compliance Agency" (or "SCA") 

shall mean the State of Oklahoma's Office of State Finance. 

(II) This Title. "This Title" (or, "this Title") used in the text of this Title means Title 

15 of the Seminole Nation Code of Laws, as it may, from time to time, be amended or the Title 

renumbered. 

(mm) Tribal Compliance Agency (TCA). "Tribal Compliance Agency" (TCA) under the 

Compact shall be the Seminole Nation Gaming Agency. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 92-1, March 7, 1992; 

amended by TO 94.2, February 24, 1994; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011 ; N IGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 6. Interpretation of Act. 

The provisions of this Act, being necessary for the welfare of the Seminole Nation and its 

inhabitants, shall be liberally construed to affect the purposes and objects thereof. Section 

Title 15 - Page 8 
headings contained herein shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any manner affect 

the scope, meaning or intent of the provisions of any article or section hereof. 

lHISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NlGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 7. Severability. 

The provisions of this Act are severable and if any part or provision hereof shall be held void by 

a court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of the court so holding shall not affect or impair 

any of the remaining parts or provisions of this Act. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 8. Repeal of Inconsistent Legislation. 

This Act revokes, supersedes, and replaces both the Seminole Nation Ordinance 91-12, and 

Seminole Nation Ordinance 09-08, as amended, in their entirety. All other laws of the Seminole 

Nation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act and existing as of the effective date of this 

Act are hereby repealed, including all inconsistent laws, ordinances, and resolutions. Repeal by 

this Act of any law, ordinance, or resolution shall not have the effect of reviving any prior law, 

ordinance, or resolution heretofore repealed or suspended by such repealed code. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 94-2, February 24, 

1994; amended hy TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; superseded by TO 2011-11, October 

29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 9. Codification. 

This Act is hereby codified as Title 15 of the Seminole Nation code of Laws and may be 

recodified as necessary to the extent the Seminole Nation Code of laws is recodified. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 10. Effective Date of Act. 

This Act shall become effective as a replacement for the Seminole Nation Ordinance 91-12, as 

codified as Title 15 of the Seminole Nation Code of Laws and any amendments to Title 15 

enacted prior to the date of this Act immediately upon its approval by the Chairman of the NIGC. 

Title 15 - Page 9 
[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 11. Proprietarv Interest. 

The Seminole Nation shall have sole proprietary interest and responsibility for the conduct of 

gaming activities conducted on the Indian Lands of the Seminole Nation. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 12. Classes of Games Authorized. 

(a) Class I, II, and III gaming are hereby authorized to be conducted upon Indian 

Lands of the Seminole Nat.ion, provided that Class III gaming shall be permitted only if, and only 

to the extent, authorized by a duly executed Tribal-State Gaming Compact(s) and/or 

amendment(s) thereto between the Nation and the State of Oklahoma approved by the Secretary 

of the Department of the Interior. 

(b) No Class lll gaming activities may be conducted on bldian Lands of the Seminole 

Nation in the absence of a valid, approved Compact or in contravention of such Compact. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991 ; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 13. Regulation of Gaming. 

All gaming activities of the Seminole Nation and all related activities undertaken in connection 

with such gaming activities shall be regulated by the Seminole Nation Gaming Agency, an 

independent regulatory agency of the Seminole Nation. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended hy TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

Superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 

2012.] 

Section 14. Use of Gaming Revenue. 

(a) Net revenues from Class II and Class III gaming shall be used only for the 

following purposes: 

(1) To fund the Nation's government operations and programs; 

(2) To provide for the general welfare of the Nation and its members; 

Title 15 - Page 10 
(3) To promote the Nation's economic development activities; 

( 4) To donate to charitable organizations; and 

(5) To help fund operations of local government agencies. 

(b) Restrictions. The Nation's gaming revenues may be expended for the purposes 

specified in subsection (a) of this Section 14 only if administered by a governmental department, 

division, component, agency, and/or other governmental instrumentality of the Seminole Natjon 

as authorized by the Nation's law(s) and/or as appropriated by the General Council. The Nation's 

gaming revenues shall not be subject to distribution to individual members on a per capita basis, 

provided that, nothing in this section shaJl be construed to prevent the Nation from disbursing 

grants, scholarships, or providing other benefits or services administered by the Nation lo 

qualified members. Provided further, nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the authority 

of the Seminole Nation or any governmental instrumentality of the Seminole Nation to make any 

purchase of any kind or to save, deposit, or invest any portion of the Nation's gaming revenues 

in any authorized savings and/or investment fund, account, or program. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, N ovcmber 16, 1991 ; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 15. Management Contracts. 

No management contract may be executed by or on behalf of the Seminole Nation with any 

third-party unless authorized by a duly adopted resolution of the General Council and in full 

compliance with all applicable provisions of IGRA, pa11icularly, 25 U.S.C. Section 2711 and 

regulations issued pursuant thereto. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 16. Internal Revenue Code and Other ApplicableFed.eralLaws. 

In addition to its authority to enforce compliance with this Title and regulations issued 

hereunder, the SNGA is hereby delegated the authority to monitor, enforce, and sanction 

violations of all federal laws and regulations applicable to the Nation's gaming activilies 

including, without limitation, the pertinent provisions of Title 25 of the United States Code and 

the Code of Federal Regulations, the Internal Revenue Code and Title 31 of the U.S. Code and 

Code of Federal Regulations, among others. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 17. Designation of Agent for Service of Process. 

Title 15 - Page 11 
The Chief Gaming Regulator of SNGA is hereby designated as agent for service of any official 

determination, order, or notice of violation of this Title or of IGRA. The address, phone number, 

and fax number of the Chief Gaming Regulator shall be published and continuously made 

available on the website of the SNGA and/or Nation. The Chief Gaming Regulator shall 

promptly report and provide copies of any such service to the Chief and/or General Council as 

appropriate. Should the Chief Gaming Regulator be unavailable or the position vacant, any 

actively and validly appointed SNGA Gaming Commissioner shall be alternatively designated as 

service agent. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011- 11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 18. Compliance with Compact. 

The SNGA is hereby delegated the authority to monitor, enforce, and sanction violations of the 

terms and conditions of the Nation's gaming Compact(s). 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 19. Consent to Jurisdiction. 

(a) Consent. Any person who: 

( 1) Applies for and/or is granted a License under this Title; 

(2) Applies for employment in any Gaming Facility Licensed and/or regulated 

under this Title; 

(3) Enters into any contract, engagement, or agreement related to gaming 

regulated under this Title; or 

(4) Participates in any gaming activity authorized by this Title or enters onto 

the premises of any Gaming Facility licensed under this Title is subject to 

the civil jurisdiction of the Nation, SNGA, and the Seminole Nation Court 

and a person's performance of any of these acts shalt constitute consent to 

a commercial transaction and consent, waiver and ratification of the 

Nation's exercise of such jurisdiction. 

(b) Consent. Any Native American who: 

(1) Applies for and/or is granted a License under this Title; 

(2) Applies for employment in any Gaming Facility Licensed and/or regulated 

under this Title; 

Title 15 - Page 12 
(3) Enters into any contrnct, engagement, or agreement related to gaming 

regulated under this Tille; or 

(4) Participates in any gaming activity authorized by this Title or enlers onto 

the premises of any Gaming Facility licensed under this Tille is subject to 

both the civil and criminal jurisdiction of the Nation, SNGA, and the 

Seminole Nation Court; and a person's performance of any of these acts 

shall constitute consent to a commercial transaction and consent, waiver 

and ratification of the Nation's exercise of such jurisdiction the Nation's 

exercise of such jurisdiction. 

(c) Limitation. Nothing in this Section shall limit the jurisdiction of the Nation, the 

SNGA, or the Seminole Nation Court under any circumstances not explicitly contemplated in 

this Title nor shall this Title be construed to waive, in whole or in part, the Nation's sovereign 

immunity from unconsented suit. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 20. Noncompliance. 

Failure to comply with any of the requirements of this Title, or the regulations promulgated 

hereunder shall constitute a violation of this Title. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Title 15 - Page 13 
CHAPTER ONE 

SEMINOLE NATION GAMING AGENCY AND COMIVIISSIONERS 

Section 101. Establishment of Seminole Nation Gaming Agency Successor in Interest; 

Structure. 

(a) SNGA Established. In order to provide for comprehensive and effective 

regulation of the Nation's Gaming activities, there is hereby established the Seminole Nation 

Gaming Agency. 

(b) Successor in Interest to the Seminole Nation Gaming Commission. The Seminole 

Nation Gaming Agency shall be the successor in interest to the Seminole Nation Gaming 

Commission. All staff, assets, liabilities and contractual obligations of the Seminole Nation 

Gaming Commission arc hereby transferred to and assumed by the Seminole Nation Gaming 

Agency, and nothing in this Act shall be construed to alter any lawful contractual obligations 

authorized hy the Seminole Nation Gaming Commission under prior law. All regulations 

approved by the Seminole Nation Gaming Commission approved under prior law shall continue 

in force under SNGA until amended or withdrawn by the SNGA Gaming Commissioners with 

input from the Chief Gaming Regulator in accordance with this Title. 

(c) Organizational Structure. SNGA shall have separate divisions for Licensing, 

Compliance, Audit, and Surveillance, and such other units as necessary, which shall report to the 

Chief Gaming Regulator and which shall have the responsibilities set out in this subsection and 

such other responsibilities as may be assigned to them by the Chief Gaming Regulator or the 

SNGA Gaming Commissioners. 

( 1) Licensing Division. The Licensing Division shall have responsibility for 

administering the licensing, registration and permitting programs of the 

Seminole Nation for gaming facilities, individuals, and entities pursuant to 

this Title, IGRA, and the Compact, including the conduct of background 

investigations for License applicants, continuous review of licensees, and 

ensuring that all suitability standards required of licensees are met and 

maintained. 

(2) Compllance Division. The O :mipliance Division shall have authority to 

monitor and investigate compliance with this Act, including: 

(A) Monitoring, inspecting, and investigating known or suspected 

violations of this Act and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto 

or other applicable laws as well as the Compact(s); 

(B) Conducting or causing to be conducted inspections and 

investigations related to the health, safety, and environmental 

protection of patrons, staff, facilities, and the external 

environment; 

Title 15 - Page 14 
(C) Monitoring the installation, use, and operation of games, gaming 

systems and gaming equipment; and 

(D) Carrying out other functions and responsibilities as directed or 

assigned by the Chief Gaming Regulator or the SNGA Gaming 

Commissioners. 

(3) Audit Division. The Audit Division shall have responsibility for: 

(A) Conducting financial and other audits to ensure compliance with 

all financial and operational requirements for Gaming activities of 

the Seminole Nation such as those included in this Title, IGRA, 

Title 31 of the United States Code, SNGA regulations, and the 

Compact; 

(B) Assuring that all necessary external audits are performed annually 

or at .such other periods as may be required; 

(C) Reviewing all audit reports and the financial controls in place in 

such gaming operations; 

(D) Reporting all violations and material weaknesses to the Chief 

Gaming Regulator and SNGA Gaming Commissioners for 

appropriate action; and 

(E) Carrying out other functions and responsibilities as directed or 

assigned by the Chief Gaming Regulator or the SNGA Gaming 

Commissioners. 

(4) Surveillance Division. The Surveillance Division shall have the 

responsibility for conducting a continuous surveillance program at all 

gaming operations licensed under this Title including the designation of 

locations and operation of continuous camera coverage of gaming 

operations, the recording of such camera coverage, the operation of any 

rooms designated for surveillance over gaming acti vitie.s, the conduct of 

surveillance investigations, and the conduct of such other surveillance as 

may be appropriate. Such surveillance program shall comply with all 

terms and rep01ting requirements related to surveillance provisions of this 

Title, IGRA, and the Compact. 

(d) Employment Limitations. Persons employed by the Seminole Nation Gaming 

Agency shall: 

(l) Undergo a background investigation and meet the same suitability criteria 

as that applicable to key employees; 

Title 15 - Page 15 
(2) Be independent of SNGE. Officials and employees of the SNGA may not 

be employed by SNGE nor shall they participate in any gaming activities, 

including promotional activities; 

(3) Have no financial interest in the operation of a licensee under this Act or 

in any contract entered into between the Gaming Operation and another 

pmty; and 

(4) Shall not be considered "employees" of the Nation as defined by Title 11 

of the Seminole Nation Code of Laws; and shall only be subject to the 

hiring, firing, benefits and terms of the SNGA's Employment Policies and 

Procedures. Any extension of benefits under the Nation's policies of laws 

shall not be constrned as waiver and it shall not constitute or give rise to 

the expectation of continued employment or additional employment rights 

outside of the SNGA policies. Nothing in the SNGA policies shall be 

construed as an employment contract or a waiver of the Sovereign 

immunity of the SNGA or the Seminole Nation or consent to lawsuit. 

(e) Gaming Conunissioners may Issue Subpoenas and Compel Testimony. Issue 

subpoenas to compel testimony and to obtain records and things as needed for investigations or 

civil violation hearings. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91~12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012; 

amended by TO 2013-03, June 1, 2013.] 

Section 102. Establishment, Appointment, Term, and Qualifications of the Seminole 

Nation Gaming Agency Commissioners and Chief Gaming Regulator; Provision for Acting 

Chief Gaming Regulator. 

(a) The Seminole Nation Gaming Agency shall consist of three SNGA Gaming 

Commissioners nominated by the Principal Chief for appointment and confirmed by the General 

Council. 

shall: 

(b) To be eligible for appointment as an SNGA Gaming Commissioner, a nominee 

(1) Based on a combination of experience and education, be considered to be 

capable of performing the duties of the position with preference given to 

those who have obtained an associate's degree, or bachelor's degree, and 

have significant gaming experience and certifications; 

(2) Be at least twenty-five years of age at the time of appointment; 

(3) Never have been convicted on any crime of moral turpitude, including, but 

not limited to, fraud, theft, bribery, or embezzlement, regardless of the 

degree of the offense, by any court of law; 

Title 15 - Page 16 
(4) Never have been convicted of any felony offense by any court of law; 

(5) Never have been found culpahle for any gaming offense by any regulatory 

jurisdiction; 

(6) Never have had a gaming license suspended or revoked; 

(7) Never have been removed from the office of Gaming Commissioner or 

gaming employee of misconduct or cause; 

(8) Have no pecuniary interest in any gaming management contract between 

the Nation and a third party, or in any entity that provides gaming 

equipment or supplies to a Facility licensee; and 

(9) Preference shall be given to members of the Seminole Nation and then to 

non-member, Native Americans and then to non-Native Americans. 

(c) Within six (6) months of the enactment of this provision, the Principal Chief shall 

nominate three individuals to serve as SNGA Gaming Commissioners, such nominations to be 

affirmed or denied by the General Council. The term of office for Gaming Commissioners shall 

be five years; the initial appointments under this provision shall serve staggered terms of one (1 ), 

two (2) and three (3) years, respectively. Individuals serving as SNGA Gaming Commissioners 

may be reappointed for subsequent terms. 

(d) Each SNGA Gaming Commissioner shall be entitled to receive a stipend of 

$6,000.00 per year as approved by the General Council in the annual SNGA budget. Gaming 

Commissioners shall not be considered employees of the Nation for purposes of Title 11. 

(e) The SNGA Gan1ing Commissioners shall meet not less than monthly with 

additional meetings to be called as needed subject to prior posting of notice with the Office of 

the Principal Chief and the Office of the Council Secretary. The SNGA Gaming Conunissioners 

shall have the authority to call special, emergency meetings as necessary; however, in all 

meetings, special or regular, attempted, reasonable notice must be made as soon as possible to all 

Commissioners and the Chief Gaming Regulator. 

(f) Actions taken by the SNGA Gaming Commissioners shall be upon majority vote. 

(g) Within three months of their appointment, the SNGA Gaming Commissioners 

shall hire a Chief Gaming Regulator who shall be hired as the equivalent of a Grade 15 position 

pursuant to Title 11, Section 202 of the Seminole Nation Code of Laws or as modified in an 

annual budget approved by the General Council. 

(h) The Chief Gaming Regulator shall be the equivalent of an Executive Director as 

used in Title 11. The Chief Gaming Regulator shall remain exempt from Title 11. All 

employment-related disputes shall be handled by the SNGA Gaming Commission. 

Title 15 - Page 17 
(i) Chief Gaming Regulator. The Chief Gaming Regulator shall be responsible for 

Lhe day-to-day direction and management the SNGA at the direction of the SNGA Gaming 

Commissioners. 

(j) Acting Chief Gaming Regulator. If the position of the Chief Gaming Regulator 

position becomes vacant for any reason, including, but not limited to retirement, termination, 

resignation, disability, or death, any SNGA Gaming Commissioner, who is willing and able may 

assume the responsibilities as Acting Chief Gaming Regulator, as an inlerim appointment of the 

Principal Chief not requiring additional confirmation by the General Council shall be appointed 

with notice to the General Council for a term not to exceed three (3) months until a replacement 

is appointed or hired. 

(k) These provisions shall take full force and effect upon the appointment of at least 

two of the three SNGA Gaming Commissioners by the General Council. After three SNGA 

Gaming Commissioners are initially appointed, a subsequent, simultaneous vacancy of two 

SNGA Gaming Commissioners shall not prevent the action of a single SNGA Gaming 

Commissioner from having authority act until such time as replacements are appointed. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 2001-12, December 

1, 2001; amended by TO 2003-32, December 6, 2003; amended by TO 2003-24, 

December 16, 2003; amended by TO 2004-31, December 4, 2004; amended by 

TO 2007-02, March 3, 2007; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; superseded by 

TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012; amended by 

TO 2013-03,Junc 1, 2013.J 

Section 103. Outside Employment and Activities of the Chief Gaming Regulator. 

The Chief Gaming Regulator may not hold any other tribal position except temporary duties 

assigned by Executive Order to be performed without increase in compensation. Subject to 

approval of the SNGA Gaming Commissioners, the Chief Gaming Regulator may not be 

engaged in a business or employment outside the Nation, provided that the Chief Gaming 

Regulator shall not engage in any business which is subject to provisions of this Title or which 

has commerce with any licensee under this Title. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 20 J 1 ; N IGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 104. Removal or Suspension of Gaming Commissioners. 

(a) Cause Required. A SNGA Gaming Commissioner may be removed for cause, 

which shall include, but is not limited to: failure to carry out SNGA duties, excessive use of 

intoxicants or controlled substances, use of office for personal gain, violation of this Title or 

other law or regulation of the Nation or of IGRA, or any misconducl or gross neglect of duty 

reflecting adversely on the dignity and integrity of the Seminole Nation or its government. Only 

the General Council shall have the authority to remove a Gaming Commissioner upon majority 

vote, provided that the removal process may be commenced upon recommendation of the Chief. 

Title 15 - Page 18 
(b) Removal Authority. A SNGA Gaming Commissioner may be removed from 

office prior to the end of any term when the General Council by majority vote removes said 

Commissioner for any of the following reasons, including bul not limited to: 

(I) Failure to carry out his or her SNGA responsibilities, 

(2) Excessive use of intoxicants or controlled substances, 

(3) Use of office for personal gain, 

(4) Violation of this Title or other law or regulation of the Nation or of IGRA, 

or 

(5) Any misconduct or gross neglect of duty reflecting adversely on the 

dignity and integrity of the Seminole Nation or its government. 

(c) Mandatory Removal. A Gaming Commissioner shall be removed by the General 

Council upon majority vote and the position deemed immediately vacant if the Commissioner is, 

but not limited to: 

(I) Convicted by a comt of law of any felony, 

(2) Convicted for any misdemeanor offense involving a crime of moral 

turpitude, 

(3) Found by any gaming jurisdiction to be culpable for any gaming offense, 

or 

( 4) Found to be ineligible for a gaming License under this Title. 

(d) Suspension. A SNGA Gaming Commissioner may be suspended by the Principal 

Chief for the following circumstances, including but not limited to: misconduct, pending removal 

process, or any criminal charge, arrest, or conviction. Suspension may be without pay. Should 

any charge or arrest not result in a conviction, back-pay may be retroactive upon financial 

availability. 

(e) Due Process for Removal. In any removal process, a Notice of Proposed Removal 

shall be provided to the SNGA Gaming Commissioner at least fourteen days in advance of the 

date set for the General Council's meeting to take action on such removal, and shall set forth, in 

particular, the basis for such proposed action with sufficient specificity as to permit the 

preparation of an answer to such allegation(s). The respondent shall have the right to be 

represented by legal counsel at respondent's own expense and shall be permitted to speak and 

offer relevant evidence in his or her own defense. The General Council's decision shall be final 

and unappealable. 

(f) Continuing Duty to Report. A SNGA Gaming Commissioner shall serve under a 

continuing duty to apprise the Principal Chief and the General Council of any charge, arrest, or 

conviction that occurs during his or her term of office. 

Title 15 - Page 19 
[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 2004-04, January 17, 

2004; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; superseded by TO 2011-11, October 

29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 105. Duties and Authorities of the Chief Gaming Regulator. 

(a) Responsibilities. The Chief Gaming Regulator shall: 

(l) Administer and Enforce This Title. Be charged with the responsibility of 

administering and enforcing the provisions of this Title at the direction of 

the SNGA Gaming Commissioners. 

(2) Direct and Manage SNGA. Direct and manage the SNGA and its staff and 

administer the resources of the SNGA as directed by the SNGA Gaming 

Conunissioners. 

(3) Monitor and Enforce Compliance. Monitor and enforce compliance with 

all laws and regulations applicable to the Nation's gaming activities. 

( 4) Issue Regulations. Subject to approval of the SNGA Gaming Commission, 

have the authority and responsibility for issuing regulations to implement 

all provisions of this Title for the purposes and in the manners provided in 

Section 107 of this Title, which authority and responsibility may not be 

further delegated. 

(5) Resolve Patron Disputes. Investigate, determine the validity of, and order 

action on the part of the Enterprise or deny action to a patron in a patron 

dispute, other than one involving a prize claim or machine malfunction, 

which order or denial shall be final action on behalf of the Seminole 

Nation and may not be appealed to the Gaming Commission. 

(6) Resolve Patron Disputes Over Prizes. Investigate, determine the validity 

of, and order action granting to a patron claimant the just and reasonable 

compensation for the amount of a prize not previously paid to a patron by 

the Enterprise in the case of a prize claim not resolved by the Enterprise 

within seventy-two hours of the filing of the prize claim where the prize 

earned was not awarded, the amount earned was not awarded, or the right 

to receive a refund or other compensation was infringed upon by the 

Gaming Operation, or order the denial of such a claim on behalf of the 

Enterprise. Provided further that: 

{A) Such actions by lhe Chief Gaming Regulator shall be in accord 

with the Compact(s) for any games covered by the Compact(s); 

{B) The Chief Gaming Regulator shall, subject to the approval of the 

SNGA Gaming Commission, promulgate regulations for this 

Title 15 - Page 20 
purpose, which regulations shall be consistent with the Compact 

for all games covered under the Compact; 

(C) Failure on the part of a claimant to file a timely claim or follow the 

procedures provided in the Compact or the regulations 

promulgated under this subsection shaJI constitute 

mandatory grounds for denying a prize claim; and 

(D) A decision of the Chief Gaming Regulator denying a prize claim 

by a patron shall be deemed a denial of the prize claim by the 

Enterprise and may be appealed by the denied patron to the SNGA 

Gaming Commission. 

(7) Designate a Deputy Chief Gaming Regulator. Subject to the approval of 

the SNGA Gaming Commission, designate an employee of the SNGA, as 

a collateral duty, to serve as Deputy Chief Gaming Regulator, who shall 

assume the duties of the Chief Gaming Regulator when the Chief Gaming 

Regulator is: 1) on leave or travel; 2) rccused from dealing with a 

particular matter; or 3) otherwise unavailable. The Deputy Chief Gaming 

Regulator, for such time and with such authority and responsibilities as 

may permissibly be delegated by the Chief Gaming Regulator, shall 

assume the functions and responsibilities of the Chief Gaming Regulator. 

(8) Make Employment Decisions. Employ such persons, in conformity with 

job descriptions approved by the SNGA Gaming Commissioners, as may 

be necessary and are within the approved budget of the SNGA, assign 

them responsibilities, and delegate them authority to act. The authority to 

employ persons shall include the authority to hire, terminate, suspend, 

discipline and take other personnel actions commensurate with managing 

a staff of employees consistent with the SNGA Employment Polices. The 

Seminole Nation Gaming Regulatory Agency shall be exempted from the 

requirements of Title 11 of the Seminole Nation Labor Laws, the 

Seminole Nation Employment Systems Act; however, if SNGA fails to 

adopt employment, personnel or labor guidelines, regulations or policies, 

Title 11 requirements shall apply until such time as the SNGA 

Employment Polies are adopted. Nothing in this section prevents the 

SNGA from adopting or opting into the requirements of Title 11. 

(9) Classify and License Games. Classify and license Class I, II, or III games 

subject to the approval of the SNGA Gaming Commission. 

(10) Develop and Administer the SNGA Budget. Subject to the approval of the 

SNGA Gaming Commission and the budget provisions of Title 14, 

develop and recommend the budget for operations of the SNGA to the 

Principal Chief, the Finance Committee, and the General Council, and 

administer the financial affairs of the agency in accordance with 

appropriate governmental accounting standards. 

Title J 5 - Page 21 
(11) Write Checks. Have check writing authority, provided that any checks 

written for $1000.00 or more shall require the signature of either the Chief 

Gaming Regulator or the Deputy Chief Gaming Regulator and the 

signature of a SNGA Gaming Commissioner, further provided that no 

signatory on any check shall also prepare such check. The Chief Gaming 

Regulator subject to the approval of the SNGA Gaming Commissioners 

shall institute a system of accounting consistent with generally accepted 

government accounting principles and sufficient financial controls to 

ensure that the total amount of expenditures by the SNGA shall not exceed 

the annual budget level approved by the General Council. The Seminole 

Nation Treasurer shall maintain SNGA bank accounts on behalf of the 

SNGA. Should there be a vacancy in either the Chief Gaming Regulator 

and/or the Deputy Chief Gaming Regulator, SNGA Gaming 

Commissioners shall have check signing authority. 

( 12) Secure Legal and Other Services. Employ or contract for legal and other 

services by providers subject to the approval of the SNGA Gaming 

Commission. The SNGA Gaming Commission may utilize the services of 

the Office of Attorney General. 

(13) Assess and Collect Licensing Fees. Assess and collect licensing fees, 

which shall be retained and used by the SNGA to offset its expenses. 

(14) Assess and Impose Fines. Subject to the approval of the SNGA Gaming 

Commission, assess and impose fines for violations of this Act or noncompliance with regulations issued pursuant hereto, provided that the 

proceeds from an imposed fine shall be deposited into the general fund of 

the Seminole Nation. 

(15) Observe Gaming Activities. The Chief Gaming Regulator and such staff 

and attorneys of the SNGA, as he or she may designate or direct, shall 

have the authority to observe all Gaming-related activities at Licensed 

facilities under this Title in order to provide oversight of all gaming 

activities under this Ticle, to assure financial accountability, and to assure 

compliance with IGRA, this Title, and SNGA regulations. Inte1ference 

with the monitoring functions of the SNGA shall he deemed a substantial 

violation of this Act. 

(16) Hold Public Hearings, Take Sworn Testimony, and Take Other Legal 

Acts. The Chief Gaming Regulator and such staff and attorneys of the 

SNGA, as may be designated by the Chief Gaming Regulator, shall have 

the authority to hold public hearings, take sworn testimony and do any 

other legal act in fm1herance of the SNGA's duties. 

{ 17) Seek Comity With Other Comt Jurisdictions. The Chief Gaming Regulator 

is empowered to seek comity and enforcement of the orders of the SNGA 

by the comts of any jurisdiction whose assistance may be required to give 

Title 15 - Page 22 
effect to such orders. The Chief Gaming Regulator is also empowered to 

issue orders to enforce the lawful orders of other gaming regulatory 

agencies and the courts. 

( 18) Perform Other Duties. Perform all duties and responsibilities that are 

deemed by the Chief Gaming Regulator or SNGA Gaming Commissioners 

as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Title, the SNGA's 

regulations, IGRA, the terms of the Compact, and all other activities as are 

consistent with the power and authority delegated to the Chief Gaming 

Regulator and the SNGA under this Title 

(19) Exercise Authorities of the SNGA. The Chief Gaming Regulator ts 

empowered to exercise the authorities granted to the SNGA. 

(20) Procurement. The SNGA shall be exempted for Title 11 and 14 for the 

purposes of TERO and Procurement. The SNGA shall adopt procurement 

policies and contracting policies subject to the approval of the SNGA 

Gaming Commissioners. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 2001-12, December 

1, 2001; amended by TO 2004-05, March 6, 2004; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 

2009; superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 

2012; amended by TO 2013-03, June 1, 2013.] 

Section 106. Duties and Authorities of the Seminole Nation Gaming Agency. 

In addition to the duties and authorities of the Chief Gaming Regulator and the SNGA Gaming 

Commission described in Section 105 of this Title, the SNGA shall regulate all gaming activities 

on the Indian Lands of the Seminole Nation and enforce the provisions of this Title. 

Commensurate with these responsibilities, the SNGA shall have the following powers, duties, 

and responsibilities: 

(a) License. To -

( l) Prepare, print, distribute, and process applications for and issue Licenses 

to gaming facilities, employees, and vendors; 

(2) Establish a schedule of fees for gaming Licenses, and collect such fees; 

(3) Approve or deny any License application; 

(4) Revoke, limit, condition, suspend, or restrict any License; and 

(5) Make a finding of suitability or approval of a License, provided that the 

SNGA shall afford all licensees due process of law prior to the issuance of 

a final order of denial, revocation, or suspension; 

Title 15 - Page 23 
(b) Review. To -

(1) Obtain and review any and all gaming contracts, records, and documents 

and anything else necessary and pertinent to the financial accountability of 

licensees or enforcement of any provision of gaming contracts, 

agreements, IGRA, this Title, and other applicable laws of the Seminole 

Nation. 

(2) Obtain and review any reports prepared or caused to be prepared by SNGE 

related to the Gaming Operation, including all financial statements, 

performance reports, income and expense statements, reports, and 

documentation, and any other record, document, or file related to the 

Gaming Operation. 

(3) Review, and as necessary, approve operational plans, policies, and 

procedures of the Gaming Operation including plans for promotions, 

marketing, player tracking, advertising and any other programs of the 

Gaming Operation. 

(c) Monitor, Inspect, and Regulate. To -

(1) Monitor and regulate the conduct of all licensees, and 

(2) Inspect and examine all premises where gaming is conducted or gaming 

devices or equipment is stored and/or serviced. 

( d) Surveillance. To -

(1) Operate a program of continuous surveillance at all gaming operations 

licensed under this Title including designation the locations and operation 

of continuous camera coverage of gaming operations, the recording of 

such camera coverage, the operation of any rooms designated for 

surveillance over gaming activities, the conduct of surveillance 

investigations, and the conduct of such other surveillance as may be 

necessary and appropriate. 

(2) Charge the entire cost of the surveillance program, including personnel 

and equipment costs, in the form of a fee assessment against the Gaming 

Operation. 

(e) Investigate. To conduct such investigations as may be needed to carry out the 

purposes of this Title including the conduct of background investigations to determine the 

suitability of gaming License applicants and the investigation of any suspected violations of this 

Title, IGRA, the Compact, and all applicable laws, rules and regulations. In carrying out its 

investigative function the SNGA -

(1) May audit, inspect, examine, and photocopy an applicant's or licensee's 

papers, books, and records, including financial records, employment 

Title 15 - Page 24 
history, and any and all other information the Agency deems necessary to 

determining the suitability of applicants and the continuing suitability of 

licensees; and 

(2) Shall refer any criminal act1vtty it uncovers to the appropriate law 

enforcement agency for prosecution; 

(f) Sanction and Enforce. To impose fines or otherwise sanction violations of this 

Title and enforce its terms by means of appropriate orders and/or directives, provided that the 

Agency shall accord all licensees due process of law prior to the issuance of a final order of 

denial, revocation, or suspension; 

(g) Audit. To conduct such audits as may be needed for the proper control and 

financial oversight of gaming activities, including financial and operational audits; and 

(1) Ensure that an annual independent financial audit is performed and timely 

submitted to the NIGC, SCA, and the Seminole Nation; and 

(2) Ensure that an annual independent operational audit conducted pursuant to 

agreed upon procedures in relation to the Gaming Operation's compliance 

with the internal control standards established by SNGA, applicable NIGC 

regulations, and the Compact; 

(h) Conduct Hearings. To conduct hearings, issue subpoenas, take testimony, and 

render decisions concerning -

(1) Licensing matters; 

(2) Patron disputes; 

(3) Exclusion matters; 

(4) Enforcement matters; 

(5) Evidentiary matters; and 

(6) Such other matters as necessary and appropriate to the discharge of its 

duties; 

(i) Issue Orders and Citations. To issue orders and citations compelling action; 

Assess Civil Penalties; and To assess civil Penalties. 

G) Monitor and Regulate Games. To monitor, regulate, classify, and establish 

technical standards for games, gaming activities, and gaming equipment; 

(k) Appear in Legal Proceedings. To appear before the SNGA Gaming Commission 

and the Seminole Nation Court in any proceeding to which the Agency has voluntarily consented 

a party or witness; 

Title 15 - Page 25 
(I) Grant Approvals for Operating Policies and Procedures of Gaming Activities. To 

approve or disapprove all operating policies and procedures of the Seminole Nation's gaming 

activities; 

(m) Resolve Patron Disputes. To resolve patron disputes such as those over casino 

access and prize claims, but not tort claims. 

(n) Address Patron Gaming Problems. to make determinations regarding the 

exclusion of, or other actions related to, persons determined by the Gaming Operations to have a 

compulsive gaming problem. 

(o) Provide for Intergovernmental Cooperation. To enter into cooperative agreements 

or other arrangements with other governmental entities, including but not limited to tribal, state, 

and federal agencies, or to contract with private entities or institutions for the performance of 

functions or activities related to the regulation of gaming such as health and safety inspections, 

environmental review, and other technical services, provided that the Agency shall not waive or 

purport to waive any jurisdiction of the nation or the Nation's sovereign immunity from 

unconsented suit. 

(p) Rep011ing. That SNGA shall provide written reports to the General Council no 

less than quarterly and shall provide additional reports, written or verbal, upon request by either 

the Principal Chief or the General Council 

(q) Pe1form Other Responsibilities. Perform any and all duties and 

responsibilities that are deemed by the Chief Gaming Regulator as necessary to carry out the 

provisions of this Title and the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Code, the SNGA's regulations, 

IGRA, the terms of the Compact, and all other applicable laws and regulations; and handle such 

other matters and conduct such other activities as are consistent with the power and authority 

delegated to the SNGA Gaming Commission, Chief Gaming Regulator, and the SNGA under 

this Title. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991 ; amended by TO 2001-12, December 

1, 2001; amen<le<l by TO 2004-05, March 6, 2004; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 

2009; superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 

2012.J 

Section 107. Issuing, Revising, and Withdrawing Regulations. 

(a) Promulgate Regulations. The SNGA shall promulgate regulations as necessary to 

administer the provisions of this Title. 

(b) Regulatory Scope. The scope of the rulemaking authority of the SNGA shall 

include the authority to promulgate rules and regulations -

(1) Necessary for the orderly transaction and conduct of SNGA operations; 

Title 15 - Page 26 
(2) Establishing standards and procedures for the 1 icensing and/or registration 

of persons and entities including, hut not limited lo, the issuance, 

suspension and revocation of Licenses under this Title; 

(3) Establishing standards and procedures for the licensing and regulation of 

games to be used at a licensed Facility; 

(4) Adding categories of employees, other persons, or entities to the list of 

positions classified as Key Employees or entities classified as Gaming 

Vendors; 

(5) Governing the conduct and operation of gaming and gaming-related 

activities such as, but not limited to, the award of prizes, internal control 

standards, technical standards, installation of equipment, and classification 

of games; 

(6) Governing inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions; 

(7) Establishing fees for licensing; 

(8) Establishing fines and other sanctions, and taking such other actions as 

may be necessary to enforce SNGA regulations, this Title, IGRA, 

regulations of the NIGC, and the Compact; 

(9) Establishing procedures for hearings conducted by the SNGA; 

( 10) Establishing procedures for service of process; 

(11) Establishing procedures for appeals of regulations promulgated by SNGA 

pursuant to this Section; 

( 12) Governing the handling and disposition of Patron Disputes; 

( 13) Governing the exclusion of Patrons to Gaming Operations or portions 

thereof; 

(14) Governing programs for addressing compulsive gaming; 

(15) Governing the protection and relationship of Gaming Operations and their 

employees with vendors and contractors; 

(16) Governing promotional activities, advertising, player tracking, and other 

marketing activities; 

(17) Necessary to protect the security, public health, and safety of gaming 

patrons, employees, and other persons while on the premises of gaming 

operations on Indian Lands of the Seminole Nation; and 

Title 15 - Page 27 
( 18) Addressing such other issues and matters as are necessary to fulfill the 

purposes of this Title and the duties and functions of the SNGA as 

provided for herein. 

{c) Rulemaking Procedure. The SNGA shall adhere to the following procedures 

when promulgating regulations under this Title. 

(1) Standard Rulemaking Procedure. 

(A) Prior Notice. In adopting, amending, or repealing any regulations 

under this Title other than emergency, mandatory, minor or 

interpretive regulations, the SNGA Gaming Commission shall give 

prior notice of the proposed action by posting such notice on its 

website along with a copy of the text of the proposed regulations. 

(B) Comment. There shall be a thiity (30) day period during which any 

Nation member or an affected person or entity may submit written 

comments to the SNGA on the proposed rnle. 

(C) Promulgation. Upon receipt and review of comments, if any, the 

Commission may promulgate the regulation as a final regulation in 

its original or amended form, or may withdraw the proposed 

regulation. 

(i) Such final regulation shall be made available to the public 

on the website of the SNGA and/or the Nation. 

(ii) The SNGA Gaming Commission may stay the 

implementation of a final regulation for good cause shown. 

(iii) If the proposed regulation is withdrawn, it shall be removed 

from the website. 

(2) Emergency Rulemaking Procedure. In the event the SNGA Gaming 

Commission concludes lhat yromulgating a regulation is sufficiently 

urgent that the requirements of the Standard Rulemaking Procedure would 

result in damage to the interests to the Seminole Nation or violation of this 

Title, IGRA, or the Compact, the SNGA Gaming Commission may 

promulgate a regulation as an interim final regulation without prior notice 

or may sh01ten the period for comment as he or she deems necessary. 

(3) Mandatory Compliance Rulemaking Procedure. In the event of a change 

in applicable Seminole Nation law; applicable federal statutes or 

regulations; or the execution of a new; modified or revised Compact 

requires an urgent change in Seminole Nation gaming regulations for the 

Seminole Nation gaming activities to be in compliance, the SNGA 

Gaming Commission may promulgate a compliant regulation as an interim 

final regulation without prior notice, or may shorten the period for prior 

Title 15 - Page 28 
notice as he or she deems necessary to comply with the change. Such 

intcdm final regulation shall be made available for written comment by 

licensees for a period of not less than thirty (30) days. 

(4) Minor Rulemaking Procedure. The Chief Gaming Regulator may make 

technical corrections or minor amendments to the SNGA regulations 

without prior notice, but such minor amendments under this procedure 

must have de minimus effect. Such final technical corrections or minor 

amendments shall be made public in the same manner as under the 

Standard rulemaking Procedure before the rule shall be deemed final. 

(5) Interpretive Rulemaking Procedure. The SNGA Gaming Commission 

may issue regulations without prior notice giving its interpretation of 

regulations issued under this Section, IGRA, or the Compact. Such 

interpretive regulations shall be made public in the same manner as under 

the Standard Rulemaking Procedure. 

(6) Interim Final Regulations. When exercising the rulemaking authority 

pursuant to paragraphs (2)-(4) of this subsection, the SNGA Gaming 

Commission shall issue such regulation in the form of an interim final 

regulation. An interim final regulation shall be enforceable immediate]y 

upon its publication on the website, however, that the SNGA shall accept 

written comments for a period of not less than thii1y (30) days from the 

date of publication before the rule may be deemed final. 

(d) Regulatory Effect. Regulations promulgated under this Title shall bind all 

persons, organizations, or vendors licensed under this Title within the scope of their License; 

gaming activities operated by SNGE; all visitors, guests and patrons of a gaming facility; and all 

persons employed by the Gaming Operation. Failure to comply with any regulation of the SNGA 

shall constitute a violation of Seminole Nation law and subject the violator to fines, penalties, or 

other sanctions. 

(e) Standard of Review. The SNGA Gaming Conunission and shall give deference 

to the regulations and/or challenged actions or decisions made pursuant thereto, unJess the 

regulation and/or challenged action or decision is: 

( 1) Arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not m 

accordance with law; 

(2) Contrary to the Constitution of the Seminole Nation or any right, power; 

privilege, or immunity under Seminole Nation law; or 

(3) In excess of the authority delegated by this Title. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 2001-12, December 

1, 2001; amended by TO 2004-05, March 6, 2004; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 

Title 15 - Page 29 
2009; superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NJGC approved February 9, 

2012.] 

Section 108. Confidentiality of SNGA Records. 

(a) Use of Confidential and Proprietary Information. Confidential and proprietary 

information collected by the SNGA in the performance of its investigative or regulatory 

functions, as specified in this Section, may be used only for official purposes by the SNGA. 

(b) Disclosure of Confidential Information. Confidential information may not be 

disclosed to any entity other than a law enforcement agency, the NIGC, the State of Oklahoma, 

or another gaming regulatory agency except pursuant to a lawful court order unless the applicant 

or licensee files a written waiver of confidentiality with SNGA. 

(c) Confidential Records. The following types of records shall be deemed 

confidential: 

(1) Tax. returns of individual applicants or licensees; 

(2) Gaming License application forms; 

(3) Credit reports and financial history records of individual applicants or 

licensees; 

(4) Health and medical records of individual applicants or licensees; 

(5) Social security and driver's license numbers of individual applicants or 

licensees; 

(6) Marketing, financial, or sales data, the disclosure of which may be harmful 

to the competitive position of SNGE, SNGA licensees or persons seeking 

or doing business wilh SNGE, provided that no financial information shall 

be withheld from the General Council; 

(7) Audit work papers, worksheets and auditing procedures used by the 

SNGA. its agents or employees; and 

(8) Such other documents, information, or records as lhe SNGA may specify 

by regulation. 

(d) Privileged Conununications. Communications between the Chief Gaming 

Regulator and the staff of the SNGA relating to licensing, disciplining of licensees, or violations 

by licensees are privileged and confidential if made lawfully and in the course of and in 

furtherance of the business of the SNGA on gaming, except pursuant to court order after an incamera review. The Chief Gaming Regulator or any member of the staff of the SNGA may claim 

this privilege. 

Title 15 - Page 30 
(e) Limitations. No SNGA Gaming Commissioner, Chief Gaming Regulator, or 

member of the staff of the SNGA shall: 

( 1) Disclose confidential information except to other gaming regulatory 

agencies or law enforcement agencies; 

(2) Hold financial interests in or transact business with the Gaming Enterprise 

in conflict with the conscientious perlormance of their duties as regulators; 

(3) Use their office or position for private gain; or 

(4) Fail to disclose any conflict of interest to the SNGA or fail to recuse 

oneself from any paiticipation in such matter. 

(f) Breach. Any SNGA Gaming Conunissioner, Chief Gaming Regulator or SNGA 

staff member who intentionally breaches the SNGA's duty of confidentiality; uses confidential 

information for any improper purpose; or otherwise breaches the official's ethical duties may be 

subject to removal from office or termination from employment with the SNGA. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 2001-12, December 

1, 2001; amended by TO 2004-05, March 6, 2004; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 

2009; superseded hy TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 

2012.] 

Section 109. Right to Appeal SNGA Actions. 

(a) Unless otherwise specified in this Title, any action or decision of the Chief 

Gaming Regulator or the SNGA, other than: 

(1) lssuing, revising, or withdrawing a regulation, or 

(2) A personnel action of the Chief Gaming Regulator with regard to an 

employee of Seminole Nation Gaming Agency is subject to appeal to the 

SNGA Gaming Commission as provided in Section 111 of this Title and 

subsequently, subject to the limits in Section 111, the Seminole Nation 

Court. 

(b) Failure to timely file an appeal as specified in this Title shall render final and 

unappealable a decision by the Chief Gaming Regulator or SNGA Gaming Commission. Unless 

otherwise specified by Compact or this Code, appeals shall be filed no less than (30) calendar 

days from SNGA action. 

( c) Employees of the Seminole Nation Gaming Agency shall be exempt from the 

appeal and grievance provisions of Title 11 of the Seminole Nation Code of Laws. The SNGA 

Gaming Commission shall have final authority to hear employee grievances and render 

determinations thereon. 

Title 15 - Page 31 
(d) The SNGA Gaming Co1mnission shall have appellate jurisdiction over actions 

and decisions of the Chief Gaming Regulator or actions or decisions unlawfully withheld under 

this Title including, but not limited to, licensing decisions, enforcement actions taken, directives 

issued to licensees, approvals of I icensee actions, and licensee requests denied. 

(e) In furtherance of its jurisdictional responsibilities, the SNGA Gaming 

Commission shall: 

( 1) Develop rules and procedures consistent with this Title, including but not 

limited to Section 110, for processing, hearing, and rendering decisions on 

appeals subject to its jurisdiction. Such rules and procedures of shall be 

adopted and published by the SNGA Gaming Commission on the website 

of the Nation; 

(2) Receive, process, hear, remand, decide, dismiss, and/or otherwise dispose 

of appeals made by the Gaming Operation, individual licensees, vendor 

licensees, registrants, or permittees; and patrons and other persons or 

entities; 

(3) Render written decisions on matters coming before it for disposition 

within (30) business days from the later of the date of hearing or waiver of 

hearing; and 

(4) Maintain, or cause to be maintained, a permanent system of records of 

cases and matters. 

(5) All personnel, procurement and other administrative actions of the SNGA 

Gaming Commission shall be in accordance with the administrative 

requirements of the Seminole Nation Code; however, exempted from Title 

11. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 2001-12, December 

1, 2001; amended by TO 2004-05, March 6, 2004; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 

2009; superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC aμprovecLFebruary 9, 

2012.] 

Section 110. Appellate Procedure of the Seminole Nation Gaming Commission, Judicial 

Review: Due Process. 

(a) Jurisdiction. 

(1) The SNGA Gaming Commission shaJl have appellate jurisdiction over all 

decisions of the Chief Gaming Regulator and the SNGA. 

(2) The SNGA Gaming Commission shall have primary appellate authority 

over all patron prize, machine malfunctions, and tort claim disputes. By 

this provision, and consistent with both the language and intent of the 

Title 15 - Page 32 
Compact, the Nation affirms and clarifies that no state or federal court 

shall have jurisdiction over any tort or prize claim arising within the 

Nation's Jurisdiction or relating in any way to the Gaming Operation. 

(3) The SNGA Commission shall have jurisdiction to compel the Chief 

Gaming Regulator to act timely in accordance with the requirements in 

this Title or the Compact on a matter within SNGA Gaming 

Conunission's jurisdiction, provided that the SNGA Gaming Conunission 

may not compel a specific outcome in a particular matter when exercising 

its compulsory authority. 

(b) Process. The matters subject to appeal under this Section may be appealed in 

accordance with the following: 

(1) The appellant must have exhausled all available administrative remedies; 

(2) The appeal shall be in writing and shall state the name of the licensee, the 

issue(s) contested and the change(s) sought, the basis of such change(s), 

and such evidence as the appellant may wish to submit. 

(3) In addition to the written appeal, the appellant may request an oral hearing 

before the SNGA Gaming Commission. 

(4) If a hearing is granted and takes place, it shall be at a date, time and place 

as set by the SNGA Gaming Commission and shall be recorded, at the 

Appellant's expense, by a certified sho1thand reporter. 

(5) The SNGA Gaming Commission shall issue a written determination 

supporting or denying (in whole or in part) the appeal and setting out its 

basis for the decision within (30) business day after hearing or if hearing 

waived, upon receipt of appeal. 

{6) Such written determination shall be deemed a final action of SNGA 

Gaming Commission. 

( c) Seminole Nation Court. 

(1) Appellate Jurisdiction -Tort Claims 

(A) The Seminole Nation Court shall have the authority to review 

decisions by the SNGA Gaming Commission related to claims for 

personal injury or prope11y damage filed by a patron against the 

Gaming Operation. All Patrons shall be deemed to have consented 

to the civil jurisdiction of the Seminole Nation Court. The Gaming 

Operation does not consent, and shall not be permitted to consent, 

to jurisdiction in any other court. 

Title 15 - Page 33 
(B) A patron may assert a claim against the Gaming Operation in the 

Seminole Nation Court only if: 

(i) The purported personal injury occurred on the premises of 

a Gaming Facility licensed under this Title; 

(ii) The claimant followed all necessary procedures pursuant to 

the pe1tinent terms of the Compact; exhausted all 

administrative remedies; and provided all of the 

information required by the Compact for filing such a claim 

including, without limitation, the delivery of a valid and 

timely written tort claim notice, signed by the claimant 

under an oath affirming the validity of all information 

provided in the notice, to the Gaming Operation; 

(iii) The Gaming Operation denied the tort claim; and 

(iv) The clamant filed the appeal in the Seminole Nation Comt 

no later than the one-hundred-eightieth day after denial of 

the claim by the Enterprise. 

(C) Limitation on Jurisdiction. 

(i) The Seminole Nation Comt shall have no jurisdiction to 

award damages to any claimant in excess of the limits of 

the Gaming Operation's liability insurance and no 

judgment may entered or recovered except against the 

Gaming Operation's liability insurance policy. 

(ii) A claimant's failure to file a tort claim or prize claim in 

accordance with the requirements of this subsection and in 

accordance with all applicable requirements of the 

Compact shall constitute a waiver of all rights of appeal 

and further shall deprive the Seminole Nation Court of 

jurisdiction over the claim. 

(iii) A claimant's failure to file a tmt claim within one year of 

the date of the purported personal injury shall deprive the 

Seminole Nation Court of jurisdiction over the matter and 

forever bar such tort claim against the Gaming Operation. 

(iv) The Seminole Nation Court shall have no authority to 

award damages from the assets of the Seminole Nation. 

(v) Except as specifically provided in the Nation's Compact, 

nothing herein shall be construed as a waiver of the 

Nation's sovereign inununity from suit. 

Title 15 - Page 34 
(2) Appellate Jurisdiction. 

(A) The Seminole Nation Court shall have appellate jurisdiction over 

final decisions of the SNGA Gaming Commission, provided that 

the appeal is filed no later than the thirtieth (30th) day following 

the date of a final decision by the SNGA Gaming Commission. 

(i) Failure to seek review of the final action of the SNGA 

Gaming Commission by the thirtieth (30th) day following 

the date of such final action or decision shall constitute a 

waiver of all rights of appeal and further shall deprive the 

Seminole Nation Court of jurisdiction over the matter. 

(B) The Seminole Nation Court(s) shall have appellate jurisdiction 

over the SNGA Gaming Commission's actions and decisions in 

relation to prize claims and patron disputes, provided that a 

claimant's failure to file a prize claim notice within ten days of the 

event which forms the basis of a prize claim shall forever bar such 

prize claim and shall operate to deprive the Court of jurisdiction in 

the matter. 

(3) Judicial Process. 

(A) Except as otherwise provided in this Title, the manner and further 

requirements for filing appeals and/or claims for adjudication in 

the Seminole Nation Court shall be in accordance with the Comt's 

rules and procedures. 

(B) Appeals to the Seminole Nation Court of SNGA Gaming 

Commission decisions concerning actions and/or decisions of 

SNGA or the Chief Gaming Regulator shall be limited to the 

adminislrative record that was before the Chief Gaming Regulator 

or SNGA at the time of the final action, including any recording or 

hearing transcript(s) resulting from any hearings conducted by the 

Commission and its written records of decision. The standard of 

review shall not be de novo, but shall be abusive or discretion, 

arbitrary or capricious, or clear enor. 

(C) The Seminole Nation Court may remand any matter to the 

Commission for further proceedings as warranted by the 

circumstances. 

(4) Standard of Review. 

(A) The Commission and the Seminole Nation Court shall give 

deference to the administrative expertise of the Chief Gaming 

Regulator and shall not set aside, modify, or remand any 

Title 15 - Page 35 
determination by the Chief Gaming Regulator except upon a 

finding that the decision, action, or lack of action was: 

(i) Arbitrary and capricious, an abuse of discretion, or 

otherwise not in accordance with law; 

(ii) Contrary to right under the Constitution of the Seminole 

Nation, this Title, the Compact or other applicable law; 

(iii) In excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitation or 

short of statutory right; 

(iv) Without observance of procedure required by law; or 

(v) Unsupported by a preponderance of the evidence in a case 

reviewed on the record. 

(B) The Seminole Nation Court's review of an appeal on a tort claim 

shall be de novo and shall be decided based on applicable law. 

(5) Legal Representation. A petitioner may be represented by legal counsel in 

any proceedings or adjudications conducted by the SNGA Gaming 

Conunission or the Seminole Nation Court at the petitioner's own 

expense, and the Gaming Operation, or SNGA Gaming Commission may 

appear or be represented by legal counsel at their expense. 

(6) Standing. Only those persons or entities directly and adversely affected by 

an action or decision of the Gaming Operation and/or Chief Gaming 

Regulator shall have standing to appeal such action or decision to the 

Commission and/or the Seminole Nation Comt, except where: 

(A) The Petitioner is seeking relief against the Chief Gaming Regulator 

for action unduly or unreasonably delayed or withheld where such 

inaction is causing articulahle hatm to the Petitioner. 

Unreasonably withheld should be liberally construed to be no less 

than (30) business days; or 

(B) The Petitioner is a licensee seeking appellate review of a regulation 

promulgated by the SNGA Gaming Commission on the grounds 

that such regulation is arbitrary and capricious, constitutes an 

abuse of discretion, or is otherwise not in accordance with law. 

(7) Remedies 

(A) The Commission and/or the Seminole Nation Court, upon appeal, 

after hearing, may: 

Title 15 - Page 36 
(i) Affirm, reverse, modify or remand a matter as appropriate 

subject to the standard of review established in this Title; 

{ii) Compel SNGA and/or the Chief Gaming Regulator to take 

an action that the Commission and/or Court has found was 

unlawfully or unreasonably delayed or withheld by SNGA 

and/or the Chief Gaming Regulator; or 

(iii) Set aside and remand a regulation of the SNGA to the 

Chief Gaming Regulator upon a finding that such 

regulation or some portion of the regulation is arbitrary and 

capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in 

accordance with law. 

(B) The Seminole Nation Court upon appeal, after hearing may: 

(i) Affirm, reverse, modify or remand a matter to the 

Commission, as appropriate, subject to the standard of 

review established in this Title; or 

(ii) Compel the SNGA Gaming Commission to act or make a 

decision where an action or decision has been unduly 

delayed, or it may assume jurisdiction in a case before the 

SNGA Gaming Commission where a decision has been 

unduly delayed or due process has been denied. 

(C) The Seminole Nation Court upon appeal, after hearing, may award 

just and reasonable compensation for a personal injury or property 

damage upon a finding that the Gaming Operation is liable as a 

matter of law given all the facts and circumstances of the case as 

adduced at hearing of the case under applicable law, provided that: 

(i) The amount of such award shall be reduced by 10% if the 

tort claim is filed with the Enterprise more than ninety (90) 

days after the event allegedly giving rise to the claim; and 

(ii) The amount of compensation awarded for any one person 

for personal injury, for any one occurrence for personal 

injury, or for any one occurrence for property damage may 

not exceed the amount of the public liability insurance each 

such category of personal injury or property damage 

maintained by the Gaming Operation for the express 

purposes of covering and satisfying to1t claims. 

(D) The Commission and/or Seminole Nation Court upon appeal of the 

denial, in whole or in part, of a prize claim, after hearing, may 

award just and reasonable compensation if the full amount of an 

award determined to be due was not paid, provided that the amount 

Title 15 - Page 37 
of the award may not exceed the amount of the prize that the 

claimant establishes he or she was entitled to be awarded nor, in 

any case, an amount exceeding the maximum prize available in the 

game or gaming machine giving rise to the dispute. 

(E) Burden of Proof. The Appellant shall bear the burden of proof in 

any appeal filed pursuant to this Title. 

(F) Filing Fees. Each appeal under this Title shall be subject to a nonrefundable filing fee of five hundred dollars ($500.00) to be paid to 

the SNGA Gaming Commission and/or Seminole Nation Court, as 

appropriate, which fee(s) may be waived only upon a 

demonstration of hardship supported by substantial evidence. The 

Seminole Nation Court may amend the filing fee by administrative 

order. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991, amended by TO 2001-12, December 

1, 2001, amended by TO 2003-07, September 6, 2003; amended by TO 09-08, 

June 6, 2009; superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011 ; NIGC approved 

February 9, 2012.] 

Title 15 - Page 38 
CHAPTER TWO 

LICENSING 

Section 201. Gaming License, Permit or Registration Required. 

(a) Persons, Entities, and Facilities Required to Be Licensed. 

(1) Every-

(A) Seminole Nation Gaming Facility where Class II or III gaming 

activities are conducted; 

(B) Primary Management Official; 

(C) Key Employee; 

(D) Gaming Vendor; and 

(E) Gaming Financer 

shall be required to have and display prominently an appropriate, valid and current gaming 

License issued pursuant to the provisions of this Code. 

(2) The License for a Gaming Vendor or Gaming Financer shall cover the 

business entity and the Principals of thal Gaming Vendor or Financer 

under a single License except for those Key Employees employed by the 

Gaming Vendor or Gaming Financer with access to gaming activities, 

gaming equipment, the accounts, and the gaming or accounting software at 

or for the Enterprise, provided that all Principals of a Gaming Vendor or 

Gaming Financer shall be subject to a background investigation and 

suitability determination in accordance with the standards applicable to 

Key Employees. 

(3) Any employee or Principal of a Gaming Vendor or Gaming Financer, 

incJuding a manufacturer of gaming or gaming reJated equi_Qment -

(A) Who has access to the gaming floor and/or secure or restricted 

areas of a Gaming Facility, incJuding storage and maintenance 

areas, or who provides maintenance, repair or other service in 

relation to a game or gaming system; or 

(B) Who has on-site or off-site access to hardware or software related 

to Gaming Activities, or who has any accounting or cash handling 

duties related to the Gaming Operation, wherever conducted shall 

be considered to be a Covered Employee and shall be required to 

apply for and receive a Gaming License in accord with the same 

licensure requirements as a Key Employee, provided that 

accountants and attorneys shall be exempt from licensure or 

Title 15 - Page 39 
regulations when providing services covered by their respective 

professional licenses. 

{b) Registration. Every Non-gaming Vendor providing services or goods to the 

Gaming Operation, other than a federally, state, or tribally regulated publicly traded public ulility 

company, shall be subject to a requirement to register with SNGA and provide such information 

to SNGA as SNGA may by regulation require prior to contracting with or providing such goods 

and/or services to the Gaming Operation. 

(1) The Chief Gaming Regulator may, by regulation, except Non-gaming 

Vendors from this registrntion requirement where the contract amount is 

de mini mus, or the potential for unlawful or criminal conduct is negligible. 

(2) The Chief Gaming Regulator may, by regulation, require federally, state, 

or tribally regulated publicly traded utility companies to register or be 

registered under this provision if he or she determines that there is a 

potential for criminal activity relating to the Gaming Operation 

contracting with such companies. 

(c) Class I Gaming Permit. A permit issued by SNGA shall be required for the 

conduct of any Class I traditional forms of Indian gaming in connection with a tribal ceremony 

or celebration involving wagering where the aggregate total of prizes to be awarded exceeds 

$10,000. Tribal social activities not involving the placement of wagers, including contests, 

competitions, or similar events in which prizes are awarded individually or to teams based on 

prowess, knowledge, or appearance, such as rodeos, powwows, sports tournaments, pageants, 

and other similar types of events, regard.Jess of whether an entry fee is charged, do not constitute 

gaming and are expressly excluded from regulation under this Title. 

(d) Work Permit. Every employee of the Gaming Operation who is not a Primary 

Management Official or a Key Employee shall be required to have a work permit issued by the 

SNGA. Such work permit shall not authorize an employee to conduct any activities requiring a 

License under this Title, provided that the SNGA may require any or all gaming employees to be 

licensed upon a finding by the SNGA that the Gaming Operation is not compliant with the 

restrictions on the permissible duties and functions of work permittees. 

(e) Prohibition. Any other form of gaming other than those activities excepted by 

Section 203 of this Title conducted within the jurisdiction of the Seminole Nation is prohibited. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991, amended by TO 2003-22, December 

6, 2003; amended by TO 2004-01, January 17, 2004; amended by TO 09-08, June 

6, 2009; superseded by TO 2011-11, Octoher 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 

9, 2012.] 

Section 202. Exemptions. 

(a) Class I games, other than those requiring a permit, are exempt from the licensing, 

registration, and permit requirements of this Title if they -

Title 15 - Page 40 
(1) Are traditional forms of Indian gaming engaged in by individuals as a part 

of, or in connection with, tribal ceremonies or celebrations, or 

(2) Are social games solely for prizes of minimal value. 

(b) For purposes of this section, "minimal value" shall mean an individual prize with 

a value no greater than $1,000 for a single prize or $10,000 in aggregate prizes to be awarded. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NlGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 203. Applications and Requirements for Licenses. 

(a) General Requirements for Licenses. 

(1) License Requirements. 

(A) A License or Temporary License (not to exceed 90 days) must be 

issued by SNGA to an applicant pursuant to this Title and 

applicable regulations before the Gaming Operation may employ a 

person in a Key Employee or Primary Management position. 

(B) Gaming Vendors, Management Contractors and Gaming Financers 

must be fully licensed by the SNGA prior to the commencement of 

any engagement, contract, or agreement, the delivery of any 

gaming goods or services, or the installation of any gaming or 

gaming-related equipment. 

(C) Non-gaming vendors shall register or be registered prior to 

commencement of any transaction, contract, or engagement with 

the Gaming Operation. 

(D) Failure to comply with all applicable licensure requirements by a 

person or entity required to be licensed pursuant to this Title shall 

be deemed a substantial violation and shaU subject such person or 

entity to the enforcement authority of the SNGA. 

(2) Term. 

(A) A facility License shall be valid for a term of three years. 

(B) A Primary Management Official License and a Key Employee 

License shall be valid for a term of two years. 

(C) A Gaming Vendor or Gaming Financcr License shall be for a term 

of one year. 

Title 15 - Page 41 
(D) A Temporary License shall have a term as determined by SNGA, 

but not to exceed 90 days, provided that a Temporary License shall 

expire automatically upon issuance or denial of a permanent 

License. 

(E) The term of a License shall start on the date it is issued and shall 

expire on the last day of its term. 

(3) Applicant and Licensee Responsibilities. Applicants and licensees shall be 

legally responsible for compliance with this Title, regulations issued under 

this Title, IGRA, and all relevant License provisions, conditions, or 

restrictions. 

(4) Sworn Application. No License shall be issued under this Title except 

upon a sworn application filed with the SNGA in such form as may be 

prescribed by the SNGA and containing all of the mandatory information 

required for the License. Such form shall require agreement by the 

licensee to abide by all requirements and restrictions in the License, this 

Title, the Compact, and all applicable laws, rules and regulations. 

(5) Withdrawal of Application. An application may not be withdrawn without 

the permission of the SNGA. An applicant may request to withdraw an 

application by submitting to the SNGA a written request for withdrawal. 

The SNGA shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to grant or deny a 

request for withdrawal. A decision to deny a request for withdrawal shall 

be final and unappealable. 

(6) Continuing Duty to Provide Information. Applicants and licensees shaJI 

have a continuing duty to provide any materials, assistance, or other 

information required by the SNGA and to fully cooperate in any 

investigation conducted by or on behalf of the SNGA. If any information 

provided on the application changes or becomes inaccurate in any way, the 

applicant or licensee must promptly notify the SNGA of such changes or 

inaccuracies. 

(7) Suitability Determination. The SNGA shall review every License 

applicant's prior activities, criminal record, if any, and reputation, habits, 

or associations to make a determination concerning the suitability of such 

applicant for employment or for a contractual, financial or other business 

arrangement with the Gaming Operation. 

(A) The SNGA shall conduct an investigation sufficient to make a 

suitability determination under this Section. In conducting a 

background investigation, the SNGA or its agent shall strive to 

keep confidential the identity of each person interviewed in the 

course of the investigation and to protect confidential information 

provided as part of the licensing process. 

Title 15 - Page 42 
(B) No person requiring a License for employment under this Title 

may be employed, and no contract or other business arrangement 

may be entered into with a Gaming Vendor or Gaming Financer if, 

based on such review -

(i) The applicant has not fully completed all required 

application forms, or has not provided the SNGA with such 

other information the SNGA has requested; 

(ii) The SNGA determines that employment of, contracting 

with, or enlering into a financial arrangement with the 

applicant or a Principal or Primary Management Official or 

Key Employee thereof, poses a threat to the public interest 

or to the effective regulation of gaming or creates or 

enhances the dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal 

practices, methods, or activities in the conduct of gaming or 

the carrying on of the business and financiaJ arrangements 

incidental thereto; or 

(iii) The SNGA determines that the applicant, or in the case of a 

Gaming Vendor or Gaming Financer, the applicant or a 

Principal or a Primary Management Official or Key 

Employee thereof has 

(I) Been convicted of any felony offense; 

(II) Been convicted of any offense of any degree within 

the past ten years involving an element of 

dishonesty, such as theft, fraud, and, for example; 

(Ill) Had a gaming license denied or revoked by any 

licensing jurisdiction for any cause related to 

dishonesty, such as theft, embezzlement, fraud, 

cheating, or accepting bribes or kick-backs; 

(IV) A reputation for dishonesty regardless of whether 

charged or convicted; or 

(V) Provided false or misleading information, 

statements, or information on his or her License 

application, 

(VI) Failed to disclose any information required to be 

disclosed on the License application; or 

(VII) Otherwise failed to meet the suitability standard for 

licensure. 

Title 15 - Page 43 
{C) When the applicant is applying for a Gaming Vendor or Gaming 

Financcr License, in addition to the reasons denoted in subsection 

(B) of this Section, the SNGA, based on the background 

investigation, may deny the applicant a License if the SNGA 

concludes the applicant; 

(i) Is not sufficiently stable and capitalized; 

(ii) Is owned, operated, or managed by persons who fail to 

meet the suitability standards in this Section; or 

(iii) Has a history of performance failure or contentious 

business relationships. 

(D) If, at any time, the SNGA finds that a licensee fails to continue to 

meet the Jicensure standard established in this Section, the SNGA 

may take appropriate steps to suspend or revoke the License. 

(8) Temporary License. The SNGA may, in its sole discretion, issue a 

Temporary Gaming License to Key Employees and Primary Management 

Officials upon the SNGA's review of their individual, completed gaming 

License applications, review of their fingerprints consistent with the 

procedures adopted by SNGA according to 25 C.F.L § 522.2, and upon a 

signed, written representation by the applicant that he or she meets the 

standards for licensing in this Section. Such Temporary License may be 

cancelled or revoked and the license application denied if the SNGA finds 

that the Applicant does not meet the standards for licensing under this 

Section. 

(9) Exclusion. Gaming Vendors shall not be eligible to receive a temporary 

license nor shall any gaming or related equipment be installed in any 

gaming facility prior to the issuance of a Gaming Vendor License by the 

SNGA. The Gaming Enterprise shall ensure that all Gaming Vendor 

contracts spedf y Lhat such contract shall be null, void, and unenforceable 

if the Gaming vendor fails to apply for, receive, and maintain a Gaming 

Vendor License. 

(10) License Requirements and Restrictions. Any License issued by SNGA 

may be subject to such requirements, conditions, and/or restrictions as 

SNGA may require, including restrictions on the areas to which the 

licensee may have access, restrictions on the positions a licensee may 

hold, requirements for reporting or submitting information to the SNGA, 

and such other conditions, restriction and/or limitations as the Chief 

Gaming Regulator deems appropriate under the circumstances. 

(11) License contingency Terms for Employment and Business Arrangements. 

Title 15 - Page 44 
(A) An employment agreement for any persons requiring a License 

under this Title; and 

(B) Business arrangements, including contracts, engagements, and 

agreements entered into by the Gaming Operation with Gaming 

Vendors or Gaming Financers and/or their Principals and/or 

Primary Management Officials who are required to be licensed 

under this Title shall include terms: 

(i) Providing for termination if the requisite License is denied 

or revoked; 

(ii) Acknowledging the licensee's duty to comply with all 

applicable gaming laws and regulations, including, but not 

limited to I.he Nation's internal control standards, federal 

laws and regulations, and the Compact; and 

(iii) Providing consent to the regulatory jurisdiction of the 

SNGA. 

(12) Non-Assignability of License. Any License issued pursuant to the 

provisions of this Title is valid only for the person(s) or entity(ies) shown 

on the face thereof. Any such License is not assignable or otherwise 

transferable to any other person or entity or, in the case of a facility 

License, for any other location unless authorized and approved by the 

SNGA. 

(13) Employee License Site Limitation. An Employee License or Work Permit 

shall be specific to each Gaming facility unless SNGA, authorizes a 

specific licensee or group of licensees to conduct activities covered by 

their Licenses at other Gaming facilities, which authorization shall be 

indicated on the Employees' badge(s). 

( 14) Duty of Licensee to Keep Informed of Requirements. Acceptance of a 

License or renewal thereof, or restriction imposed thereon, by a licensee 

constitutes an agreement on the part of the licensee to be bound by all the 

regulations and/or restrictions of the SNGA and by the provisions of this 

Title as the same are now or may hereafter be amended or promulgated. It 

is the responsibility of the licensee to keep informed of the contents of all 

such regulations, provisions, and conditions, and ignorance thereof shall 

not excuse the violation. 

(15) License Revocable. A Gaming License issued under this Title is a 

revocable privilege, and no holder thereof shalJ be deemed to have any 

rights therein or thereunder. 

(A) A License issued under this Title may be revoked by SNGA -

Title 15 - Page 45 
(i) For cause related to violations of the Seminole Nation Code 

or regulations, the Compact, NIGC regulations, other 

violations of law or Gaming Enterprise procedures, or any 

other wrongful conduct or behavior of a licensee; 

(ii) Upon a finding that the licensee is not suitable to hold a 

License under the criteria set forth in Section 203(a)(7); or 

(iii) For any actions or inactions that present an actual and 

imminent threat or danger to the public health and safety of 

a Gaming facility licensed under this Title or its patrons or 

to the integrity of the games played at such facility. 

(B) A License may be suspended by the SNGA for such period of time 

as the SNGA determines appropriate pending investigations, 

hearings, and other processes for consideration of a License. 

(C) The burden of proving qualifications to hold any License rests at 

all times on the licensee. 

(D) The SNGA shall have the duty of continuaJly observing the 

conduct of all licensees to the end that Licenses shall not be held 

by unqualified, disqualified, or unsuitable persons or entities, or 

persons or entities whose operations are conducted in an unsuitable 

manner. 

{E) The SNGA may review any individual's or an entity's License at 

any time. 

(16) Violations. Violation of any prov1s1ons of this code or any rules or 

regulations of the SNGA by a licensee, his agent, or employee shall be 

deemed contrary to the public health, safety, morals, good order, and 

general welfare of the Seminole Nation and the inhabitants of the 

Seminole Nation, and shall be grounds for refusing to grant or renew a 

License, grounds for suspension or revocation of a License, or grounds for 

the filing by SNGA of a civil action for forfeiture of a License in the 

Seminole Nation Court. 

(17) Fees. There shall be a fee or methodology for determining a fee 

established for each type of License. All License fees shall be paid to and 

retained by SNGA to offset compensation and expenses of SNGA. 

(18) Wearing License ldentification Cards. All licensees shall wear, in plain 

view, identification cards which include a photograph of the employee, his 

or her first name, a four-digit identification number unique to the License 

issued to the licensee, a tribal seal or signature verifying the official 

issuance of the card, and the date of expiration. 

Title 15 - Page 46 
(19) License Renewal. An application to renew a facility License shall be 

submitted 150 days before the expiration of a current facility License, and 

an application to renew any other License under this Title shall be 

submitted 90 days prior to the expiration of a current License. Any 

renewal application shall be subject to the same requirements for licensing 

as a new License under this Title except that the SNGA may, by 

regulation, require an update of the information required for the License 

from the first application to the extent that the information has changed. 

(b) Facility License. 

(1) License Requirements. The SNGA shall issue a separate facility License 

to each place, facility, or location where Gaming takes place under this 

Title, provided: 

(A) Documentation is provided demonstrating that the facility is 

located, or will be located if it is to be constructed, on the Nation's 

fudian Lands; 

(B) The Facility is of sound physical structure with adequate, safe, and 

operational plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling and ventilation 

systems in place; 

(C) The Gaming Operation has provided a complete description of the 

premises and the name and address at which gaming will be 

conducted; 

(D) The Facility has been inspected and approved for safety by a 

qualified building and fire inspector approved by SNGA; 

(E) The facility is equipped with security and surveillance equipment 

meeting or exceeding provisions set forth in regulations established 

by theSNGA; 

(F) The Gaming Operation has prepared and the facility is subject to 

an emergency preparedness plan approved by SNGA; 

(G) The Gaming Operation has submitted all documentation required 

by applicable regulations of the NIGC for a new facility or, for 

renewal of a License, such information required for reissuing a 

License; 

(H) The Gaming Operation has provided such other information as the 

SNGA shall require by regulation; and 

(I) The Gaming Operation has paid all applicable License and 

regulatory fees and assessments. 

Title 15 - Page 47 
(2) Requirements of a Licensee. All facility licensees shall comply with 

orders, directives and regulations of the SNGA, which, at a minimum, 

shall include the following requirements: 

(A) The facility shall at all times be maintained in an orderly, clean and 

neat condition, both inside and outside the premises of the facility. 

(B) The facility shall be subject to patrol by the Nation's security and 

law enforcement personnel and, when authorized, local and state 

law enforcement and the licensee shall cooperate at all times which 

such security and law enforcement officials. 

(C) The facility shall be open to inspection by SNGA at all times. 

(D) The facility shall continuously meet all applicable environmental, 

public health, and safety standards as established by the SNGA or 

other authorized governmental units of the Nation. 

(E) The Gaming Operation shall pay all appropriate regulatory fee 

assessments to the NIGC pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 

§27 lO{b )( 4)(B)(i)(IV). 

(F) The Gaming Operation shall pay all regulatory fees, fines and 

assessments as may be applicable. 

(G) The facility shall operate without any discrimination in any gaming 

operations by reason of race, color, sex, or creed, provided, 

however, that nothing herein shall prevent the licensee from 

granting hiring preferences to members of the Seminole Nation or 

other federally recognized Indian tribes. 

(3) Application and Renewal Deadlines. Applications for a Facility License 

shall be submitted at least 180 days prior to the initial conduct of business, 

and at least ninety (90) days prior to its expiration if renewal is sought; 

(4) Display of License. Every Facility licensee shall display in a prominent 

place a cmTent and valid License for that location. 

(5) License Unassignable. If the Gaming Operation elects to move operation 

of a gaming facility to a different location and operate under the same 

trade name, such action shall nonetheless be deemed to require the 

issuance of a new Gaming Facility License for purposes of this Section 

and the SNGA shall issue a new license in accordance with this Section. 

(6) Penalties for Violations. Facility licensees may be fined or have their 

privilege to conduct gaming activities within the Seminole Nation and 

their License to game suspended or revoked for a period not to exceed 90 

days, or, in the event of a condition creating imminent jeopardy to public 

Title 15 - Page 48 
health and safety, such longer period of time as may be required to abate 

such condition; or may he subject to such other penalties or orders as may 

be appropriate by the SNGA and lhe Courts of the Seminole Nation if 

found in violation of any of the requirements of this Act, regulations 

issued under lhis Act, the Compact, or other applicable laws including 

IGRA. 

(c) Key Employee, Primary Management Official or Other Individual License. 

(1) License Requirement and Scope. The SNGA shall issue a License to each 

Key Employee and Primary Management Official who qualifies for and 

would require a License under this Title. The License shall grant the 

applicant the revocable privilege of working in a position requiring a 

License under this Title. 

(2) Application and Licensing Deadlines. Before a Key Employee or Primary 

Management Official begins work, a completed application for a License 

shall be provided to SNGA by the applicant, which application shall 

contain all of the information required by this Section, and SNGA shall 

conduct the background investigation and make the suitability 

determination described in this Section to determine whether or not to 

grant the License. 

(3) Jurisdiction and Jurisdiction Statement. Acceptance of a License by a Key 

Employee or Primary Management Official shall constitute acceptance by 

that individual of the jurisdiction of SNGA, and the Seminole Nation 

Courts for all licensure actions and for any violations of the terms of that 

License, this Title, and the Seminole Nation Code and regulations. 

(4) Notice of Consent and Signature. The License Application for a Key 

Employee or Primary Management Official shall provide notice of the 

consent to jurisdiction of SNGA, and the Seminole Nation Courts required 

by this Title and shall require a separate signature immediately below the 

notice by the applicant accepting such jurisdiction. 

(5) Privacy Act Notice and Notice Regarding False Statements. The 

Application form for Key Employees and Primary Management Officials 

shall include the statements required to be on such forms under 25 C.F.R. 

§§ 556.2 and 556.3. 

(6) Minimum Application Information Required. The SNGA shall require 

from each Primary Management Official and from each Key Employee all 

of the following information as part of their License application: 

(A) Full name, other names used (oral or written) including any aliases 

by which applicant has ever been known, social security 

number(s), 

Title 15 - Page 49 
(B) Birth date, place of birth, citizenship, gender, all languages known 

(spoken or written); 

(C) Currently and for the previous 5 years: business and employment 

positions held, ownership interests in those businesses, business 

and residence addresses, and driver's license numbers; 

(D) The names and current addresses of at least three personal 

references, including one personal reference who was acquainted 

with the applicant during each period of residence listed under 

paragraph (6)(C) of this Subsection; 

(E) Current business and residence telephone numbers; 

(F) Military service history; 

(G) A description of any existing and previous business relationships 

with Indian Nations, including ownership interests in those 

businesses; 

(H) A description of any existing and previous business relationships 

with the gaming industry generally, including ownership interest in 

those businesses; 

(I) The name and address of any licensing or regulatory agency with 

which the person has filed an application for a license or permit 

related to Gaming, whether or not such license or permit was 

granted; 

(J) A description of any disciplinary charges filed by any state or 

tribal regulatory authority, whether or not discipline was imposed. 

(K) For each felony for which there is an ongoing prosecution or a 

conviction, the charge, the name and address of the court involved, 

and the date aod disposition if any; 

(L) For each misdemeanor conviction or ongoing misdemeanor 

prosecution (excluding minor traffic violations) within 10 years of 

the date of the application, the name and address of the court 

involved and the date and disposition; 

(M) For each criminal arrest, charge, or proceeding (excluding minor 

traffic charges), whether or not there is a conviction, identification 

of the criminal arrest, charge, or proceeding, the name and address 

of the court involved, and the date and disposition; 

(N) The name and address of any licensing or regulatory agency with 

which the person has filed an application for an occupational 

Title 15 - Page 50 
license or permit, whether or not such license or permit was 

granted; 

(0) A current photograph; 

(P) For the applications of Primary Management Officials, including 

the General Manager of the Gaming Enterprise and the Managers 

of each Gaming Facility, financial statements; 

(Q) Fingerprints consistent with procedures adopted by the SNGA 

according to 25 C.F.R. § 522.2(h); and 

(R) Any other information the SNGA deems relevant. 

(7) Background Investigation. A background investigation for each 

prospective Primary Management Official and Key Employee requiring a 

License shall be conducted by the SNGA. 

(A) Required Actions. The background investigation must include the 

following actions: 

(i) Verification of the applicant's identity and the information 

submitted by the applicant on the License application; 

(ii) Contacts with the applicant's personal and business 

references; 

(iii) A civil, criminal, public records, and credit history check; 

and 

(iv) Forwarding the applicant's fingerprint card to the NIGC to 

be processed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's 

National Criminal Information Center. The SNGA may 

submit an applicant's fingerprint card to any <:1dditional 

tribal, local, or state criminal history check system as the 

SNGA deems necessary or appropriate. Reports obtained 

from such fingerprint processing shall be incorporated into 

the applicant's application file. 

(v) The SNGA by regulation may conduct such additional 

investigative activities as it may deem appropriate. 

(vi) The SNGA may issue a notice to a License applicant for an 

interview or hearing at any time during the investigation to 

secure any additional information it may require m 

determining the applicant's suitability for a License. 

Title 15 - Page 51 
(vii) Upon completion of the investigation, the staff shall 

prepare a written report and recommendation in relation to 

the applicant's suitability and the SNGA shall then 

determine whether to grant or deny the License. 

(B) Retention of Records. The SNGA shall retain License applications 

for Key Employees and Primary Management Officials, reports (if 

any) of background investigations for inspection by the Chairman 

of the National Indian Gaming Commission or his or her designee, 

and eligibility determinations for no less than three (3) years from 

the date of termination of employment. 

(C) Submissions to NIGC and Granting Licenses. Before issuing a 

license to a Primary Management Official or a Key Employee and 

no later than 60 days after the applicant begins work, the SNGA 

shall forward to the NIGC a notice of results of the applicant's 

background investigation that includes: 

(i) the applicant's name, date of birth, and SSN; 

(ii) the date on which the applicant began or will begin work as 

a Primary Management Official or Key Employee; 

(iii) a summary of the information presented in the investigative 

report, including: 

(I) license(s) that have previously been denied; 

(II) gaming licenses that have been revoked, even if 

subsequently reinstated; 

(III) every known criminal charge brought against the 

applicant within the last 10 years of the date of the 

application; and 

(IV) every felony of which the applicant has been 

convicted or any ongoing prosecution; and 

(iv) a copy of the eligibility determination made under 25 

C.F.R. 556.5. 

(D) Before issuing a license to a Primary Management Official or a 

Key Employee, the SNGA shall create and maintain an 

investigative report on each background investigation that includes 

all of the following. 

(i) Steps taken in conducting a background investigation; 

Title 15 - Page 52 
(ii) Results obtained; 

(iii) Conclusions reached; and 

(iv) The basis for those conclusions. 

(E) Suitability Determination. The SNGA shall submit with the report 

a copy of the suitability determination made under Section 

203(a)(7) of this Title. 

(F) License Denial Actions. If a License application is denied, the 

SNGA: 

(i) Shall notify NIGC; and 

(ii) May forward copies of its eligibility determination and 

investigative report (if any) to the National Indian Gaming 

Commission for inclusion in the Indian Gaming Individuals 

Records Systems. 

(8) Granting Gaming Licenses to Key Employees and Primary Management 

Officials. 

(A) If within a thirty (30) day period after the NIGC receives an 

application and notice of results report as provided in the previous 

Subsection, the NIGC notifies the SNGA that it has no objection to 

the issuance of a License pursuant to such applicant; the SNGA 

may issue a License to such applicant. 

(B) The SNGA shall respond to a request for additional information 

from the NIGC Chairman concerning an applicant who is the 

subject of an investigatory report. Such a request shall suspend the 

30-day period under this subsection until the Chairman receives 

the additional information. 

(C) If, within the 30-day period described above, the NIGC provldes 

the SNGA with a statement itemizing objections to the issuance of 

a License to a Key Employee or lo a Primary Management 

Official, the SNGA shall reconsider the application, taking into 

account the objections itemized by the NIGC. The SNGA shall 

make the final decision whether to issue a License to such 

applicant. 

(D) SNGA shall notify the NIGC of the issuance of a license to a Key 

Employee or Primary Management Official within 30 days of its 

issuance. 

Title 15 - Page 53 
(9) Notice by NlGC. If, at any time after the issuance of a gaming License to 

a Key Employee or Primary Management Official, the SNGA receives 

from the NIGC reliable information indicating that the licensee is not 

eligible for employment under Section 203(a)(7), lhe SNGA shall suspend 

such License and shall notify the Licensee in writing of the suspension and 

the proposed revocation. 

(A) The SNGA shall notify the licensee of a time and a place for a 

hearing on the proposed revocation of a License. 

(B) After a revocation hearing, the SNGA shall decide to revoke or to 

reinstate the License. The SNGA shall notify the National Indian 

Gaming Commission of its decision within 45 days of notification 

fromNIGC. 

(10) Forwarding Covered Employees Application to the State Compliance 

Agency. Upon obtaining the required application information from a 

Covered Employee, the SNGA, upon request, shall provide a copy of it to 

the SCA along with any determinations made with respect to the issuance 

or denial of a temporary or permanent License. 

(d) Gaming Vendor and Gaming Financer Licenses. 

(1) License Requirement and Scope. The SNGA shall issue a License to each 

Gaming Vendor and Gaming Financer that qualifies for a License under 

this Title. The License shall grant the applicant the revocable privilege of 

contracting with or entering into a financing arrangement or other business 

arrangement with the Gaming Operation. 

(2) Application and Licensing Deadlines. Before a Gaming Vendor or 

Financer may contract, enter into a financing arrangement, or enter into 

any other business arrangement with the Gaming Operation, a completed 

application for a License shall be provided to SNGA by the applicant, 

which application shall contain all of the information required under this 

Section and SNGA shall conduct the background investigation and make 

the suitability determination described in this Section to determine 

whether or not to grant the License. 

(3) Application Information Required. The SNGA shall by regulation 

establish application information requirements for Gaming Vendors and 

Gaming Financers sufficient to make the determinations for issuing or 

denying a license in Section 203(a)(7). 

(4) Limiting Information Required. The SNGA may limit, as the SNGA 

deems appropriate, the types of information required from an applicant for 

a Gaming Financer License where: 

Title 15 - Page 54 
(A) The information required of applicants, except as limited by 

paragraph (A) above, shall be sufficient to probe the Gaming 

Vendor's or Gaming Financer's: legal structure and ownership 

interests; locations, history, reputation and operation as a business 

entity, including locations and nature of the business; 

organizational structure; officers; the civil and criminal history of 

the applicant, including any litigation, court or administrative 

tribunal determinations, and sanctions; financial stability, 

capitalization, and capability; level of responsibility for completing 

its contractual commitments and guaranteeing results; its customer 

base; and its reputation; 

(B) The Gaming Vendor or Gaming Financer is an individual, the 

applicant shall also submit an application with all the information 

required for licensure as a Primary Management Official under 

Subsection ( c) of this Section; and 

(C) The Gaming Vendor and Gaming Financer is not a natural person, 

but is structured as a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship 

with multiple employees, or other legal entity for the purpose of 

conducting business, the applicant, with the possible limitation in 

paragraph (a), above, shall also submit for purposes of determining 

whether to grant or deny a License, all of the information required 

for licensure as a Key Employee under Subsection (c) of this 

Section for any Covered Grune Employee or Principal who is not 

required to have an individual License and for such other officers 

of the entity as the SNGA may deem necessary to understand the 

organization and persons with which the Seminole Nation would 

be dealing under the License. 

(5) Background Investigation - Gaming Vendor or Gaming Financer. A 

background investigation for each prospective Gaming Vendor and 

Gaming Financer requiring a License shall be conducted by the SNGA. 

(A) The background investigation must include all of the following 

actions: 

(i) Verification of the applicant's identity and the information 

submitted by the applicant on the License application, 

including the information provided by Covered Employees 

and Principals; 

(ii) Contacts with the applicant's personal and business 

references; 

(iii) A civil, criminal, and credit history check; and 

Title 15 - Page 55 
(iv) A background investigation of all individuals who are a 

Principal, Key Employee, or Primary Management Officer 

of the Gaming Vendor or Gaming Financer in accordance 

w.ith Subsections 203(a) - (c) of this Section. 

(B) The SNGA may conduct such additional investigative activities as 

it may require by rule or regulation. 

(C) The SNGA may issue a notice to a License applicant for an 

interview or hearing at any time during the investigation to secure 

any additional information it may require in determining the 

applicant's suitability for a License. 

(D) Upon completion of the investigation, the staff shall prepare a 

written report and recommendation in relation to the applicant's 

suitability under Section 203(a)(7) of this Title and the SNGA shall 

then determine whether to grant or deny the License. 

(E) Record Retention. The SNGA shall establish a record retention 

schedule for Gaming Vendor and Financer applications and 

background investigation records. 

(6) Notifications to the State Compliance Agency. The SNGA, when 

requested, shall advise the SCA of: 

(A) All financing and loan transactions wilh respect to covered games 

or supplies in which the amount exceeds $50,000 in any twelvemonth period and make them available for SCA review upon 

request; and 

(B) Approval of any Management Contract approved by the Chair of 

the National Indian Gaming Conunission. 

(e) Adverse Licensing Action Procedure. 

(1) The SNGA shall notify an applicant or licensee, in writing, of the SNGA's 

preliminary decision to deny an application for a License or to suspend, 

revoke. limit, modify, restrict, condition or cancel the licensee's gaming 

license, which notice shall inform the licensee of the basis for the SNGA's 

preliminary decision and of any due process rights available to the 

applicant or licensee. 

(2) An SNGA decision to limit, modify, restrict, condition, or cancel a 

License shall not be deemed an adverse action requiring a hearing and 

shall not be appcalable except upon a showing, supported by substantial 

evidence, that such decision was the result of bias, prejudice, or other 

wrongful purpose; provided that the SNGA may in its discretion accord a 

licensee an opportunity to show cause why the License should not be 

Title 15 - Page 56 
limited, modified, restricted, conditioned, or cancelled. The SNGA may, 

in its sole discretion, grant an oral hearing or require a written submission. 

(3) Unless otherwise provided in this Title, an applicant or licensee, as 

appropriate, shall, upon written petition, be entitled to a hearing before the 

Chief Gaming Regulator or another hearing officer designated by the 

Chief Gaming Regulator prior to denial of an application or the revocation 

or suspension of a License. 

( 4) Denial of a license may be contested by an applicant and the revocation or 

suspension of a license may be contested by a licensee as an adverse 

action under the procedures set out below: 

(A) To invoke the right of hearing, the applicant or licensee must 

submit a written petition for hearing to the SNGA within ten (10) 

days from the date of service or delivery of the SNGA's notice of 

proposed denial or revocation. Such notice may be served by 

registered or certified mail or it may be personally served on the 

Applicant or licensee. 

(B) The Chief Gaming Regulator may, in his or her discretion, direct 

the Gaming Operation to place a licensee on administrative leave, 

with or without pay at the discretion of management, during the 

pendency of lhe matter. 

(5) Right to Counsel. An Applicant or licensee subject to a notice of adverse 

action shall be entitled to be represented by an attorney and must be 

present and participate in the proceeding. 

(6) Waiver of Right to Hearing. If the applicant or licensee fails to invoke the 

right to a hearing within ten days from the date the SNGA's notice or 

proposed denial or revocation is delivered to or served upon the applicant 

or licensee, such inaction shall operate as a waiver of the right of appeal, 

in which case, the Chief Gaming Regulator's preliminary decision shall be 

entered as a final order not subject to further appeal. 

(7) Hearing Date. If the applicant or licensee invokes the right to a hearing, 

the Chief Gaming Regulator shall set a date for such hearing to take place 

within sixty (60) days unless extended by mutual consent of the Chief 

Gaming Regulator and the respondent. 

(8) Hearing Procedure. Hearings under this Section shall be conducted in 

accordance with lhe requirements of Section 305(b) of this Title. 

(9) Right to Appeal. If, afler such hearing, the Chief Gaming Regulator 

renders a final adverse determination with regard to a gaming license, the 

licensee may appeal the decision to the SNGA Gaming Commission. 

Title 15 - Page 57 
(10) Prohibition on Limitations. Nothing in this Section shall limit the Chief 

Gaming Regulator's authority to summarily issue an order directing action 

by a licensee, an order to cease and/or desisl, or an order suspending a 

Gaming License upon a finding that such order is necessary to: 

(A) Cure an imminent threat to the integrity of gaming at the Gaming 

Enterprise; 

(B) Protect the Nation's property or assets; or 

(C) Ensure the public health and safety of patrons and employees. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 92-04, February 24, 

1994; amended by TO 2001-12, December 1, 2001; amended by TO 09-08, June 

6, 2009; superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 

9, 2012.] 

Section 204. Registration of Non-Gaming Vendors. 

(a) Each Non-Gaming Vendor required lo be registered pursuant to Section 201(b) of 

this Title shall provide the following information in a form or format as may be required by the 

SNGA: 

(1) Name of the Non-Gaming Vendor; 

(2) Address of the Non-Gaming Vendor's principal place of business; 

(3) Form of legal organization (such as a corporation, partnership, LLC, or 

sole proprietorship), and state where chartered; 

(4) Any state or tribal identification number providing access to the stateregistered or tribally-registered organizational papers; 

(5) The name and business address of the agent or person responsible for 

providing the goods or services; 

(6) If the Non-Gaming Vendor is not a publicly traded corporation, the name 

of the Principal of the on-Gaming Vendor, 

(7) The nature of the goods and services provided; and 

(8) Such additional information as the SNGA may require by regulation. 

(b) The Chief Gaming Regulator shall by regulation and procedures establish the time 

and submission requirements for this Section. 

(c) SNGA, at its discretion, may conduct a background investigation on a NonGaming Vendor required to be registered under this Chapter. 

Title 15 - Page 58 
fHTSTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 92-04, February 24, 

1994; amended by TO 2001-12, December l, 2001; amended by TO 09-08, June 

6, 2009; superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 

9, 2012.] 

Section 205. Applications and Requirements for Class I Gaming Permits. 

An applicant for a Class I gaming permit pursuant to Section 201 (c) shall provide his or her 

name, a brief description of the event, an estimate of the total amount of prizes, and such 

additional information in such form as may be established by regulation under lhis Title. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 92-04, February 24, 

1994; amended by TO 2001-12, December 1, 2001; amended by TO 09-08, June 

6, 2009; superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 

9, 2012.] 

Section 206. Applications and Requirements for Work Permits. 

Each employee of Gaming Operation required to have a work permit pursuant to Section 20l(d) 

of this Title shall provide his or her name, residential address, phone number, Social Security 

Number, and such additional information in such form as it may require. SNGA may, at its 

discretion, conduct a background investigation on a person required to hold a permit under this 

Chapter. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 92-04, February 24, 

1994; amended by TO 2001-12, December 1, 2001; amended by TO 09-08, June 

6, 2009; superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011 ; NJGC approved February 

9, 2012.] 

Section 207. Inspection of Premises. 

The premises of a Gaming Facility, including buildings and property connected physically or 

otherwise within the Gaming Facility, as well as parking areas and vehicles used in connection 

therewith, shall at all times be subject to inspection by or on behalf of SNGA. At any time during 

which a licensed Gaming or related administrative activity is being conducted on the premises, 

no advance notice shall be required from the SNGA to: 

(a) Make an account of all monies on the premises and all monies received during the 

operation of the licensed activity located on the premises; 

(b) Inspect all receipts for prizes which have been awarded by the Gaming Enterprise 

at the licensed facility; 

Title 15 - Page 59 
(c) Inspect any other records, accounts or other related information of the licensee or 

of any employee who directly participates in the management, operation, or promotion of a 

licensed activity; or of any employee of the licensee; and 

(d) Inspect equipment of any nature used in connection with gaming activities, 

including interior areas of such equipment, parts, and components. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Title 15 - Page 60 
CHAPTER THREE 

CIVIL AND CRilVIINAL ACTIONS, PENALTIES, AND ENFORCEMENT 

Section 301. Civil Violations. 

(a) Generally. In addition to other civil and criminal acts that may be regulated or 

prohibited by this Title, other Seminole Nation law, or applicable federal or state law, the 

following prohibited activities shall constitute civil violations under this Title and may subject 

any person or entity subject to the enforcement authority of the SNGA as provided in this Title: 

( 1) Violations of any License terms, restrictions, and limitations by a licensee; 

(2) Cheating in any form, including, but not limited to: 

(A) Altering or misrepresenting the outcome of gaming or another 

event on which wagers have been made after the outcome of such 

gaming or event has been determined but before such outcome is 

revealed to the players; 

(B) Placing or increasing a bet or wager after acquiring knowledge of 

the outcome of the gaming or event which is the subject of the bet 

or wager; 

(C) Altering, concealing, or marking cards; 

(D) Aiding any person in acquiring knowledge about of the forms of 

cheating referred lo in Section 30l(a)(2) of this Title for the 

purposes of increasing or decreasing any bet or wager, or for the 

purpose of determining the course of play; 

(E) Altering or tampering with any gaming equipment; 

(F) Using slugs, tokens, or forged or fraudulent coins or instruments 

for any gaming machine or to place a wager in a card game; 

(G) Aiding another person to cheat in any manner; 

(H) Violating any rules of play; 

(I) Using any device, apparatus, or contraption to determine or alter 

the outcome of play or change the odds of any game, including any 

calculator, computer, or other electronic or mechanical device to 

assist in projecling the outcome or odds of such gaming, to keep 

track of or analyze cards, or to change probabilities of any game or 

the playing strategies regularly utilized in such gaming; 

Title 15 - Page 61 
(J) Reducing the amount wagered or canceling a wager after acquiring 

knowledge of the outcome of the game or other event which is the 

subject of the bet or wager; or 

(K) Manipulating any component or part of a game or gaming 

equipment in a manner contrnry to the designed and normal 

operational purpose for such component or part, so as to affect the 

outcome of the game. 

(3) Fraud or theft from the gaming facility by any patron, employee, agent, 

guest, vendor or person, including, but not limited to: 

(A) Claiming, collecting, or attempting to claim, collect or take, money 

or anything of value from a Gaming Facility or the Seminole 

Nation Gaming Enterprise to which one is not entitled; or 

claiming, collecting or taking an amount greater than the amount 

actually won in such game; 

(B) Defrauding the Nation, any licensee, or any participant in any 

gaming or promotional aclivity; 

(C) Making any untme statement of a fact, or failing to state a fact 

necessary, in order to conunit a fraud; or 

(D) Otherwise engaging in any act, practice, or course of conduct as 

would operate as a fraud upon any person; 

(4) Delay, maneuvering, or taking action of any kind to unlawfully avoid 

paying proceeds of gaming properly owed to the Seminole Nation; 

(5) Participating in or operating any gaming activity not authorized under this 

Title; 

(6) Enticing or inducing another person to go to any place where gaming is 

conducted or operated in violation of the provisions of this Title, with the 

intent that the other person play or participate in such gaming; 

(7) Providing false or misleading information or making any false or 

misleading statement with respect to an application for employment or for 

any license, certification or determination provided for in this Title; 

(8) Providing false or misleading information or making any false or 

misleading statement to the Nation, SNGA, or the Gaming Operation in 

connection with any contract for services or property related to gaming; 

(9) Providing false or misleading information or making any false or 

misleading statement in response to any official inquiry by the SNGA or 

its agents; 

Title 15 - Page 62 
(10) Offering or attempting to offer any money or thing of value to an official 

or employee of the Gaming Operation, SNGA, or a license to induce such 

official or licensee lo act, or refrain from acting, in a manner contrary to 

the official duties of the licensee under this Title, regulations promulgated 

by the Seminole Nation including those promulgated under this Title, 

Seminole Nation or Federal law, or the Compact; 

(11) Acceptance by an official or employee of the Gaming Operation, SNGA, 

or a licensee of any money or value given to such organization or licensee 

for the purpose of inducing the organization or licensee to act, or refrain 

from acting, in a manner contrary to the official duties of the organization 

or licensee under this Title, Seminole Nation or federal law, or the 

Compact; 

( 12) Falsifying, destroying, erasing or altering any books, computer data, 

records, or other information relating to the Gaming Operation in ways 

other than is provided for in approved internal control procedures; 

( 13) Taking any action which interferes with, impedes, or prevents the Gaming 

Operation, SNGA, or the General Council from fulfilling its duties and 

responsibilities under this Title, Title 8, SNGA regulations, IGRA, or the 

Compact; and 

(14) Entering into any contract, or making payment on any contract for the 

delivery of goods or services to a Gaming Operation, when such contract 

fails to provide for or result in the delivery of goods or services of fair 

value for the payment made or contemplated. 

(b) Gaming Management. In addition to any other violation set forth in Section (a) of 

this Section, it shall be a violation of this Title for any gaming manager, employee, or other 

responsible person or Nation official to: 

(1) Fail to keep appropriate books and records sufficient to substantiate the 

income and expenses and to verify the propriety of all expenditures and 

disbursements by any component of the Gaming Operation or activity 

owned or operated by the Gaming Enterprise; 

(2) Falsify any books or records related to any transaction connected with the 

holding, operating, or conducting of any Gaming activity or gaming 

promotion; 

(3) Make any unauthorized payments or disbursements; 

(4) Convert for one's personal use any funds, property, or other assets of the 

Gaming Operation; 

(5) Place unlicensed or unauthorized Gaming equipment on the Gaming floor 

or permit the play of unauthorized games; 

Title 15 - Page 63 
(6) Fail to report observed violalions of this Title to the SNGA; 

(7) Fail to comply with any order or directive of the SNGA; or 

(8) Fail or refuse to report any matter so required to be reported to the SNGA 

by this Title. 

(c) Duty to Report. It shall be a duty of the Gaming Operation to refer any suspected 

violations of this Title to SNGA. 

(d) Non-exclusive action. In addition to civil law sanctions under this Title, the 

Seminole Nation may exercise any of its police powers or pursue other available sanctions 

including criminal sanctions for civil violations under this Title. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, Oclober 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 302. Criminal Violations. 

(a) Criminal Violations. The Actions enumerated in Section 301 shall also constitute 

criminal offenses if committed knowingly or intentionally. 

(1) Any person subject to the criminal jurisdiction of the Nation who commits 

such offense may be criminally prosecuted by the Nation in Seminole 

Nation Court and upon conviction for such offense(s) may be sentenced to 

imprisonment for a period not to exceed 365 days or a fine not to exceed 

$5000.00 or both such fine and imprisonment for each offense committed, 

plus costs. 

(2) Any person not subject to the criminal jurisdiction of the nation who 

commits an act prohibited by this Section shall be subject to a criminal 

referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency for possible 

prosecution under applicable state or federal laws. 

(b) Duty to Report. It shall be the duty of the Gaming Operation and all licensees to 

report any suspected criminal activity to the appropriate law enforcement agency and SNGA, and 

for SNGA to report any suspected criminal activity to the appropriate law enforcement agency. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-1J,October29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 303. Civil Sanctions. 

(a) Any person, Gaming Vendor, Gaming Financer, or other entity that engages in 

activities on property subject to the provisions of this Title or operates under a License issued 

under this Title in violation of this Title, regulations promulgated under this Title, the terms of a 

Title 15 - Page 64 
License issued under this TitJe, lGRA, or the terms of the Compact shall be subject to the 

enforcement authority of the SNGA, which may assess civil sanctions pursuant to this Title 

(b) Any person who unlawfully trespasses upon any premises Hcensed under this 

Title may be permanently excluded from the premises and/or be subject to a civil suit by the 

Seminole Nation and/or the Gaming Operation 

(c) The SNGA, at its discretion, may institute an enforcement proceeding against any 

person or entity Licensed under this Title. In addition to any actions the SNGA may take 

pursuant to Chapter 2 of this Title related to the denial, revocalion, suspension or other action 

related to a License issued under this Title, the SNGA by order may: 

( 1) Impose a formal or informal reprimand, issue a conunand or order to cease 

and desist, or assess a monetary penalty not to exceed the following 

amounts; 

(A) $25,000 per violation per day if the violator holds a License issued 

under this Title and is a Gaming Vendor, Gaming Financer, or a 

Primary Management Official; 

(B) $25,000 per violation per day if the violator is engaged in or has 

taken actions requiring that it be licensed under this Title as a 

Gaming Vendor, Gaming Financer, or a Primary Management 

Official, and has not obtained such a License; 

(C) $5,000 per violation per day if the violator is a Key Employee; 

(D) $5,000 per violation per day if the violator is taking actions 

requiring that he, she, or it be licensed as a Key Employee under 

this Title, but the violator has not obtained such a license; or 

(E) $5,000 per violation per day if the violator is otherwise subject to 

the civil jurisdiction of the Seminole Nation. 

(2) Issue an order: 

(A) Compelling a person to act in a lawful manner or to cease and 

desist from acting in an unlawful or inappropriate manner. 

(B) Prohibiting a violator from conducting business with the Gaming 

Operation or entering onto the premises of a gaming facility 

operated by the Gaming Enterprise. 

(C) Prohibiting any officials and/or employees of the Gaming 

Operation from conducting business with a violator or allowing 

entrance by a violator to the facilities operated by the Gaming 

Operation. 

Title 15 - Page 65 
(D) Prohibiting any officials and/or employees of the Gaming 

Operation from paying any unlicensed or unregistered vendor for 

goods or services provided to the Gaming Operation. 

(E) Requiring the seizure of property from the violator used in a 

violation of this Title. Such seized property shall become the 

property of the Seminole Nation. 

(F) Prohibiting violators from trespassing on premises licensed under 

this Code. 

(G) To forcibly close a Gaming Facility found to be operating in 

substantial violation of the law. 

(H) Requiring winnings found to have been received in violation of 

this Code to be forfeited and order them to become properly of the 

Seminole Nation. 

(3) Enter into a consent decree with an alleged violator for purposes of 

resolving a violation and agreeing to a sanction. 

{HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-02; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.} 

Section 304. Investigations and Examinations of Violations. 

(a) Investigations Authorized. In the event that the SNGA obtains information or 

otherwise suspects that a person or entity, including a licensee, has violated any provision of this 

Title, IGRA, the terms of the Compact, regulations issued under this Title, or the terms, 

conditions, and limitations of a License issued pursuant to this Title, the SNGA may investigate 

the matter. 

(b) Scope of Authority. In conducting an investigation under this Section, the SNGA 

shall have broad authority and may make inquiries, review information, take depositions, 

conduct hearings, and issue subpoenas compelling attendance, testimony, or the production of 

documents as may be needed in the performance of the SNGA's investigative duties and 

functions. 

(c) Removal of Records and Equipment During Inspection. If the SNGA finds that 

there is a reasonable probability that the provisions of this Title, including any amendments 

thereto or any of the rules passed by the SNGA have been or are being violated by a licensee or 

its employees, it may move any and all potentially relevant records and equipment, parts thereof, 

devices, or other things(s) to another location or locations for further inspection or investigation. 

Each such record, piece of equipment, part thereof, or other thing(s) so removed shall be returned 

to the premises or to the address of the licensee within thirty (30) business days (not counting 

holidays when nation offices are legally closed) unless the SNGA determines that the records, 

equipment, devices, or other thing(s) so removed are necessary for an ongoing investigation 

Title 15 - Page 66 
and/or evidence of possible violations of this Title or regulations issued thereunder by the 

licensee, by employers of the licensee or by operators of the licensed facility or activity. The 

SNGA shall notify the licensee of the reasons said property or thing(s) are to be so held. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-02; amended hy TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 305. Civil Process. 

(a) Preliminary Notification of Violations. 

( l) Whenever the SNGA determines that a civil violation under this Chapter 

has occurred and a person or entity, including all licensees, subject to the 

civil jurisdiction of the Seminole Nation, has violated this Title, 

regulations promulgated under this Title, or any laws that this Title 

authorizes SNGA to monitor and enforce, the SNGA shall issue a 

preliminary notice of violation to that person or entity. Such notice shall: 

(A) Identify the alleged violator or violators; 

(B) Identify the alleged violation or violations; 

(C) Describe the steps necessary to effect a cure, if cure is available; 

(D) Propose a civil sanction for the alleged violation or describe the 

range of sanctions that may be imposed by the SNGA; and 

(E) Identify the due process steps available to alleged violator to 

accept or contest the allegation of violation, to present a proposed 

cure, where cure is possible, or to accept or contest the imposition 

of the proposed sanction. 

(2) The due process steps available under this Section shall include an offer to 

the alleged violator to request a hearing to show cause why the sanction 

should not be imposed. 

(3) The written petition requesting a hearing may request that the hearing be 

oral or conducted by the submission of evidence, affidavits, argument, 

and, if applicable, a description of any mitigating circumstances. 

(4) If the alleged violator does not submit a petition requesting a hearing 

within the time allowed, the Chief Gaming Regulator's preliminary 

determination and proposed sanction shall be deemed final and shall not 

be further appealable. 

(b) Hearings. If a hearing is granted pursuant to the terms of Section 203(e) or this 

Subsection: 

Title 15 - Page 67 
( 1) It shall be conducted pursuant to regulations promulgated hy the SNGA. 

(A) Such regulations procedures shall include -

(i) Provisions for service of process, motions, orders, decisions 

and other papers or the signing of same; the counting of 

days; and the rights of an applicant, licensee, or alleged 

violator under this Title; 

(ii) Provisions concerning discovery and the presentation of 

evidence; 

(iii) The handling of confidential materials; 

(iv) Procedure for the conduct of hearings; and 

(v) Such other matters as the Chief Gaming Regulator 

considers appropriate to the proper functioning of such 

hearings. 

(B) Such procedures may also include provisions for deciding whether 

a hearing is to be an oral hearing or one conducted based on the 

written record submitted by the respondent. 

(2) Ex parte communications with the SNGA by or on behalf of an applicant, 

licensee or alleged violator subject to a hearing under this Section shall be 

prohibited and no person or pa1ty shall act to unduly influence the 

outcome of any matter pending in such a hearing. 

(A) Any employee of SNGA who receives an ex parte communication 

shall immediately report such communication to the SNGA's legal 

counsel. 

(B) Violation of this bar on ex pa1te communications shall be a 

separate violation of this Title and a person subject to the civil 

authority of the Seminole Nation engaging in such ex parte 

communication shall be subject to civil sanctions under this 

Section. 

(C) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the applicant or licensee from 

communicating with the SNGA's legal counsel, its investigators, 

or other authorized personnel or agents. 

(D) Parties to all hearings governed by this Section may appear 

personally or through an attorney, except that a pa11y must 

personally attend any hearing on the merits unless his or her 

attendance has been waived, in writing, by the Chief Gaming 

Regulator. 

Title 15 - Page 68 
(3) All SNGA hearings on a matter subject to such hearings shall be on the 

record, which testimony shall be recorded by a duly certified court 

reporter or by means of audio recording and which may he used by Lhe 

SNGA as evidence in any proceeding or matter before the SNGA. 

(4) Failure of a respondent to appear and testify at the designated time and 

place shall constitute a waiver of the applicant's, licensee's, or other 

respondent's right to a hearing and the Chief Gaming Regulator shall enter 

a final, unappealable, order in the matter, provided that the Chief Gaming 

Regulator, within his or her sole discretion may excuse a respondent's 

failure to appear for good cause upon respondent's request if such request 

is made within 24 hours from the date and time set for hearing. 

( c) Final Determination. The Chief Gaming Regulator shall make a final 

determination on all matters appealed under this Section, which determination shall be in writing 

and mailed or delivered to the respondent. 

( d) Appeals. A final determination of the Chief Gaming Regulator under this Section 

shall be subject to appeal to the SNGA Gaming Commission if timely filed and in accordance 

with the provisions of Sections 109, 110, and 111 of this Title and the procedures authorized to 

be adopted thereunder. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-02; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991 ; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 306. Agent for Service of Process for Gaming Vendors and Financing Vendors. 

(a) Each Gaming Vendor and Financing Vendor who or which is not a Seminole 

Nation resident or resident corporation shall designate a natural person, who is a resident living 

in the Seminole Nation and who is 18 years of age or older, as a resident agent for the purpose of 

receipt and acceptance of service of process and other communications on behalf of the licensee. 

The name and business address where service of process and delivery of mail can be made and 

the home address of such designated resident agent shall be filed with the SNGA. 

(b) The Chief Gaming Regulator may issue subpoenas for persons, records and things 

as may be needed carry out the SNGA's duties and functions under this TitJe. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-02; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991 ; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 307. Production of Records; Hearings. 

(a) No applicant, licensee, or employee of a licensee shall neglect or refuse to 

produce records or evidence under his or her control, or to give information upon proper and 

lawful demand by the SNGA, or shall otherwise interfere with any proper and lawful efforts by 

the SNGA to produce such information. 

Title 15 - Page 69 
(b) The SNGA may sununon any licensee or a licensee's agents, employees, or 

suppliers to appear to testify with regard to the conduct of any licensee or the agents, employees, 

or suppliers of any licensee. 

(l) All such testimony shall be given under oath and may embrace any 

matters that the SNGA may deem relevant to the discharge of its official 

duties. 

(2) Any person so summoned to appear shall have the right to be represented 

by counsel. 

(3) Any testimony so taken may be used by the SNGA as evidence in any 

proceeding or matter before the SNGA. 

(4) Failure to appear and testify fully at the time and place designated, unless 

excused, shall constitute grounds for -

(A) Revocation or suspension of any License held by the person 

summoned and/or his or her employer, Principal or employee, 

and/or, 

(B) 1n the case of a Gaming Vendor, the loss of the privilege to provide 

goods and services to the Gaming Operation. 

(C) Violation of this Section shall be a separate offense and subject to 

civil sanctions under this Title. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 308. Price-Fixing and other Trade Restraints Prohibited. 

No Gaming Vendor shall make an agreement - either express or otherwise -- with any other 

Gaming Vendor to fix the price at which or limit the geographic area for which any device, 

paraphernalia, machine, equipment, prize or any other item used in connection with any of the 

activities authorized under this Code shall be sold or leased, or which services in connection 

therewith shall be rendered. The price of such items in a competitive market place shall be 

established by each Gaming Vendor for the products and services offered by each and shall not 

be established, directly or indirectly, in concert with another. Violations of this Section shall be a 

civil violation of this Title and shall be subject to civil sanctions under this Title. Nothing in this 

Section shall bar a Gaming Vendor from assigning sales territories among its bona fide 

representatives. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Title 15 - Page 70 
Section 309. Protection of Informant Identity. 

The SNGA shall refuse to reveal at any court proceeding, or otherwise, the identity of any 

informant if such revelation would subject the informant to bodily harm. A refusal by any 

official or employee of the SNGA to provide information related to informants shall not form the 

basis for any sanction, disciplinary action or reprisal. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Title 15 - Page 71 
CHAPTER FOUR 

Section 401. Responsibilities of SNGE. 

(a) In General. The requirements of this Section shall be in addition to those stated 

elsewhere in this Title including those stated in Section 203(b )(2). 

(b) SNGE shall oversee the management of the Gaming Enterprise in a manner that 

assures compliance with this Title, regulations and orders issued under this Title, and all 

applicable provisions of IGRA, NIGC regulation, and the Compact. 

(c) Gaming Enterprise Responsibility. The General Manager of the Gaming 

Enterprise shall supervise and be directly responsible for all activities in a facility licensed under 

this Title and for: 

( 1) The compliance of all such activities with the terms of the facility License 

and the applicable terms of this Title and regulations issued under this 

Title; 

(2) The compliance by all employees of the Gaming Operation licensed under 

this Title with the terms of their Licenses; 

(3) Assuring that the Gaming Enterprise works with Gaming Vendors and 

Gaming Financers in a manner that assures that they are not engaged in 

any activities exceeding the scope of their Licenses under this Title as they 

relate to functions of the Gaming Operation or in contravention of any 

applicable laws; 

(4) Preparing, securing SNGA approval for, and implementing a security plan 

for operation of each Gaming facility. Amendments shall be approved by 

the SNGA prior to implementation; and 

(5) Securing a license from SNGA for each electronic or other game to be 

placed into operation at a Gaming facility, including providing such 

Gaming Vendor information to the SNGA as it may require related to the 

procedures and policies for payout, accumulation, and account restrictions 

for funds, including for progressive payout games, and the safeguards built 

into the hardware and software associated with the electronic game. 

( d) Minimum Internal Control and Technical Standards. The Gaming Operation shall 

be responsible for establishing internal control policies and procedures and ensuring that all 

gaming systems are compliant with all applicable technical standards no less stringent than those 

established by SNGA by regulation, all applicable regulations of the NIGC, and all appJicable 

provisions of the Compact. 

(e) Safety and Welfare. The construction, maintenance, and operation of a Gaming 

Facility licensed under this Title shall be conducted in a manner that adequately protects the 

environment, public health, safety, morals, good order, and general welfare of the public and 

Title 15 - Page 72 
citizens of the Seminole Nation. All alterations or modifications of a Gaming facility must be 

approved by the SNGA. Responsibility for the employment and maintenance of suitable methods 

of operalion rests with the licensee and willful and persistent use or toleration of unsuitable 

methods of operation shall constitute grounds for License revocation and/or other sanctions. 

(f) Extension of Credit Not Allowed. The extension of credit by the Gaming 

Operation shall be prohibited and no person shall be permitted to play games authorized under 

this Title on credit nor shall they be provided a loan of any kind, except that such credit 

prohibition shall not prohibit the charging of gaming costs on credit cards nationally known and 

approved by the SNGA. 

(g) Firearms. No firearms, air guns which are capable of discharging dangerous 

projectiles or gases, such as "BB" or C02 guns, rifles, shotguns, pistols, or revolvers, shall be 

allowed on the premises, except as permitted by regulation of the SNGA. 

(h) Gaming Laws and Regulations on Premises. All components of the Gaming 

Operation shall obtain, maintain, and keep current a copy of this Title and all regulations of 

SNGA and any amendments to either. The Gaming Enterprise shall maintain at least one copy on 

the premises used for the conduct of Gaming under this Title. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Section 402. Gaming Requirements. 

(a) Restriction on Games Allowed. The Gaming Operation may only use or employ 

games authorized by IGRA and/or the Compact and approved by the SNGA. Electronic games 

may only be used when supplied by Gaming Vendors licensed by SNGA meeting the applicable 

technical standards. The SNGA may assess a fee for such approval and for re-approval when 

required by a modification to the hardware or software of the game. 

(b) Restriction on Location of Games. Games shall be operated only on the 

appropriate licensed premises in facilities licensed under this Title. 

(c) Player Rates. The Gaming Operation may charge players for games at rates 

approved by the SNGA. The rate shall be fixed for each type and/or group of games and posted 

conspicuously on the premises. 

(d) Prize Awards. Every prize awarded by the Gaming Enterprise may be awarded 

only to the person(s) actually winning the prize, provided that prizes shall not be awarded to 

minors or any person subject to an order of exclusion from the gaming premises. 

(e) Exclusion of Licensees from Participation in Promotions. No licensee employed 

by the Gaming Operation or providing Gaming Goods shall be eligible to pa1ticipate in any 

promotion of the Gaming Operation or to receive any promotional prize. 

Title 15 - Page 73 
(f) Age Limits for Gaming. No person, who is under the age of 18, shall be allowed 

to participate in any manner in the operation of any game or promotion in which prizes arc 

awarded. No person(s) under the age of eighteen (18) shall be allowed on the gaming floor while 

games are being played. No person(s) under the age of twelve (12) shall be allowed in any area 

of the premises unsupervised, including vehicles located in parking lots. It shall be (he 

responsibility of the Gaming Enterprise to enforce the provisions of this section and Security 

shall notify the appropriate social services agency if unsupervised minors are found in any area 

of the premises. 

(g) Limitations of Play by Licensees. No employee of the Gaming Operation may 

play any Games while on duty, except in the case of the use of shills to encourage Gaming. Shills 

may be used only when operating consistent with regulations adopted by SNGA. Licensees may 

not participate in gaming activities conducted by the Gaming Facility in which they are 

employed. 

(h) Alcoholic Beverages. No beverage containing alcohol, including but not limited 

to beer, wine, or liquor, shall be offered or awarded as a prize or in lieu of a prize for winning at 

any time. Licenses shall be required in accordance with applicable laws for the sale of Liquor on 

premises where gaming is played and the Gaming Operation shall be responsible for ensuring 

compliance. 

(i) Ball Requirements. In the event that the Gaming Operation offers live-draw 

bingo games, lotto, or other games similar to bingo: 

( 1) Each numbered ball or other device used in a game for the selection of 

numbers to be called in play shall be the same weight and size as each of 

the other balls or devices used for that purpose of that game and in 

accordance with such other regulations as may be adopted by the SNGA; 

and 

(2) Immediately before the calling of each number in a game, the caller shall 

turn the portion of the ball or other device used to determine which 

number is called, which shows the number and letter to the participants in 

the game, so that participants may know that the proper number is being 

called out. 

(j) Pay Tables and Retention Ratios. The SNGA shall approve pay tables and the 

retention ratio for all gaming systems employed by the Gaming Operation; 

(k) Malfunctions. A malfunction of a gaming system and/or gaming hardware shall 

void all pays and plays. 

(1) House Rules. The Gaming Operation may establish house rules subject to the 

approval of the SNGA. 

(m) Availability of Game Rules. A copy of the rules for each game conducted shall be 

filed with and approved by the SNGA. The rules shall be posted and/ otherwise be made 

available to all Gaming Facility patrons upon request. 

Title 15 - Page 74 
[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Title 15 - Page 75 
CHAPTER FIVE 

REVENUES AND AUDITS 

Section 501. Audits and Accounts - Responsibility. 

(a) The Gaming Operation shall maintain an approved accounting system and 

properly account for all revenues, expenditures, and financially related business transactions in 

accordance with SNGA-approved accounting procedures and generally accepted accounting 

principles. 

( 1) The Gaming Operation shall establish, maintain, and employ procedures 

that safeguard the Gaming Enterprise's assets and revenues, including 

recording of cash and evidence of debt and mandatory count procedures. 

Such procedures shall establish a controlled fiscal environment, 

accounting system, and control procedures that safeguard the assets of the 

Gaming Enterprise; ensure that operating transactions are properly 

recorded; promote operational efficiency; and encourage adherence to 

prescribed policies. 

(2) The Gaming Operation shall employ a uniform code of accounts and 

accounting classifications to ensure the consistency, comparability, and 

effective disclosure of financial information to the Nation and to SNGA. 

Such code shall require that records be retained that reflect statistical drop 

(amount wagered by Patrons), statistical win to statistical drop, and the 

percentage of statistical win to statistical drop, and provide similar 

information for each type of game in each Gaming facility. 

(3) SNGE shall maintain its cash handling procedures and accounts always 

consistent with the requirements of the regulations of the NIGC and 

pursuant to the Compact. 

(b) SNGA shall review and approve the accounting and cash handling procedures of 

the Gaming Operation and shall establish by regulation minimum reporting and financial 

recordkeeping requirements to ensure that all monies or things of value received and/or paid out 

may be properly monitored and accounted for. 

(c) SNGA shall continuously monitor and enforce compliance with cash handling, 

accounting, and internal control policies and procedures, which shall be consistent with SNGA 

internal control standards and NIGC's regulations establishing minimum internal control 

standards. SNGA shall establish internal audit standards in accordance with generally accepted 

accounting principles and review internal controls of SNGE for their integrity in implementation. 

(d) The Gaming Operation shall contract for an annual independent audit of the 

financial statements of all Gaming activities by an external auditing firm and shall submit the 

resulting audit reports to the General Council, SNGA, and the NIGC, provided that the cost for 

such mandatory reviews and audits shall be assessed against the Gaming Operation as a 

regulatory expense. The independent accounting firms employed to conduct such financial audits 

Title 15 - Page 76 
shall be knowledgeable in casino audits and operations and shall be subject to approval by the 

SNGA. The independent audit report shall meet all requirements for external audits established 

by NIGC regulations. All contracts for suppliers, services, or concessions for a contract amount 

in excess of $25,000 annually and all gaming and gaming-related construction contracts shall be 

subject to audit by SNGA and/or the person or firm conducting independent audits. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded by TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved Febrnary 9, 2012.] 

Section 502. Gaming Revenue. 

(a) The entity or entities responsible for gaming revenue accounting shall on a daily 

basis track all gaming revenue data and shall record such data immediately upon its receipt of the 

daily deposit documentation from each gaming facility. The accounting entity(ies) shall also 

perform the following calculations each month: 

(1) "Compact Fees" shall be calculated and paid to the State of Oklahoma 

based on "adjusted gross covered games revenue" as that term is defined 

in the Compact in effect between the State of Oklahoma and the Seminole 

Nation of Oklahoma by subtracting from the total amount of all receipts 

(total amounts wagered) in covered games, all amounts paid out (for 

prizes). (Total receipts - Total Payments = Adjusted Gross Covered 

Games Revenue.) The amount to be paid lo the State shall be the 

appropriate percentage of "adjusted gross covered games revenue" as 

specified in the Compact. 

(2) Until satisfied, the "NIGC Fine Payment" shall be calculated and paid to 

the NIGC based on "Net Gaming Revenue" which shall be defined as 

gross gaming revenue (Class II and Class III) Jess amounts paid out as, or 

paid for prizes and total operating expenses (excluding management fees, 

if any). (Gross Revenue - Prizes Paid Out - Total Operating Expense= Net 

Gaming Revenue.) For purposes of this calculation, the term "Operating 

Expenses" shall include the following: all gaming employee salaries, 

wages and benefits; advertising; utilities; supplies; gaming commissions; 

regulatory fees; and other operating costs plus the costs of SNGA 

(including costs of operating the surveillance and compliance programs), 

and that portion of SNGE's operating costs attributable to its 

administration and support of the Gaming Enterprise. Depreciation and 

fees assessed by the Seminole Nation Business and Corporate Regulatory 

Commission (BCR) shall be excluded from the definition of "Operating 

Expenses." The fine payment to NIGC shall be the appropriate percentage 

of "Net Gaming Revenue" as specified by the NIGC in its agreement(s) 

with the Nation and in accordance with the terms of this Section. Pursuant 

to the NIGC Fine Agreement approved by the General Council, the fine 

payments to N IGC shall be reviewed further for reduction or abatement at 

Title 15 - Page 77 
the end of the eighteen (18) months from the signing of the agreement by 

both parties. 

(3) "Adjusted Net Profit" shall mean "Net Gaming Revenue" as that term is 

defined in Section 502(a)(2) minus Compact Fees, the NIGC Fine 

Payment, until it is satisfied (whether paid to NIGC or to the Nation), 

depreciation, and fees assessed by BCR. (Net Gaming Revenue -

(Compact Fee + NIGC Fine + depreciation +Tees assessed by BCR) = 

Adjusted Net Profit.) Once the NIGC Fine is satisfied, the definition of 

operating costs as defined in Section 501 (a)(2) shall continue to apply for 

purposes of the monthly calculations of Adjusted Net Profit, and for 

purposes of calculating the amount of the regulatory fee payable to NIGC 

on a quarterly basis or on such schedule as the NIGC may specify by rule. 

(b) Prior to the monthly distribution of Adjusted Net Profit, the accounting entity(ies) 

shall transfer the amount calculated for the Compact Fee, the NIGC Fine (until satisfied), and the 

regulatory fees payable to the SNGA, and the State from the gaming depository account into 

segregated account(s) and from such account(s), the accounting entity(ies) shall remit such 

amounts payable to the SNGA, State of Oklahoma, and the NJGC in accordance with the 

schedules specified in the Compact and by the Agreement with the NIGC, respectively, and, in 

accordance with subsection (c) of this Section in relation to the SNGA. 

( c) The budget for SNGA shall be subject to General Council approval in the budget 

process and shall be paid from the Seminole Nation Gaming Vendor/Gaming Operator Tribal 

Fee Code pursuant to Section 5.05 of Title 30 of the Seminole Nation Code of Laws, but which 

fee shall not be intended to cover SNGA's costs of surveillance, which shall be paid by the 

Gaming Operation pursuant to Section 106(d) of this Title. The SNGA shall be responsible for 

administering its budget, provided that it shall provide the Chief and the General Council an 

annual accounting of expenditures. 

(d) On the 15th of each month, the accounting entity(ies) shall remit to the Treasurer 

of the Seminole Nation seventy percent (70%) of the Adjusted Net Profit from gaming, which 

shall constitute the Nation's share. The Nation's share shall be applied in accordance with an 

approved General Council resolution to fund tribal government or programs; to provide for the 

general welfare of the Nation and its members; to promote tribal economic development; to 

donate to charitable organizations; and to fund operations of government agencies of the 

Seminole Nation. 

(e) The remaining thirty percent (30%) of the Adjusted Net Revenue shall be retained 

and used by the Seminole Nation Gaming Enterprise for any purpose authorized by Title 8 of the 

Seminole Nation Code of Laws. 

[HISTORY: Enacted by TO 86-2; amended by TO 91-08, August 29, 1991; 

codified by TO 91-12, November 16, 1991 ; amended by TO 2001-09, September 

29, 2001; amended by TO 2003-20, November 8, 2003; stricken and amended by 

TO 2004-30, December 4, 2004; amended by TO 2008-03, March 1, 2008; 

Title 15 - Page 78 
amended by TO 2008-06, April 8, 2008; amended by TO 09-08, June 6, 2009; 

superseded hy TO 2011-11, October 29, 2011; NIGC approved February 9, 2012.] 

Title 15 - Page 79 
SEMINOLE NATION OF OKLAHOMA 

TR 2016-102 

A TRIBAL RESOLUTION OF THE SEMINOLE NATION OF OKLAHOMA DIRECTING 

THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT TO SUBMIT TO THE NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING 

COMMISSION AMENDMENTS MADE TO THE SEMINOLE NATION GAMING 

ORDINANCE AS PART OF THE SEMINOLE NATION CODE UPDATE PROJECT 

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SEMINOLE NATION COUNCIL ASSEMBLED: 

WHEREAS, the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma is federally recognized by the Secretary of 

the Interior as a Native American Tribe for the purpose of government to 

government relations, as evidenced by publication: Indian Entities 

Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services from the U.S. Bureau of Indian 

Affairs, 79 Fed. Reg. 4,748 (Jan. 29, 2014); 

WHEREAS, Article Vof the Seminole Nation Constitution empowers the General Council 

to negotiate with federal, state, and local governments and others on behalf 

of the Nation, and to enter into any contract on behalf of the Nation in 

conjunction with any activity that will further the well-being of the members 

of the Nation; 

WHEREAS, the Nation conducts Indian gaming pursuant to the Indian Gaming 

Regulatory Act (IGRA), 25 U.S.C. §§ 2701, et seq. and subject to regulation 

by the NIGC; 

WHEREAS, the IGRA and the federal regulations implementing IGRA require that 

amendments to tribal gaming ordinances be submitted to the National Indian 

Gaming Commission (NIGC) Chairman for approval within 15 days of 

adoption of such amendments by the tribe; 

WHEREAS, the Nation's Office of Attorney Gener~I has undertaken to make a complete 

update to the Nation's Code of Laws to incorporate the revisions to same 

that were enacted from 2004 through the present, to correct grammatical and 

other non-substantive errors, and to bring the formatting of the Code into 

uniformity; 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Seminole Nation Code of Laws, Title 21, § 203, non-substantive 

amendments to the Nation's Code, such as grammatical corrections, 

changes in section numbers, addition of headings in sections, title numbers, 

and chapter numbers, are expressly permitted without separate resolution by 

the General Council; 

WHEREAS, as part of the Code update project, non-substantive amendments to section 

and subsection numbers have been made to the Nation's Gaming Ordinance 

in Title 15 of the Nation's Code of Laws; and 

Pagel of2 

TR 2016-102 
WHEREAS, the Nation desires that the amended Gaming Ordinance be submitted to the 

NIGC for approval as required by 25 C.F.R. § 522.3(a). 

NOW THEREFORE BE fT RESOLVED, that the General Council of the Seminole Nation 

of Oklahoma hereby directs the Principal Chief to submit amendments made to the 

Seminole Nation Gaming Ordinance as part of the Seminole Nation code update project 

to the National Indian Gaming Commission within fifteen days of enactment of this 

Resolution. 

CERTIFICATION 

PASSED ANO APPROVED by the General Council of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma 

this 3th day of December 2016, at Mekusukey Mission, South of Seminole, Oklahoma, by 

a vote of 26 Yes. 0 No, and 0 Abstaining, a quorum of Fifteen (15) Council members being 

present. 

ATTEST: 

Alvina Coker, General Council Secretary 

General Council, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma 

Page 2 of2 

TR 2016-102 
._,. _________ _ 

SEMINOLE NATION OF OKLAHOMA 

TR 2017-24 

A VERBAL RESOLUTION OF THE SEMINOLE NATION OF OKLAHOMA 

AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT TO SUBMIT TO THE NATIONAL 

INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION FORMATTING AND TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS 

MADE TO THE SEMINOLE NATION GAMING ORDINANCE AS PART OF THE 

SEMINOLE NATION CODE UPDATE PROJECT AND AS PART OF THE NIGC REVIEW 

OF THE UPDATED CODE 

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SEMINOLE NATION COUNCIL ASSEMBLED: 

WHEREAS, the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma is federally recognized by the Secretary of 

the Interior as a Native American Tribe for the purpose of government to 

government relations, as evidenced by publication: Indian Entities 

Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services from the U.S. Bureau of Indian 

Affairs, 79 Fed. Reg. 4,748 (Jan. 29, 2014); 

WHEREAS, Article V of the Seminole Nation Constitution empowers the General Council 

to negotiate with federal, state. and local governments and others on behalf 

of the Nation, and to enter into any contract on behalf of the Nation in 

conjunction with any activity that will further the well-being of the members of 

the Nation; 

WHEREAS, the Nation conducts Indian gaming pursuant to the Indian Gaming 

Regulatory Act (IGRA), 25 U.S.C. §§ 2701, et seq. and subject to regulation 

by the NIGC; 

WHEREAS, the IGRA and the federal regulations implementing IGRA require that 

amendments to tribal gaming ordinances be submitted to the National Indian 

Gaming Commission (NfGC) Chairman for approval within 15 days of 

adoption of such amendments by the tribe; 

WHEREAS. the Nation's Office of Attorney General undertook to make a complete update 

to the Nation's Code of Laws to incorporate the revisions to same that were 

enacted from 2004 through the present, to correct grammatical and other 

non-substantive errors, and to bring the formatting of the Code into 

uniformity; 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Seminole Nation Code of Laws, Title 21, § 203, non-substantive 

amendments to the Nation's Code, such as grammatical corrections. 

changes in section numbers, addition of headings in sections, title numbers, 

and chapter numbers, are expressly permitted without separate resolution by 

the General Council; 

Page 1of3 

TR 2017-24 
WHEREAS, as part of the Code update project, non-substantive amendments to section 

and subsection numbers were made to the Nation's Gaming Ordinance in 

Title 15 of the Nation's Code of Laws; 

WHEREAS, in November, 2016, the Council authorized the submission of the updated 

Code to NIGC for approval and the Code was so submitted for NIGC review; 

WHEREAS, as a result of its review of the submitted revised Code, NIGC is requiring 

certain additional technical revisions to the Code in order to approve the 

Code; 

WHEREAS, the Attorney General has made the additional changes required by NIGC and 

has submitted the revised Code to NIGC for informal review but advises that 

the informal review process with NIGC may result in additional technical 

amendments in order to gain NIGC approval; 

WHEREAS, once the Code has gained approval through the informal review process it 

will need to be submitted to NIGC for formal review and approval; 

WHEREAS, the Nation desires that the Attorney General work with NIGC in an informal 

review process and to make any technical revisions to the Code as are 

necessary in order to obtain NIGG approval of the Code, and that once 

informally approved, the amended Gaming Ordinance be submitted to the 

NIGC for approval as required by 25 C.F.R. § 522.3(a). 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the General Council of the Seminole Nation 

of Oklahoma hereby directs the Attorney General to engage with the NIGG in an informal 

review process and to make any technical revisions to the Code as are identified during 

the informal review as necessary to obtain NIGC approval of the Code, and that once 

informally approved, to submit the amended Gaming Ordinance to the NIGC for approval 

as required by 25 C.F.R. § 522.J(a). 

CERTIFICATION 

PASSED AND APPROVED by the General Council of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma 

this 4th day of March 2017, at Mekusukey Mission, South of Seminole, Oklahoma, by a 

vote of 18 Yes, 4 No, and 4 Abstaining, a quorum of Fifteen (15) Council members being 

present. 

ATTEST: 

Alvina Coker, General Council Secretary 

General Council, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma 

Page2 of3 

TR 2017-24