May 13, 2016 

Via First Class Mail 

Richard J. Peterson, President 

Central Council of Tlingit and Haida 

Indian Tribes of Alaska 

320 W Willoughby Avenue, Suite 300 

Juneau, AK 99801 

Re: Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska 

Gaming Ordinance 

Dear President Peterson: 

This letter responds to your request for the National Indian Gaming Commission 

to review and approve the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska's 

Gaming Ordinance. On April 23, 2016, the Central Council approved Resolution EC/16-

16, which enacts the Gaming Ordinance. 

Thank you for bringing the resolution to my attention. The ordinance is approved 

as it is consistent with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and NIGC regulations. If you 

have any questions, please feel free to contact Staff Attorney Esther Dittler at 202-420-

9229. 

Sincerely, 

NEW MAlllNG ADDRESS: NIGC/DEPARTMENT OF lHE INTERIOR 1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop # 1621 Wmhington, DC 20240 Tel: 202.632.7003 Fox: 202.632.7066 

REGIONALOl~tCES Portland, OR; Sacramento, CA; Phoenix, AZ; St. Poul, MN; Tulsa OK; O klahoma City, OK 

WWW.NIOC.OOV 
CENTRAL COUNCIL 

7firJJit and 7-faida ?ndian 7rihes of ;;ztfask..a 

Edward K. ·rhornas Building 

9097 Glacier Highway • luncau. Al<1ska Y980 I 6922 

Executive Council of the Central Council 

TLINGIT AND HArDA lNDfAN TRIBES OF ALASKA 

Resolution EC/ 16-16 

Title: ADOPTlON OF TRIBAL U/\MING OROINANC~ 

WHEREAS, Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Trihes of Alaska (Central 

Council) is a foderally recognized tribe of more than 30,000 tribal citizens worldwide; and 

WHEREAS, Central Council has inherent sovereign governmental powers as recognized 

in the Act of June 19, 1935 (49 StaL J88). as amended by the Act of August 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 

543), as amended by the Act of November 2, 1994 ( l 08 Stat. 4 791 ), and the Constitution of the 

Central Council of Tlingit and Haida lndian Tribes of Alaska. as amended; and 

WHEREAS, the Central Council desires to avail itself of lawful economic development 

opportunities accorded to it by federal law; and 

WHEREAS, the fcdcrnl Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 recognizes the authority 

of the Central Council, as a federally recognized Indian tribal government, to engage in the 

conduct or governmental gaming under certain conditions; and 

WHEREAS. the governing body of the Central Council is its Trihal Assembly when in 

session and its Executive Council at all other times; and 

WHEREAS, the Executive Council adopted a Gaming Ordinance on January 29, 2016 

and submitted it to the National [ndian Gaming Commission for review and approval by letter 

dated February 11, 2016; and 

WHEREAS, the National Indian Gaming Commission has identified some technical 

changes lo Lhe Gaming Ordinance which the Executive Council (the Tribal Assembly not heing 

in session) has considered. agreed to, and incorporated into the attached revised Gaming 

Ordinance dated April 23, 2016; 

NOW, THEREFORE BE lT RESOLVED, that the Executive Council hereby revokes 

and authorizes the Presjdent to withdraw from the National Indian Gaming Commission the 

Gaming Ordinance suhmitted February 1L2016; and 

BE lT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive Council hereby adopts and enacts the 

attached revised Gaming Ordinance dated April 23, 2016 as the tribal law of Central Council and 

authorizes the President to submit on an expedited basis the attached revised Gaming Ordinance 

dated April 23, 2016 to the >Jational Indian Gaming Commission for its review and approval and 

to then include it in the codified ordinances of Central Council. 

TEI.. 907.586.1412 www.ttlhila.org TOLL FRF.F. 800.14·\.!132 
EC Resolution 16-16 Page2 

ADOPTED this 23rd day of April, 2016, by the Executive Council of the Central Council 

of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, by a vote of 6 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions and 0 

absence(s). 

CERTIFY 

ATTEST 

~~ ,t/L 

T"tribal Secr~tary Ralph Wolfe 
TITLE 24 - CENTRAL COUNCIL OF TLINGIT AND HAIDA 

INDIAN TRIBES OF ALASKA 

GAMING ORDINANCE 

Sec.24.01.001 Title 

This Ordinance shall be known as the Gaming Ordinance (hereinafter the "Ordinance") of the 

Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (hereinafter the "Tribe"). 

Sec.24.0 l.002 Authority 

This Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the inherent sovereign powers of the Tribe, which are 

recognized in the Act of June 19, 1935 ( 49 Stat. 388), as amended by the Act of August 19, 1965 

(79 Stat. 543), as amended by the Act of November 2, 1994 (I 08 Stat. 4791 ), and the 

Constitution of the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, as amended. 

Sec.24.01.003 Purposes 

The purposes of this Ordinance are to: 

A. Establish the legal and regulatory framework for the regulation, control, and licensing for 

the operation of all gaming activities within the jurisdiction of the Tribe. 

B. Establish the Tlingit and Haida Tribal Gaming Commission, a quasi-judicial body which 

shall have the power and authority to adjudicate all appeals from the actions and 

decisions of the Tlingit and Haida Tribal Gaming Agency, which Tribal Gaming 

Commission is comprised of one Commissioner and such other staff as may be necessary. 

C. Establish the Tlingit and Haida Tribal Gaming Agency (hereinafter the "Tribal Gaming 

Agency") and to create the position of Tribal Gaming Agency Director (hereinafter 

"TOA Director") to supervise, direct, and lead the Tribal Gaming Agency, which shall 

serve as the primary regulator of the Tribe's gaming activities, and which shall have the 

power and authority to; 

1. License the Tribe's gaming facilities, employees., vendors, and financiers; 

2. Monitor and regulate all gaming activities conducted within the jurisdiction and 

authority of the Tribe; 

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 Tribe; 

5. Conduct hearings; and 

PAGE 1 - CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
6. Establish a schedule of fees and monetary penalties. 

D. Ensure that the Tribe's gaming activities are conducted fairly and honestly and in a 

manner that remains free from corrupt, incompetent, unconscionable, and dishonest 

persons and practices. 

E. Ensure that the Tribe's gaming laws are fairly enforced against all persons involved in 

gaming activities within the jurisdiction of the Tribe. 

F. Authorize the conduct of Class I, II, and Ill gaming activities, provided that no Class Jll 

gaming activities shall be conducted by the Tribe or any of its entities, agencies, or 

instrumentalities except pursuant to a tribal-state gaming compact duly approved by the 

Secretary of the Interior or gaming procedures issued by the Secretary of the interior. 

Sec.24.01.004 Definitions 

For purposes of this Ordinance, certain words shall have the meanings specified in this Section. 

Words used in the singular include the plural, and words used in the plural include the singular. 

Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and words used in the feminine gender 

include the masculine. The following definitions shall apply to gaming and other activities 

conducted under this Ordinance: 

A. "Tribal Gaming Agency" means the Tlingit and Haida Tribal Gaming Agency. 

B. "Class I Gaming" means all forms of gaming defined as Class l in 25 U.S.C. § 2703(6). 

C. "Class 11 Gaming" means all forms of gaming defined as Class II in 25 U.S.C. 

§2703(7)(A). 

D. "Class Ill Gaming" means all fonns of gaming defined as Class III m 25 U.S.C. 

§2703(8). 

E. "Commissioner" means the head of the Tlingit and Haida Tribal Gaming Commission. 

F. "Executive Council" means the Executive Council of the Central Council of the Tlingit 

and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. 

G. "Gaming Vendor" means any person or entity that: 

1. Manufactures, sells, or supplies gaming-related goods, including gaming 

equipment, or services for gaming activities and operations at the Tribe's gaming 

facilities, including accounting services, but excluding certified public 

accountants or attorneys and their firms to the extent that they are providing 

services covered by their professional licenses; 

PAGE 2- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
I. 2. Provides any other goods and services related to the Tribe's gaming operation(s); 

3. Provides development and/or construction services in relation to a gaming facility 

of the Tribe licensed or required to be licensed pursuant to this Code; or 

4. Is engaged by the Tribe under a Management Contract. 

H. "IGRA" means the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, 25 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq. 

I. ..Indian Lands" shall have the same meaning as is set forth under 25 U .S.C. § 2703( 4). 

J. "Key Employee)' means a person who perfo1ms one or more of the following functions: 

1. Bingo caller; 

2. Counting room supervisor; 

3. Chief of security; 

4. Custodian of gaming supplies or cash; 

5. Floor manager; 

6. Pit boss; 

7. Dealer; 

8. Croupier; 

9. Approver of credit; or 

10. Custodian of gambling devices including persons with access to cash and 

accounting records within such devices; and 

11. If not otherwise included, any other person whose total cash compensation is in 

excess of $50,000.00 per year; and 

12. If not otherwise included, the four most highly compensated persons in the 

gaming operation; and 

13. Any other person designated by the Tribe as a key employee. 

K. "Management Contract" means any contract, subcontract, or collateral agreement 

between the Tribe and a contractor or between a contractor and a subcontractor, which 

has been approved pursuant to 25 U.S.C. § 271 O(d)(9) and 2711, if such contract or 

agreement provides for the management of all or part of the Tribe)s gaming operation(s). 

PAGE 3 - CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
L. "Management Contractor" means a natural person or entity that has entered into a 

Management Contract with the Tribe, which has been approved pursuant to 25 U.S.C. §§ 

2710(d)(9) and 2711. 

M ... Net Revenue" means the gross gaming revenue of a gaming operation of the Tribe less 

amounts paid out as, or paid for, prizes and total gaming-related operating expenses, 

excluding management fees. 

N. "NIGC" means the National Indian Gaming Commission. 

O. "Non-Gaming Vendor" means any person or entity who provides services or goods to a 

gaming facility of the Tribe that are not directly related to or used in connection with 

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

cash equivalents from gaming activities of the Tribe. Non-Gaming Vendors are vendors 

who provide goods or services that are not directly associated with the conduct of gaming 

activities of the Tribe or who do not interact with gaming systems of the Tribe, such as 

gaming accounting systems, back of house systems, or ticket redemption systems, among 

others. Examples of non·gaming 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. · 

P. "Ordinance" or "Gaming Ordinance" means Title 24 of the Central Council of Tlingit 

and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Code, as it may, from time to time, be amended or the 

Title renumbered. 

Q. "Primary Management Official" means 

1. The person(s) having management responsibility for a Management Contract; 

2. Any person who has authority to hire and fire employees or set up working policy 

for the gaming operation(s); 

3. The chief financial officer or other person who has financial management 

responsibility for the gaming operation(s); or 

4. Any other person designated by the Tribe as a Primary Management Official. 

R. "Principal" means with respect to any Gaming Vendor, its sole proprietor or any partner, 

trustee, beneficiary, or shareholder holding fifteen percent ( 15%) or more of its beneficial 

or controlling ownership, or any officer, director, Primary Management Official 

including its chief financial officer or other person who has financial management 

responsibility as an employee or under contract or Key Employee thereof; and with 

respect to any Management Contractor, any person or entity having a direct financial 

interest in, or management responsibility for the Management Contract, including any 

PAGE 4 - CCTHCT A Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
officer of a corporation, any individual who serves on the board of directors of a 

corporation, any shareholder who directly or indirectly owns five (5%) percent or more of 

the issued and outstanding stock of the corporation, all general partners in a partnership, 

and all managers of a limited liability company. 

S. "Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Department of the Interior. 

T. "Tlingit and Haida Tribal Gaming Commission" or "Tribal Gaming Commission" means 

the quasi-judicial body established to adjudicate all appeals arising from actions or 

decisions of the Tribal Gaming Agency. 

U. "Tlingit and Haida Tribal Gaming Agency" or "Tribal Gaming Agency" means the 

administrative department of the Tribe responsible for the day-to-day regulation of the 

Tribe's gaming operation(s), including the issuance of all gaming licenses and the 

authority to enforce compliance with this Ordinance and all applicable federal laws 

relating to gaming. 

V. "Tribal Gaming Agency Director" or "TGA Director" means the head of the Tribal 

Gaming Agency charged with overall supervisory and administrative responsibility for 

directing the Tribe's gaming licensing program; for monitoring compliance with the 

IGRA; and for general enforcement of this Ordinance and all regulations issued in 

relation hereto. 

W. "Tribe" means the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. 

Sec. 24.01.005 Ownership of Gaming 

The Tribe shall have sole proprietary interest and responsibility for the conduct of any gaming 

activities authorized by this Ordinance, provided that the Tribe may enter into a Management 

Contract for the operation of all or part of its gaming activities in compliance with all 

requirements of the IGRA and implementing regulations pertaining to Management Contracts. 

Sec. 24.01.006 Use of Gamin!! Revenues 

Net Revenue shall be used only for the following purposes: 

A. To fund tribal government operations and programs; 

B. To provide for the general welfare of the Tribe and its members; 

C. To promote tribal economic development; 

D. To donate to charitable organizations; or 

E. To help fund operations of local government agencies. 

PAGE 5- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
Sec.24.01.007 Audits 

A. The Tribal Gaming Agency shall cause to be conducted annually an independent 

financial audit of gaming operations and shall submit the resulting audit report(s) to the 

National Indian Gaming Commission. 

B. The Tribal Gaming Agency shall cause to be · performed annually Agreed-Upon 

Procedures and shall submit the resulting reports to the National Indian Gaming 

Commission. 

C. All gaming related contracts that result in the purchase of supplies, services, or 

concessions in excess of $25,000.00 annually, except contracts for professional legal and 

accounting services, shall be specifically included within the scope of the annual 

independent audit. 

Sec.24.01.008 Protection of the Environment and Public Health and Safety 

The gaming facilities of the Tribe shall be constructed, maintained, and operated in a manner that 

adequately protects the environment and the public health and safety. The Tribal Gaming 

Agency shall be responsible for verifying that the gaming facilities of the Tribe are subject to all 

applicable health and safety inspections and operate in accordance with policies and procedures 

designed to safeguard the health, well-being, and safety of guests and employees of the gaming 

facility of the Tribe. 

Sec.24.01.009 Gaming Facility License Required 

The Tribe shall issue a separate license to each place, facility, or location on Indian Lands where 

gaming is conducted under this Ordinance. Every gaming facility shall display in a prominent 

place a current and valid license for that location. 

Sec.24.01.010 Designation of Agent for Service of Process 

The Director of the Tribal Gaming Agency is hereby designated as agent for service of any 

official federal government determination, order, or notice of violation of this Ordinance or of 

IGRA. 

Sec.24.01.0ll Jurisdiction of the Tribe Over Gaming Activities 

As a sovereign entity, the Tribe possesses and exercises its governmental authority, powers, and 

jurisdiction and to the fullest extent permitted under law over all of its Indian Lands, including 

over all gaming activities and gaming operations and other activities conducted within its Indian 

Lands, subject to the authority of the United States where and as specified under pertinent federal 

law. 

Sec.24.01.012 Management Contracts 

PAGE 6- CCTHlTA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
A. No Management Contract may be executed by or on behalf of the Tribe with any third 

party unless authorized by a duly adopted resolution of the Executive Council and in full 

compliance with all applicable provisions of the IGRA, particularly, 25 U.S.C. Section 

2711 and regulations issued pursuant thereto. 

B. A background investigation must be completed by the Tribal Gaming Agency or its 

designee for each person or entity having a direct financial interest in, or management 

responsibility for a Management Contract and, in the case of a corporation, for each 

individual who serves on the board of directors, each officer, and each shareholder who 

directly or indirectly owns five (5%) percent or more of the issued and outstanding stock 

of the corporation. In the case of a management company, background investigations 

shall be conducted for direct or indirect owners of 5% or more of the equity interests in 

the management company. In the case of a partnership (general or limited), background 

investigations shall be conducted on all general partners, regardless of size of equity 

ownership. In the case of a limited liability company, background investigations shall be 

conducted on all managers, regardless of size or equity ownership. 

Sec.24.01.013 Severability 

The provisions of this Ordinance 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 Ordinance. 

Sec.24.01.014 Gaming License Applications 

A. Application Forms 

1. Each person or entity holding a Management Contract with the Tribe, each 

Primary Management Official, and each Key Employee shall complete an 

application for an initial license or renewal of an existing gaming license for each 

gaming facility. 

2. No license shall be issued under this Ordinance except upon a sworn application 

filed with the Tribal Gaming Agency in such form as may be prescribed by the 

Tribal Gaming Agency and containing all of the mandatory information required 

for the license. Such fonn shall require agreement by the licensee to abide by all 

requirements and restrictions in the license, this Ordinance, and all applicable 

laws, rules, and regulations, and provide notice of the consent to jurisdiction of 

the Tribe and its governmental agencies and courts. 

3. The following notices shall be placed on the application fonn for a Key Employee 

or a Primary Management Official before that form is filled out by an applicant: 

a. In compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the .following 

information is provided: Solicitation of the information on this form 

is authorized by 25 U.S.C. §§ 2701 et seq. The purpose of the 

PAGE 7- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
requested information is to determine the eligibility of individuals to 

be granted a gaming license. The inji.Jrmation will be used by the 

Tribal gaming regulatory authorities and by ihe National Indian 

Gaming Commission (NIGC) members and staff'who have need/or 

the information in the perjiJrmance of their official duties. The 

information may be disclosed by the Tribe or the NJGC to 

appropriate Federal, Tribal, State, local. or foreign law 

enforcement and regulatory agencies when relevant to civil, 

criminal or regulatory investigations or prosecutions or when 

pursuant to a requirement by the Tribe or the NIGC in conneclion 

with the issuance, denial, or revocation of a gaming license, or 

investigations of activities while associated with the Tribe or its 

gaming operation. Failure to consent to the &-;closures indicated in 

this notice will result in the Tribe being unable to license you for a 

primary management o.fficial or key employee position. 

The disclosure of your Social Security Number (SSN) is voluntary. 

However, failure to supply a SSN may result in errors in processing 

your application. 

b. A false statement on any part of your license application may be 

ground-; for denying a license or the suspension or revocation of a 

license. Also, you may be punished by fine or imprisonment. (U.S. 

Code, title 18, section 1001.) 

B. Minimum Application Information Required 

The Tribal Gaming Agency shall require from each Primary Management Official and 

each Key Employee all of the following information as part of their license application: 

1. Full name, all other names used (oral or written) including any aliases by which 

applicant has ever been known, and social security number(s); 

2. Birth date, place of birth, citizenship, gender. all languages known (signed, 

spoken or written); 

3. 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; 

4. 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 during the previous 5 years; 

5. Current business and residence telephone numbers; 

PAGE 8- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
6. Military service history; 

7. A description of any existing and previous business relationships with Indian 

tribes, including ownership interests in those businesses; 

8. A description of any existing and previous business relationships with the gaming 

industry generally, including ownership interest in those businesses; 

9. The name and address of any licensing or regulatory agency with which the 

person has filed an application for a license or pennit related to gaming, whether 

or not such license or permit was granted; 

10. A description of any disciplinary charges filed by any state or tribal regulatory 

authority, whether or not discipline was imposed. 

11. 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 and disposition if 

any; 

12. For each misdemeanor convtctmn 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; 

13. 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; 

14. The name and address of any licensing or regulatory agency with which the 

person has filed an application for an occupational license or permit, whether or 

not such license or permit was granted; 

15. A current photograph; 

16. fingerprints consistent with procedures adopted by the Tribal Gaming Agency 

according to 25 C.F.R. § 522.2(h); and 

17. Any other infotmation the Tribal Gaming Agency deems relevant. 

Sec. 24.01.015 Background Investigations 

A. Background Investigations. The Tribal Gaming Agency shall conduct, or cause to be 

conducted, a background investigation of the Principal(s) of Management Contractors 

and Gaming Vendors, and each applicant for a position who is designated as a Key 

Employee or Primary Management Official, sufficient to meet the eligibility standard set 

forth in this Ordinance. The Tribal Gaming Agency shall ensure that all records and 

PAGE 9 - CCTHIT A Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
infonnation obtained as a result of an applicant's background investigation shall remain 

confidential. The background investigation conducted by the Tribal Gaming Agency 

must include the following actions: 

1. Verification of the applicant's identity and the information submitted by the 

applicant on the license application; 

2. Contacts with the applicant's personal and business references; 

3. A civil, criminal, public records, and credit history check; and 

4. Forwarding the applicant's fingerprint card to the NIGC to be processed by the 

Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Criminal Information Center. The 

Tribal Gaming Agency may submit an applicant's fingerprint card to any 

additional tribal, local, or state criminal history check system as the Tribal 

Gaming Agency deems necessary or appropriate. Reports obtained from such 

fingerprint processing shall be incorporated into the applicant's application file. 

5. The Tribal Gaming Agency by regulation may conduct such additional 

investigative activities as it may deem appropriate. 

6. The Tribal Gaming Agency 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 detetmining the applicant's suitability for a license. 

B. Investigative Report. 

The Tribal Gaming Agency shall create and maintain an investigative report pursuant to 

25 C.F.R. Pat1 556 of the NIGC's regulations. An investigative report shall include all of 

the following: 

1. Steps taken in conducting a background investigation; 

2. Results obtained; 

3. Conclusions reached; and 

4. The bases for those conclusions. 

C. Eligibility Determination 

l. The Tribal Gaming Agency shall detennine whether each license applicant is a 

person of good character, honesty, and integrity. 

2. With respect to each license applicant, the Tribal Gaming Agency shall review his 

or her prior' activities, criminal records, if any, and reputation, habits, and 

PAGE 10- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
associations to make a finding concerning the eligibility of such person for a 

gaming license as a Key Employee or Primary Management Official in the 

gaming operation(s) of the Ttibe. If the Tribal Gaming Agency determines that 

licensing of the applicant 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, and activities in the conduct of gaming or the carrying 

on of the business and financial arrangements incidental to the conduct of gaming, 

the Tribal Gaming Agency shall not license that person in a Key Employee or 

Primary Management Official position. 

D. Notice of Results. 

The Tribal Gaming Agency shall submit a notice of results of an applicant's background 

investigation to the NIGC no later than sixty {60) days after an employee begins work. 

The notice of results shall contain: 

1. The applicant's name, date of birth, and social security number; 

2. The date on which the applicant began or will begin work as a Key Employee or 

Primary Management Official; 

3. A copy of the eligibility determination; and 

4. A summary of the information presented in the investigative report, which shall at 

a minimum include a listing of: 

a. Licenses that have previously been denied; 

b. Gaming licenses that have been revoked, even if subsequently reinstated; 

c. Every known criminal charge brought against the applicant within the last 

ten {JO) years of the date of application; and 

d. Every felony of which the applicant has been convicted or any ongoing 

prosecution. 

E. Records Retention. 

With respect to Key Employees and Primary Management Officials, the Tribal Gaming 

Agency shall retain the following for no less than three (3) years from the date of 

termination of employment: 

1. Complete application files, including all background information; 

2. Investigative reports; and 

PAGE 11 - CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
3. Eligibility determinations for inspection by the NIGC Chair for no less than three 

(3) years from the date of termination of employment. 

Sec.24.01.016 Issuance of Licenses; Adverse Licensing Actions 

A. Issuance of Licenses 

1. Once the Tribal Gaming Agency has submitted a complete notice of results to the 

NIGC, the Tribal Gaming Agency may issue the license to the applicant, provided 

that no license shall be issued for an applicant who: 

a. Is not a person of good character, honesty, and integrity; 

b. ls not found by the Tribal Gaming Agency to be suitable for employment 

under the criteria set forth in this Ordinance; 

c. Has had, or who is in privity with anyone who has had, a gaming license 

revoked for cause in any jurisdiction; 

d. rs delinquent in the payment of any obligation owed to the Tribe or Tribal 

Gaming Agency pursuant to this Ordinance or a Management Contract; 

and/or 

e. Has failed to comply with the lGRA. regulations of the NIGC, this 

Ordinance, or regulation that the Tribe or Tribal Gaming Agency has or 

may adopt. 

2. Upon issuance of the license, the Tribal Gaming Agency shall notify the NIGC of 

such issuance within thirty (30) days. When a Primary Management Official or 

Key Employee is employed by the Tribe, a complete application file, containing 

all of the information listed in Section 24.0l.014(B), shall be maintained. 

3. If, within a thirty (30) day period after the NlGC receives a complete notice of 

results, the NIGC requests additional information or provides the Tribal Gaming 

Agency with a statement itemizing objections to the issuance of a license to the 

subject of the notice of results, the Tribal Gaming Agency shall respond to the 

NIGC's request and/or reconsider the application, taking into account the 

objections itemized by the NTGC. The Tribal Gaming Agency shall make the 

final decision whether to issue a license to such applicant. If the Tribal Gaming 

Agency has issued a license to a Key Employee or Primary Management Official 

before receiving the NIGC's statement of objections, notice and a hearing shall be 

provided to the licensee. 

4. The gaming operation shall not employ as a Key Employee or Primary 

Management Official a person who does not have a license after ninety (90) days 

of beginning work. 

PAGE 12- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
5. If a license is not issued to an applicant, the Tribal Gaming Agency shall notify 

the NIGC and shall forward copies of its eligibility detennination and notice of 

results to the NTGC for inclusion in the lndian Gaming Individuals Records 

System. 

B. Revocation or Suspension of License. 

1. Any license granted pursuant to this Ordinance, except as may otherwise be 

specifically provided herein, may be suspended or revoked for any cause which 

may have prevented its issuance, or for violation by the licensee, or any officer, 

director, agent, member or employee of the licensee, or for violation of any 

regulations adopted by the Tribal Gaming Agency, or for conviction of a crime of 

moral turpitude or a felony. Such suspension or revocation may occur only after · 

notice to the licensee and an opportunity for a hearing and only upon evidence 

determined adequate by the Tribal Gaming Agency. 

2. If, after the issuance of a permanent gaming license, the Tribal Gaming Agency 

receives notice from the NIGC that the NlGC is in possession of reliable 

information indicating that a licensee is not suitable for employment, the Tribal 

Gaming Agency shall immediately suspend such license and provide the licensee 

with written notice of suspension and proposed revocation. 

a. The Tribal Gaming Agency shall notify the licensee of a time and place 

for a hearing on the proposed revocation of a license. 

b. After a revocation hearing, the Tribal Gaming Agency shall decide to 

revoke or to reinstate a gaming license. The Tribal Gaming Agency shall 

notify the NIGC of its decision within forty-five (45) days of receiving 

notice from the NIGC regarding the licensee's eligibility. 

c. The right to a revocation hearing vests only when a license is granted 

under this Ordinance. 

C. Adverse Licensing Action Procedures 

1. The Tribal Gaming Agency shall issue notice to an applicant or licensee of the 

Tribal Gaming Agency'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 Tribal 

Gaming Agency's preliminary decision and of all due process rights available to 

the applicant or licensee. 

2. The T1ibal Gaming Agency's decision to limit, modify, restrict, condition, or 

cancel a license shall not be deemed an adverse action requiring a hearing and 

shall not be appealable except upon a showing, supported by substantial evidence, 

PAGE 13 - CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
that such decision was the result of bias, prejudice, or other wrongful purpose; 

provided that the Tribal Gaming Agency may, in its discretion, accord a licensee 

an opportunity to show cause why the license should not be limited, modified, 

restricted, conditioned, or cancelled. The Tribal Gaming Agency may, in its sole 

discretion, grant an oral hearing or require a written submission. The Tribal 

Gaming Agency's denial of a hearing upon an allegation of bias, prejudice, or 

other wrongful purpose and proffer of evidence to such effect shall be appealable 

to the Commission. 

3. Unless otherwise provided in this Ordinance, an applicant or licensee, as 

appropriate, shall, upon.written petition, be entitled to a hearing before the Tribal 

Gaming Agency prior to denial of an application or the revocation or suspension 

of a license. 

4. To invoke the right to a hearing, the applicant or licensee must submit a written 

petition for hearing to the Tribal Gaming Agency within ten (10) days from the 

date of service or delivery of the Tribal Gaming Agency's notice of proposed 

denial, suspension, or revocation. 

5. 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. If the applicant or licensee fails to invoke the right to a hearing within ten (I 0) 

days from the date the Tribal Gaming Agency's notice of proposed denial, 

suspension, 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 

Tribal Gaming Agency's preliminary decision shall be entered as a final order not 

subject to further appeal. 

7. If the applicant or licensee invokes the right to a hearing, the Tribal Gaming 

Agency shall set a date for such hearing to take place within sixty (60) days 

unless extended by mutual consent of the Tribal Gaming Agency and the 

respondent. 

8. If, after such hearing, the Tribal Gaming Agency renders a final adverse 

determination with regard to a gaming license, the applicant or licensee may 

appeal the decision to the Commission. 

Sec.24.01.017 Gaming Vendor Licenses 

A. License Requirements and Scope. 

The Tribal Gaming Agency shall issue a license to each Gaming Vendor that qualifies for 

a license under this Ordinance. The license shall grant the applicant the revocable 

PAGE 14- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
privilege of contracting with or entering into a financing arrangement or other business 

arrangement with the gaming operation. 

B. Application and Licensing Deadlines. 

Before a Gaming Vendor may contract or enter into any other business arrangement with 

the gaming operation, a completed application for a license shall be provided to the 

Tribal Gaming Agency by the applicant. The Tribal Gaming Agency shall conduct the 

background investigation and make the eligibility determination to determine whether or 

not to grant the license. 

C. Background Investigation. 

A background investigation for each prospective Gaming Vendor requiring a license shall 

be conducted by the Tribal Gaming Agency. The background investigation must include 

all of the following actions: 

l. Verification of the applicant's identity and the infonnation submitted by the 

applicant on the license application; 

2. Contacts with the applicant's personal and business references; 

3. A civil, criminal, and credit history check; and 

4. A background investigation of all individuals who are a Principal, Key Employee, 

or Primary Management Official of the Gaming Vendor. 

D. Eligibility Determination. 

The Tribal Gaming Agency may deny the applicant a Gaming Vendor license if the 

Tribal Gaming Agency concludes the applicant: 

1. Is not sufficiently stable and capitalized; 

2. Is owned, operated, or managed by persons who fail to meet the suitability 

standards in this Ordinance; and/or 

3. Has a history of performance failure or contentious business relationships. 

Sec.24.01.018 Registration for Non-Gaming Vendors 

A. Registration. 

Every Non-Gaming Vendor providing goods or services to the gaming operation, other 

than a federally, state, or tribally regulated utility company, shall be subject to a 

requirement to register with the Tribal Gaming Agency and provide such information to 

PAGE 15- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
the Tribal Gaming Agency as the Tribal Gaming Agency may by regulation require prior 

to contracting with or providing such goods and/or services to the gaming operation. The 

Director may, by regulation, require federally, state, or tribally regulated 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. 

B. Exemption. 

The Director may, by regulation, exempt certain Non-Gaming Vendors from this 

registration requirement where the contract amount is de minimus, or the potential for 

unlawful or criminal conduct is negligible. 

Sec.24.01.019 Tlingit and Haida Tribal Gaming Commiss.ion 

A. Establishment and Purpose 

In order to regulate gaming on Indian lands, the Tlingit and Haida Tribal Gaming 

Commission is hereby established, and is delegated exclusive jurisdiction to adjudicate 

appeals of all final actions and decisions of the Tribal Gaming Agency. Adjudicatory 

decisions of the Tribal Gaming Commission shall be considered final and non-reviewable 

as provided under the laws of the Tribe. The Commission is vested with all necessary 

powers to: 

1. Hear and adjudicate appeals by any person or entity aggrieved by an action or 

decision of the Tribal Gaming Agency; 

2. Classify games or review game classification decisions of the Tribal Gaming 

Agency; 

3. Resolve questions of interpretation in relation to this Ordinance and such 

regulations as may be promulgated hereunder; 

4. Develop and apply standards, rules, and procedures governing the conduct of 

hearings before the Commission; 

5. Issue advisory opinions interpreting this Ordinance or any rules or regulations 

adopted pursuant hereto on request of the TGA; 

6. Issue subpoenas, take testimony, and conduct hearings; and 

7. Handle such other matters and conduct such other activities as are consistent with 

the power and authority delegated the Commission under this Ordinance. 

B. Composition. 

PAGE 16- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
The Commission shall be comprised of a Commissioner, who shall be appointed by the 

Executive Council by a majority vote, and such staff as may be needed to carry out the 

responsibilities of the Commission. The Executive Council may appoint an altemate(s) 

who may act for the Commissioner in the event that the Commissioner is unavailable for 

any reason or in the event of a recusal by the Commissioner. 

C. Qualifications. 

Only persons who have reached the age of twenty-five (25) years and who meet the 

eligibility standard applicable to gaming licensees under this Ordinance shall be eligible 

for appointment as Commissioner or to serve as an alternate Commissioner. No person 

who has been convicted of any gambling or bribery offense or any felony is eligible for 

appointment to the Commission. Neither shall the Commissioner or any alternate have 

any financial interest in, or management responsibility for, any gaming activity governed 

by this Ordinance nor shall the Commissioner or any alternate participate in any gaming 

activity conducted pursuant to this Ordinance. 

D. Terms. 

The Commissioner shall be appointed to a term of four (4) years and may be reappointed 

at the discretion of the Executive Council. Upon expiration of the Commissioner's term, 

the Commissioner may continue to serve until his or her successor is appointed. 

E. Powers. 

The Executive Council delegates the following powers to the Commission, not to be 

removed, except by amendment of this Ordinance. 

1. To secure, oversee, and protect the honesty, integrity, fairness, and security of the 

Tribe's gaming activities by adjudicating matters that come before it on appeal; 

2. To adopt and submit to the Executive Council an annual operating budget as 

appropriate; 

3. To adopt rules and procedures consistent with its delegated powers; 

4. To issue subpoenas, take testimony, and conduct hearings; 

5. To conduct hearings to review actions and decisions of the Tribal Gaming Agency 

in accordance with the Ordinance; and 

6. To preside over appeals of actions or decisions of the Tribal Gaming Agency and 

reverse or make final a determination of suspension or revocation for cause issued 

by the Tribal Gaming Agency following a fair and impartial adjudication. 

F. Compensation. 

PA GE 17 - CCTHJT A Garn ing Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
The Executive Council shall establish the Commissioner's rate of compensation, which 

may be based on an hourly fee for services arrangement, on a set salary schedule, or 

otherwise, but which, once established, shall not be diminished during his or her term in 

office. The Commissioner and any Commission staff shall be reimbursed for all actual 

expenses incun·ed on Commission business, including necessary expenses, subject to the 

approval of the Executive Council. 

G. Unavailability; Duty to Notify Executive Council. 

The Commissioner shall advise the Executive Council of any need for recusal in any 

matter or of any anticipated absence or unavailability for any period of time in excess of 

two weeks in which case the Executive Council shall notify or appoint an alternate to 

fulfill the duties of the Commissioner as soon as possible, but no later than thirty (30) 

days from the date of absence, unavailability or vacancy. 

H. Suspension. 

The Executive Council may suspend the Commissioner if he or she is charged with any 

folony, misdemeanor, or any gambling offense until such charges are resolved. 

I. Removal of Commissioner. 

1. The Commissioner may only be removed for cause by maJonty vote of the 

Executive Council for any one or more of the following reasons: 

a. Failure to cany out the Commission's duties; 

b. Excessive use of intoxicants or controlled substances; 

c. Use of office for personal gain; 

d. Violation of this Ordinance or other law or regulation of the Tribe or of 

IGRA; and/or 

e. Any misconduct or gross neglect of duty reflecting adversely on the 

dignity and integrity of the Tribe or its government. 

2. The Executive Council shall have the authority to remove the Commissioner for 

cause by a majority vote of its members in a special meeting duly called for the 

purpose of removing the Commissioner at which meeting the Commissioner shaJl 

be given fair opportunity to appear in person and present evidence in his or her 

defense for purpose of showing cause why he or she should not be removed. 

3. The Commissioner shall immediately be removed by the Executive Council and 

the position deemed vacant if the Commissioner is: 

PAGE 18- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
a. Convicted by a court of law of any folony offense; 

b. Convicted by a court of law for an'y misdemeanor offense involving 

dishonesty or untruthfulness; and/or 

c. Found guilty of any gaming offense by any gaming jurisdiction. 

4. Except for mandatory removals as provided above in Subsection 2 of this Section, 

in any removal process, a written notice of proposed removal shall be provided at 

least fourteen ( 14) days in advance of the date set by the Executive Council for 

the removal proceeding. Such notice shall set forth with particularity the bases 

for such proposed action with sufficient specificity as to pennit the preparation of 

an answer to such allegations. A decision of removal by the Executive Council 

shall be final and non·appealable. 

J. Acting Commissioner. 

Jn the event of a suspension or removal of the Commissioner, the Executive Council shall 

notify or appoint an alternate Commissioner to serve as acting Commissioner until a 

successor is appointed and installed. 

K. Conflict of Interest. 

The Commissioner and staff shall refrain at all times from participating in any gaming 

activities at any gaming establishment under the Commission's authority and neither the 

Commissioner nor the staff shall handle any matter in which a petitioner or applicant or 

subject is a member of his or her immediate family or is an entity in which he or she or a 

member of his or her immediate family has a pecuniary interest. For purposes of this 

provision, immediate family shall include: spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, and 

grandchildren, and such other person or persons with whom the Commissioner and/or 

staff member may have a close personal relationship. 

Sec.24.01.020 Tribal Gaming Agency 

A. Establishment and Purpose. 

ln order to provide for the comprehensive and effective regulation of the Tribe's gaming 

activities, there is hereby established the Tlingit and Haida Tribal Gaming Agency. 

B. Duties and Authorities. 

The Tribal Gaming Agency shall: 

PAGE 19 - CCTHIT A Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
1. Be charged with the responsibility of administering and enforcing the provisions 

of this Ordinance. 

2. Secure, monitor, and safeguard the honesty, integrity, fairness and security of all 

tribal gaming operations. 

3. Monitor and enforce compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to the 

Tribe's gaming activities. 

4. Have the authority and responsibility for issuing regulations to implement all 

provisions of this Ordinance. 

5. Adopt and submit to the Executive Council an annual proposed operating budget. 

6. Submit to the Executive Council a quarterly report of the status of all its 

activities and gaming matters. 

7. Develop licensing and background procedures applicable to the gaming 

operation. 

8. Issue, renew, suspend, condition, and revoke licenses as appropriate and in 

accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance and basic principles of due 

process of law. 

9. Obtain and process fingerprints and conduct background investigations 

according to requirements at least as stringent as those set forth in 25 C.F.R. 

Parts 556 and 558. 

10. Fo1ward complete employment applications and the results of background 

investigations to the NIGC. 

11. Forward completed investigative reports on each background investigation to the 

NIGC prior to issuing a pennanent license. 

12. Review license applicant activities, criminal record, if any, and reputation, 

habits, and associations to make a finding of their eligibility for employment in 

and/or contracting with the gaming operation. 

13. Conduct such audits as may be necessary for the proper control and financial 

oversight of gaming activities, including financial and operational audits. 

14. Ensure that audits as required hereunder are conducted and transmit the reports 

to the NIGC. 

PAGE 20- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
15. Ensure that the Tribe's gaming facilities are constructed, maintained, and 

operated in a manner that adequately protects the environment and public health 

and safety. 

16. Monitor gaming activities to ensure compliance with this Ordinance, the lGRA, 

and all other laws applicable to the Tribe's gaming activities, including rules and 

regulations issued thereunder. 

17. Work with law enforcement and regulatory agencies as needed to cany out the 

Tribal Gaming Agency's duties and responsibilities. 

18. Investigate possible violations of this Ordinance, the IGRA, and any other 

applicable laws pertaining to the Tribe's gaming activities, including rules and 

regulations issued thereunder and take appropriate enforcement actions. 

19. Ensure compliance with the Tribe's internal control standards through oversight 

and enforcement. 

20. Establish regulations, standards and procedures for the licensing of gaming and 

gaming-related vendors. 

21. Develop registration processes and procedures for all Non-Gaming Vendors. 

22. Carry out all duties and functions necessary to implement, cany-out and enforce 

the provisions of this Ordinance, including, but not limited, to the development 

of internal agency fo1ms, schedules, guidance documents, policies and 

procedure. 

23. Issue such orders and directives as may be necessary to ensure the Tribe's 

compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to 

notice of violations, orders to compel, and order to cure. 

24. Conduct hearings pertaining to all matters arising under this ordinance, including 

without limitation, patron disputes, licensure matters, violations, sanctions and 

penalties. 

25. Subject to the review and approval of the Executive Council, establish 

regulations to carry out the provisions contained in this Ordinance and other 

applicable laws and regulations pertaining to the conduct of gaming, including, 

without limit, the provisions of any lawful tribal-state gaming compact. 

C. Tribal Gaming Agency Director. 

The Executive Council will appoint a Director of the Tribal Gaming Agency who shall 

direct the day-to-day activities of the Tribal Gaming Agency. The Director shall serve a 

term of four (4) years and may be reappointed at the discretion of the Executive Council. 

PAGE 21 - CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
Upon expiration of the Director's term, the Director may continue to serve until his or her 

successor is appointed. 

D. Qualifications. 

Only persons who have reached the age of twenty-five (25) years and who meets the 

eligibility standard applicable to gaming licensees under this Ordinance shall be eligible 

for appointment as Director of the Tribal Gaming Agency. No person who has been 

convicted of any gambling or bribery offense or any felony is eligible for appointment to 

the Tribal Gaming Agency. 

E. Suspension. 

The Director may be suspended with or without pay, by the Executive Council, for up to 

ninety (90) days for any reason that could subject the Director to removal for cause as 

provided in this Ordinance. 

F. Removal for Cause. 

l. The Director may only be removed for cause by majority vote of the Executive 

Council for any one or more of the following reasons: 

a. Failure to carry out the Tribal Gaming Agency's duties; 

b. Excessive use of intoxicants or controlled substances; 

c. Use of office for personal gain; 

d. Violation of this Ordinance or other law or regulation of the Tribe or of 

IGRA; and/or 

e. Any misconduct or gross neglect of duty reflecting adversely on the 

dignity and integrity of the Tribe or its government. 

2. The Executive Council shall have the authority tu remove the Director for cause 

by a majority vote of its members in a special meeting duly called for the purpose 

of removing the Director at which meeting the Director shall be given fair 

opportunity to appear in person and present evidence in his or her defense for 

purpose of showing cause why he or she should not be removed. 

3. The Director shall immediately be removed by the Executive Council and the 

position deemed vacant if the Director is: 

a. Convicted by a court of law of any felony offense; 

PAGE 22- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
b. Convicted by a court of law for any misdemeanor offense involving 

dishonesty or untruthfulness; and/or 

c. Found guilty of any gaming offense by any gaming jurisdiction. 

4. Except for mandatory removals as provided above in Subsection 3 of this Section, 

in any removal process, a written notice of proposed removal shall be provided at 

least fourteen (14) days in advance of the date set by the Executive Council for 

the removal proceeding. Such notice shall set forth with particularity the bases 

for such proposed action with sufficient specificity as to permit the preparation of 

an answer to such allegations. A decision of removal by the Executive Council 

shall be final and non-appealable. 

G. Acting Director. 

In the event of a suspension or removal of the Director, the Executive Council shall 

notify or appoint an alternate Director to serve as acting Director until a successor is 

appointed and installed. 

H. Conflict of Interest. 

The Director of the Tribal Gaming Agency and staff shall refrain at all times from 

participating in any gaming activities at any gaming establishment under the Agency's 

authority and neither the Director nor the staff shall handle any matter in which an 

applicant or subject is a member of his or her immediate family or is an entity in which 

he or she or a member of his or her immediate family has a pecuniary interest. For 

purposes of this provision, immediate family shall include: spouse, child, sibling, parent, 

grandparent, and grandchildren, and such other person or persons with whom the Director 

and/or staff member may have a close personal relationship. 

Scc.24.01.021 Hearings and Appeals 

A. Request for Reconsideration. 

Any person or entity aggrieved by a tlel:ision made or aclion taken by the Tribal Gaming 

Agency may request a hearing for reconsideration by the Director of the Tribal Gaming 

Agency, which request shall be granted if accompanied by the filing fee established by 

the Tribal Gaming Agency. 

1. Hearings for reconsideration may be conducted informally, provided that: 

a. The Director or his or her designee shall be present and preside over the 

hearing; 

b. The requestor shall be accorded the opportunity to be physically present at 

the hearing and, if so desired, accompanied by legal counsel at his or her 

own expense; 

PAGE 23 - CCTHIT A Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
c. The requestor shall be permitted to present testimony and other relevant 

evidence, provided that it is not unduly redundant; 

d. A record of the proceeding must be kept, including at a minimum the date 

and time of the hearing, the names of all persons present, a summary 

description of the content of the proceeding. An audio or video recording 

of the proceeding shall be sufficient to meet this recording requirement; 

and 

e. The Director shall keep a copy of any documents submitted by the 

respondent as pa1t of the administrative record. 

2. Any person or entity having sought a request for reconsideration who fails to 

appear on the date and time set for hearing shall be deemed to have abandoned 

any and all objections to the TGA's action(s) or decision(s) and shall have no 

further right of appeal, except that upon a showing of good cause for such failure 

to appear, the Director may in his or her sole discretion grant a new hearing date, 

if a request for such relief in the view of the Director is made timely under the 

circumstances. 

3. The Director or his or her designee shall issue a written decision specifying the 

reasons for his or her decision, which shall be delivered to the requestor by 

certified mail return receipt requested. The Director's final decision after 

reconsideration shall be made a permanent part of the administrative record. 

B. Appeals to Tribal Gaming Commission. 

Any person or entity aggrieved by a final decision by the Director of the Tribal Gaming 

Agency may appeal to the Tribal Gaming Commission for a hearing in accordance with 

this subsection: 

1. The petition shall specifically set forth the reasons for the grievance and must be 

filed with the Commission no later than thi1ty (30) days after the decision or 

action being appealed. 

2. If a hearing is granted and takes place, it shall be at a date, time, and place as set 

by the Commissioner and shall be on the record. 

3. The Commission shall issue a written detennination supporting or denying (in 

whole or in part) the appeal and setting out his or her basis for the decision. 

4. In appeals before the Commission, review shall be limited to the record that was 

before the Commission at the time of the final decision or action appealed from. 

The Commission shall afford deference, as appropriate, to the expertise of the 

Tribal Gaming Agency, and shall not set aside, modify, or remand any action or 

decision of the Tribal Gaming Agency except upon a finding that such decision, 

action, or inaction was: 

PAGE 24- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
a. Arbitrary and capnc1ous, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not m 

accordance with law; 

b. Contrary to tribal law or other applicable controlling law; 

c. In excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitation or short of 

statutory right; 

d. Without observance of procedure required by law; or 

e. Unsupported by a preponderance of the evidence in a case reviewed on the 

record. 

C. Final Decisions of the Tribal Gaming Commission. 

The decisions of the Tribal Gaming Commission shall be considered final and nonreviewable. 

Sec.24.01.022 Violations 

A. Gaming License. 

No person shall operate or conduct any gaming activity in a gaming facility without a 

gaming license issued by the Tribal Gaming Agency, as required by this Ordinance. 

B. Falsifying or Omitting Information. 

No licensee or license applicant shall intentionally omit or provide false information in 

connection with any document or proceeding under this Ordinance. 

C. Accounting and Inspection. 

No Management Official shall fail to account fully for all monies received or collected in 

connection with Garn ing activities. 

D. Cheating. 

No person shall engage in cheating in any Gaming activity. 

E. Possession of a Firearm. 

No person, other than a law enforcement officer duly authorized by the Tribe or invited 

by the Ttibc to be on the premises, may enter or remain in a gaming facility while in the 

possession of a firearm. 

PAGE 25 - CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
F. Violation of Any Provision, Rule, Regulation, or Order. 

No person shall violate any provision of this Ordinance, any order or regulation of the 

Tribal Gaming Agency, including any internal control procedure. 

G. Fraudulent Scheme or Techniques. 

No person playing in or conducting any Gaming activity authorized under this Ordinance 

shall: 

1. Use bogus or counterfeit cards, or substitutes or use any Game cards that 

have been tampered with; 

2. Employ or have on one's person any cheating device to facilitate cheating 

in any Gaming activity; 

3. Use any fraudulent scheme or technique, including when an operator or 

player of games of charitable gaming tickets directly or indirectly solicits, 

provides, or receives inside information of the status of the game for the 

benefit of either person; or 

4. Knowingly cause, aid, abet, or conspire with another person or any person 

to vio1ate any provision of this Ordinance or any regulation adopted 

pursuant to this Ordinance. 

H. Failure to Maintain Eligibility. 

It shall be a substantial violation for any licensee to fail or cease to meet the 

eligibility standards established by this Ordinance. 

I. Fraudulent Conduct. 

It shall be a substantial violation of this Ordinance for any person or entity to 

engage in any fraudulent conduct, which shall include: 

1. Defrauding the Tribe, any licensee, or any participant in any gaming 

activity or promotion; 

2. Providing infonnation that is known or should have been known to be 

false or making any false statement with respect to an ppli ~t n for 

employment or for any gaming license or petmit or in relation to any 

vendor registration program established by the Tribal Gaming Agency; 

3. Claiming, collecting or taking or attempting to claim, collect or take 

money or anything of value in or from a gaming facility with intent to 

defraud; or claiming, collecting or taking an amount greater than the 

amount actually won in such game; 

PAGE 26- CCTHITA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
4. Providing information that is known or should have been known to be 

false or misleading or making any false or misleading statement to the 

Tribe, Tribal Gaming Agency, or other civil or criminal law enforcement 

agency of the Tribe in connection with any contract for services or 

property related to gaming; 

5. Making any statement that was known or should have been known to be 

false or misleading in response to any official inquiry by the Tribal 

Gaming Agency or other civil or criminal law enforcement agency of the 

Tribe; 

6. Falsifying, destroying, erasing, or altering any books, computer data, 

records, or other info1mation relating to gaming operations or a gaming 

facility; 

7. Entering into any contract, or making payment on any contract for the 

delivery of goods or services to a gaming facility, when such contract 

fails to provide for or result in the delivery of goods or services of less 

than fair value for the payment made or contemplated; 

8. Concealing, altering, defacing, or improperly destroying any records, 

· documents, infonnation, or materials of any kind, including but not 

limited to, photographs, audio recordings, or videotapes; 

9. Offering or attempting to offer anything of value, to a licensee in an act 

that is an attempt to induce, or may be perceived as an attempt to induce, 

the licensee to act in a manner contrary to the official duties of the 

licensee; and 

10. Acceptance by a licensee of anything of value with the expectation that 

the receipt of such thing of value is intended, or may be perceived as 

intended, to induce the licensee to act in a manner contrary to the official 

duties of the licensee. 

J. Unlawful Diversion of Tribal Gaming Revenue. 

It shall be a substantial violation of this Ordinarice for any person or entity to 

divert gaming revenues for any purpose of any kind not authorized by the ·Tribe. 

K. Impeding a Tribal Investigation. 

lt shall be a substantial violation of this Ordinance for any person or entity to 

impede a Tribal investigation. 

L. Improper Interference. 

It shall be a substantial violation of this Ordinance for any person or entity to 

engage in: 

PAGE 27 - CCTHJTA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
l. Acts or omissions that interfere with or prevent the Tribal Gaming Agency 

or Commission from fulfilling its duties and responsibilities under this 

Ordinance; or 

2. Making any offer or any promise of consideration or thing of value for the 

purpose of affecting a decision or actions .of the Tribal Gaming Agency or 

Commission. 

M. Failure to Comply With the Tribe's Gaming Regulations. 

lt shall be a violation of this Ordinance for any person or entity subject to the 

jurisdiction of the Tribe to: 

l. Handle cash in a manner inconsistent with the Tribe's regulations and/or 

internal control procedures; 

2. Allow, assist in, or carry out the installation of gaming machines in a 

manner that is inconsistent with installation requirements established by 

the Tribal Gaming Agency; 

3. Fail to adhere to the Tribe's gaming laws and regulations or promptly 

report to the Tribal Gaming Agency the presence on the floor of any 

gaming facility any gaming machine that is not properly licensed; or 

4. Refuse to comply with any lawful order, directive, request, or demand of 

the Tribal Gaming Agency. 

N. Gaming Management. 

It shall be a violation of this Ordinance for any gaming manager, employee, or 

other responsible person or tribal official to: 

l. 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; 

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 

gaming operations; 

5. Place unlicensed or unauthorized gaming equipment on the gaming floor 

or permit the play of unauthorized games; 

PAGE 28- CCTHlTA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
6. Fail to report observed violations of this Ordinance to the Tribal Gaming 

Agency; 

7. Fail to comply with any order or directive of the Tribal Gaming Agency; 

or 

8. Fail or refuse to report any matter so required to be reported to the Tribal 

Gaming Agency by this Ordinance. 

0. Discretion of Tribal Gaming Agency. 

Any person found to be in violation of any of the foregoing by the Tribal Gaming 

Agency may be pe1manently excluded from the gaming facility; have his or her 

license suspended or revoked; or be subject to such lesser sanction(s) as may be 

imposed by the Tribal Gaming Agency, including monetary sanctions. The Tribal 

Gaming Agency shall have the discretion to bring an enforcement action against 

any person or entity whose actions or inactions present an actual or imminent 

threat or danger to the public health and safety of the facility or its patrons or to 

the integrity of gaming. Actions taken by the Tribal Gaming Agency under this 

provision shall at all times be reasonable and prudent and the specific grounds for 

such action must be documented. 

Sec.24.01.023 Civil Sanctions 

A. Enforcement. 

Any person, gaming vendor, or other entity that engages in activities subject to the 

provisions of this Ordinance or operates under a license issued under this Ordinance in 

violation of this Ordinance, regulations promulgated under this Ordinance, or any laws 

and regulations applicable to gaming activities shall be subject to the enforcement 

authority of the Tribal Gaming Agency. 

B. Standard of Reasonableness. 

A standard of reasonableness shall apply to the Tribal Gaming Agency in relation to the 

exercise of its authority to assess fines, penalties, and other sanctions, taking into account 

the seriousness of the violation, degree of culpability of the offending licensee, and other 

relevant factors. The Tribal Gaming Commission shall have authority to abate or set 

aside any fine, sanction, or penalty assessed by the Tribal Gaming Agency upon a finding 

that the assessment was excessive in relation to the offense or otherwise unreasonable 

under the circumstances. 

C. Trespass. 

Any person who unlawfully trespasses upon any premises licensed under this Ordinance 

may be permanently excluded from the premises and/or be subject to a civil suit by the 

Tribe. 

PAGE 29- CCTHIT A Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 20 t 6) 
D. Enforcement Actions. 

The Tribal Gaming Agency, in its discretion, may take any or a combination of the 

following actions with respect to any person or entity who violates any provision of the 

Ordinance: 

1. Impose a civil fine not to exceed the amount of $50,000.00 for Primary 

Management Officials and $25,000.00 for Key Employees for each 

violation, and if such violation is a continuing one, for each day of such 

violation. 

2. Suspend, deny, or revoke any gaming or gaming-related license, including 

machine and vendor licenses. 

3. Temporarily or permanently exclude, bar, or deny admission from or to 

the gaming facility provided that the sanction shall be commensurate with 

the seriousness of the violation. 

4. Permanently remove a Non-Gaming Vendor from the registry, provided 

that such sanction shall be commensurate with the seriousness of the 

violation. 

E. Preliminary Determination. 

Whenever, upon preliminary factual finding, the Tribal Gaming Agency determines that 

any person or entity has failed to comply with the provisions of this Ordinance or any 

regulations promulgated hereunder, the Tribal Gaming Agency shall provide written 

notice to the affected person or entity explaining the alleged violation, the proposed 

action or sanction, and the steps needed for cure, if any. Such notice may be delivered in 

person or by letter to the last known address of the affected person or entity, and shall 

describe the procedures to be followed for appeal to the Tribal Gaming Commission. 

The subject of such notice shall have the opportunity to be heard and present evidence to 

the Tribal Gaming Agency. 

F. Jurisdiction. 

The Tribal Gaming Commission shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any and all 

decisions and actions of the Tribal Gaming Agency under this Ordinance, and shall have 

the authority to reverse, affinn, or modify any and all decisions and sanctions imposed by 

the Tribal Gaming Agency pursuant to this Ordinance. AU decisions of the Tribal 

Gaming Commission under this Section shall be in writing and shall be considered final 

and non-reviewable. 

Sec.24.01.024 Patron Disputes: 

A. Prize Claims. 

PAGE 30- CCTHTTA Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 
In the event of a dispute between a patron and the Tribe or the Management Contractor 

regarding the payment of a wager or distribution of winnings, the patron may make a 

claim against the Tribe or the Management Contractor by filing a written prize claim 

notice within fo11y-eight (48) hours of the event which is the basis of the prize claim. 

Failure to file the prize claim during such 48-hour period of time shall forever bar such 

plize claim. The Tribal Gaming Agency shall promptly review, investigate, and make a 

detennination regarding the prize claim. Any portion of the prize claim which remains 

unresolved after thi1ty (30) days from the date of filing shall be deemed denied if the 

Tribal Gaming Agency fails to notify the claimant in writing of its approval within such 

30-day period. 

B. Other Claims. 

In the event of any alleged personal injury or property damage suffered within a gaming 

facility, a patron may make a claim against the Tribe or the Management Contractor by 

filing a claim with the Tribe or the Management Contractor within ten (10) calendar days 

from the date of the event which alleged caused the loss. The Tribe or the Management 

Contractor shall have up to thirty (30) days from the filing date to resolve the claim and 

notify the claimant in writing of its decision. Failure to notify the claimant of a decision 

within the specified 30-day period shall be deemed a denial of the claim. To appeal a 

decision, the claimant must file an appeal in the Tribal Gaming Agency no later than on 

the thirtieth (301

h) day after the date on which the claim was denied. 

C. Sovereign Immunity. 

Nothing in this Section shall be deemed a waiver of the Tribe's sovereign immunity from 

unconsented suit. 

Sec.24. [reserved) 

PAGE 31 - CCTHIT A Gaming Ordinance (April 23, 2016) 

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