DATE APPROVED: March 5, 1998, as amended February 1, 2001, June 6, 2002, February 14, (2021)
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GAMING ORDINANCE
of the
Hoopa Valley Tribe
Title 31
ORDINANCE NO: 2-92
DATE APPROVED: March 5, 1998, as amended February 1, 2001, June 6, 2002, February 14,
2020, and September 30, 2021
SUBJECT: Gaming Ordinance
31.1 Purpose. The Hoopa Valley Tribal Council, the elected governing body of the Hoopa
Valley Tribe (hereinafter “Tribe”’), empowered by the Hoopa Valley Tribal Constitution and
Bylaws, adopted June 20, 1972, approved by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs on August 18,
1972, and confirmed and ratified by the U.S. Congress in October, 1988, in Public Law 100-580,
The Hoopa-Yurok Settlement Act, to enact ordinances, hereby enacts this Ordinance in order in
order to regulate all forms of Gaming on the Tribe’s Reservation.
31.2. Short Title. This Code shall be known and may be cited as the Hoopa Valley Tribal
Gaming Code or Title 31.
31.3. Gaming Authorized.
31.3.1 Class II Gaming Authorized Class II Gaming is hereby authorized to be
conducted on lands within the Tribe’s Reservation; provided, however, that such Class II
Gaming shall be conducted only in accordance with the provisions of this Code, the Rules, and
IGRA.
31.3.2 Class I Gaming Authorized. Class III Gaming is hereby authorized on lands
within the Tribe’s Reservation; provided, however, that Class III Gaming shall be conducted
only in accordance with the provisions of this Code, the Rules, the Compact, and IGRA.
31.4 Public Policy. All Gaming which is conducted within the Tribe’s Reservation and which
is otherwise authorized by law shall be regulated and licensed pursuant to the provisions of this
Code.
31.4.1 The Tribal Council hereby finds, and declares it to be the public policy of the
Tribe, that:
(A) — Regulation of licensed Gaming is important in order that licensed Gaming
is conducted honestly and that Gaming is free from criminal and
corruptive elements.
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(B) Public confidence and trust can only be maintained by strict regulation of
all Persons, locations, practices, associations and activities related to the
operation of licensed Gaming Establishments and the manufacture or
distribution of Gaming Devices.
(C) All Management Entities or Controlling Shareholders, Primary
Management Officials, Key Employees, Gaming Establishments and
Gaming Device Suppliers must therefore be licensed and controlled to
protect the public health, safety, morals, good order and general welfare of
the Tribe.
31.4.2 Prohibition Regarding Minors. No licensee shall permit persons under the age of
18 years to be present in any room in which Class IIT gaming activities are being conducted
unless the person is en-route to a non-gaming area of the Gaming Establishment.
31.5 Ownership of Gaming. The Tribe shall have and retain the sole proprietary interest in
and responsibility for, the conduct of any gaming operation authorized by this Ordinance, except
as expressly provided in this Ordinance.
31.5.1 Individually-owned gaming. The Tribe shall receive, at a minimum, not less than
sixty (60) percent of the Net Revenues from any individually owned gaming operations at any
Gaming Operation. The Tribe shall ensure that: any Gaming Operation is licensed and regulated
under an Ordinance or resolution approved by the Chairman, any income received from any
Gaming Operation shall be used only for authorized purposes, and that annual fees are paid to
the NIGC. The Commission shall ensure that (i) such Gaming as it authorizes and licenses
pursuant to this Code is conducted on lands within the Tribe’s Reservation, (ii) such gaming is
not otherwise specifically prohibited by Federal law, (iii) licensing standards are at least as
restrictive as those established by state law governing similar Gaming Operations, and (iv) any
person or entity that would not be eligible to receive a State license to conduct the same activity
will be denied a license. State law standards shall apply with respect to purpose, entity, pot limits
and hours of operation. The Commission may issue a license for individually owned gaming so
long as:
(A) The individually owned gaming operation is licensed and regulated
pursuant to this Ordinance;
(B) Theincome to the Tribe from an individually owned Gaming Operation is
used only for the purposes listed in this Ordinance;
(C) Not less than sixty percent (60%) of the Net Revenues of the individually
owned gaming operation is income to the Tribe;
(D) The owner of the individually owned gaming pays an annual assessment
to NIGC pursuant to 25 C.F.R. § 514.1;
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(E) The Commission applies licensing standards that are at least as restricted
as those established by State law governing similar gaming; and
(F) The Commission determined that the owner of the individually owned —
gaming would be eligible to receive a State license to conduct the same
activity within the jurisdiction of the surrounding State.
31.6 Definitions
Unless a different meaning is set forth below, the terms used in this Code shall have the
same meaning as defined in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, Public Law 100-497, 102 Stat.
2467 (Oct. 17, 1988), 25 U.S.C. 2701, et seq. (““IGRA”).
31.6.1 “Applicant” means any person, partnership, corporation, joint venture or other
entity applying for, or requesting renewal of, any License described in or required by this Code.
31.6.2 “Application” means a request for the issuance or renewal of a License described
in or required by this Code.
31.6.3 “Tribe” shall mean and “Tribal” shall refer to the Hoopa Valley Tribe.
31.6.4 “Council” or “Tribal Council” means the Tribal Council of the Hoopa Valley
Tribe.
31.6.5 “Chairman” means the Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission.
31.6.6 “Class I! Gaming” means Class II gaming as defined at 25 U.S.C. § 2703(7)(A)-
(B) and 25 C.F.R §502.3.
31.6.7 “Class III Gaming” means Class III gaming as defined in 25 U.S.C. § 2703(8) and
25 C.F.R. § 502.4.
31.6.8 “Code” or “Ordinance” means this Tribal Gaming Code of the Hoopa Valley
Tribe, as amended from time to time, and any Rules promulgated hereunder,
31.6.9 “Compact” means the Tribal-State Compact between the Hoopa Valley Tribe and
the State of California executed by the Governor of California and the Chairman of the Tribe and
pursuant to the IGRA, including all renewals, amendments, appendices, exhibits and other
attachments thereto.
31.6.10 “Commission” means the Hoopa Valley Tribal Gaming Commission.
31.6.11 “Commissioner” means an individual member of the Hoopa Valley Tribal
Gaming Commission.
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31.6.12 “Fiscal Year” means the period beginning at 12:01 am on October 1 of each year
and ending at midnight September 30 of the following year.
31.6.13 “Gaming” means any Class II Gaming or Class III Gaming activity, either
individually or collectively, whether authorized or unauthorized.
31.6.14 “Gaming Device” means a slot machines, including an electronic,
electromechanical, electrical or video device that, for consideration, permits: individual play
with or against that device or the participation in any electronic, electromechanical, electrical or
video system to which that device is connected; the playing of games thereon or therewith,
including, but not limited to, the playing of facsimiles of games of chance or skill; the possible
delivery of, or entitlement by the player to, a prize or something of value as a result of the
application of an element of chance; and a method for viewing the outcome, prize won, and other
information regarding the playing of games thereon or therewith.
31.6.15 “Gaming Device Supplier” means any Person who manufactures, sells, leases,
distributes, supplies or makes modifications to, any Gaming Device of the Tribe and all Persons
holding any direct or indirect financial interest in such Gaming Device Supplier.
31.6.16 “Gaming Establishment” means any premises where Gaming is operated or
conducted on the Tribe’s Reservation, and includes all buildings, improvements, appurtenances,
equipment and facilities used or maintained in connection with such gaming.
31.6.17 “Gaming Operation” means each economic entity that is licensed by the Tribe,
operates the games, receives the revenues, issues the prizes, and pays the expenses. A Gaming
Operation may be operated by the Tribe directly; by a management contractor; or, under certain
conditions, by another person or entity.
31.6.18 “Gaming Resource Supplier” means any person or entity who, directly or
indirectly, manufactures, distributes, supplies, vends, leases, or otherwise purveys Gaming
Resources tot he Gaming Operation.
31.6.19 “Gross Revenue” means the total value due to any operator of any Gaming for
any chance taken or game played, for any table fees for card playing, on account of fees charged
for participation in any Gaming or for admittance to any Gaming Establishment (or any
combination of the foregoing) less the total of all cash paid out as losses to patrons. Gross
Revenue shall be stated in U.S. currency and shall be calculated before any deductions or
allowances for prizes, pay out of winnings, costs of operation, taxes, labor expenses, equipment,
materials used or any other expenses. In the absence of adequate records, Gross Revenue shall
be the maximum amount that would be due to a Gaming operator if the particular Gaming
conducted by said operator was conducted at maximum capacity. Gross Revenue shall not
include:
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(a) Counterfeit money or tokens;
(b) Coins of other countries which are received in slot machines or Gaming Devices;
or
(c) Cash taken in fraudulent acts perpetrated against a Licensee for which the
Licensee is not reimbursed.
31.6.20 “Key Employee” means:
(a) a person who performs one or more of the following functions:
(1) operations manager
(2) bingo caller,
(3) counting room supervisor,
(4) chief of security,
(5) custodian of gaming supplies or cash,
(6) floor manager,
(7) pit boss,
(8) dealer,
(9) croupier,
(10) approver of credit,
(11) custodian of gambling terminals or other devices operated by the
management of any Gaming Operation, including persons with access to
cash and accounting records for such devices; or
(12) — surveillance personnel
(b) — ifnot otherwise included, any other person whose total cash compensation from
employment in any Gaming Operation exceeds $50,000 per year;
(c) if not otherwise included, the four most highly compensated persons in any
Gaming Operation; or
(d) any other employee of any Gaming Operation that the Commission designates by
its Rules as a Key Employee.
31.6.21 “License” means any authorization granted by the Commission, pursuant to this
Code, to any Person which is required for such Person to perform certain acts or engage in
certain activities. All Licenses shall be held at the will of the Commission and the issuance of a
License shall not create a property or liberty interest in such License for the benefit of the
Licensee.
31.6.22 “Licensee” means any Person who has been issued a valid and current License
pursuant to the provisions of this Code.
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31.6.23 “Management Contract” means any contract, subcontract or or collateral
agreement, between an Indian Tribe and a contractor or between a contractor and subcontractor
if such contract or agreement provides for the management of all or part of a Gaming Operation.
31.6.24 “Management Entity” or “Controlling Shareholder’ means:
(a)
(b)
(d)
(e)
any Person having a direct or indirect financial interest in any Management
Contract, including those Persons who, either alone or in combination with a
spouse, parent, child or sibling, own five (5) percent or more of any Management
Entity’s outstanding capital stock;
when a trust is a party to a Management Contract, any beneficiary or trustee of
such trust;
when a partnership is a party to a Management Contract, any partner, general or
limited, in such partnership;
when a corporation is a party to a Management Contract, any Person who is an
officer or director of such corporation, or who holds five (5) percent or more of
the issued and outstanding capital stock of such corporation either alone or in
combination with a spouse, parent, child or sibling; or
with respect to any non-natural Person with an interest in a trust, partnership or
corporation that has an interest in a Management Contract, all beneficiaries,
trustees, partners, or directors of, and stockholders of, such non-natural Person
holding at least five (5) percent of the outstanding stock either alone or in
combination with a spouse, parent, child or sibling.
31.6.25 “Management Fee” means any monies paid from Gaming revenue to any Person
pursuant to an NIGC approved contract to operate a Gaming Establishment. Such term shall not
include monies paid for the operating expenses of such Gaming Establishment.
31.6.26 “Net Revenue” means gross gaming revenues of an Indian gaming operation
less:
(a)
(b)
Amounts paid out as, or paid for prizes;
Total gaming-related operating expenses, including all those expenses of the
Gaming Operation commonly known as operating expenses and non-operating
expenses consistent with professional accounting pronouncements, excluding
Management Fees.
31.6.27 “NIGC” means the National Indian Gaming Commission.
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31.6.28 “Operating Expense” means any expense incurred in the operation of Gaming
that is specifically designated as an Operating Expense in any Management Contract or which by
operation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, consistently applied, is so treated.
31.6.29 “Patron” means any Person who participates in Gaming, or who is physically
present on premises wherein or whereon Gaming is conducted.
31.6.30 “Person” means any association, partnership, corporation, firm, trust or other
form of business association or entity, as well as a natural person.
31.6.31 “Primary Management Officials” means:
(a) the Person(s) having management responsibility over all or any part of any
Gaming Operation;
(b) any Person who has authority;
(i) to hire and fire employees of a Gaming Operation,
(ii) to establish working policy for a Gaming Operation;
(c) the chief financial officer or other Person who has financial management
responsibility for any Gaming Operation;
(d) any other Person designated by the Tribe as a Primary Management Official.
31.6.32 “Reservation” means any Indian lands, as defined by IGRA, over which the Tribe
exercises jurisdiction.
31.6.33 “Rules” means any Rules governing the conduct of games or the control of
internal fiscal affairs of Gaming Operations as may be promulgated by the Commission
established pursuant to this Code.
31.6.34 “Secretary” means the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior.
31.6.35 “State” means the State of California.
31.7 Use of Gaming Revenue. Net Revenues from any form of Gaming authorized under this
Code 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;
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(c) to promote Tribal economic development;
(d) to make donations to charitable organizations; or
(ec) to help fund operations of local government agencies.
31.7.1 Per Capita Payments. Net Revenues from any Class II and/or Class III gaming
activities conducted or licensed by the Tribe may be used to make per capita payments to Tribal
members if:
(a) the Tribe has prepared a plan to allocate the revenues to one or more of the five
uses authorized by 31.7 of this Ordinance;
(b) the plan is approved by the Secretary of the Interior as adequate, particularly with
respect to the uses described in 31.7(a) and 31.7(c) of this Ordinance;
(c) the interests of minors and other legally incompetent persons who are entitled to
receive any of the per capita payments are protected and preserved, and the per
capita payments are disbursed to the parents or legal guardian of such minors or
legal incompetents in such amounts as may be necessary for the health, education,
or welfare of the minor or other legally incompetent person; and
(d) the per capita payments are subject to Federal taxation and the Tribe notifies its
members of such tax liability when payments are made.
31.8 Unauthorized Gaming. Any person who commits any act of unauthorized Gaming on
the Reservation or any other Tribal land shall be guilty of a crime and shall be prosecuted in
Tribal Court or any other court of competent jurisdiction. It is hereby declared that authorized
Class II Gaming or Class III Gaming conducted on the Reservation, or on any other Tribal land
that fully complies with the provisions of this Code, the Rules, the Compact and IGRA shall not
be subject to any criminal penalties.
31.9 Conduct of Games. All Gaming shall be conducted by persons duly licensed by the
Commission. No person licensed by the Commission shall engage in, conduct or condone any
Gaming that is not conducted in accordance with this Code and such Rules governing the
conduct of games as may be promulgated by the Commission under this Code.
31.10 Applicability of Code. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, all provisions of this Code
shall apply to both Class II Gaming and Class III Gaming including, but not limited to, all
licensing and background investigation procedures.
31.11 Establishment of Commission. The Hoopa Valley Tribal Council hereby establishes the
Hoopa Valley Tribal Gaming Commission composed of five (5) members appointed by a
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majority vote of the Council as follows: A Commissioner shall serve for two (2) years and may
be removed from the office prior to the end of the Commissioner’s term with or without cause
and with the 2/3 majority vote of the entire membership of the Council at a regular meeting
thereof. In order to establish an annually staggered Commission appointment schedule, the first
Commission shall be appointed by the Council as follows: two (2) Commissioners shall serve a
two (2) year term; three (3) Commissioners shall serve a three (3) year term, for their initial
terms only. Thereafter, all successive terms of appointment for a Commissioner shall run for
two (2) years. Vacancies on the Commission shall be filled within thirty (30) days by a majority
vote of the Council. The Commission shall select annually, from its membership, a Commission
Chairman.
a) Licensing of Commissioners. Applicants for the position of Commissioner must
meet the requirements of Section 13.11.1 and must first obtain a License from the
Council prior to assuming office.
b) Failure to Meet License Requirements or License Violations. If the Tribal
Chairman or the Council has reason to believe that a Licensed Commissioner fails
at any time to meet the License requirements under this Code or that the
Commissioner has violated this Code, the Rules, the Compact, or the IGRA or
any other applicable law, the Tribal Chairman or the Council shall direct an
investigation to be conducted and may notice the Commissioner for a hearing
before the Council. All investigations and hearings under this Section shall be
conducted as provided in this Code and a Commissioner shall have all of the
rights and obligations given to a Licensee or Applicant therein, except that all
hearings shall be conducted by and before the Council.
c) Appeals of Council Decision. A Commissioner may not appeal a decision of the
Council.
d) Restrictions on Commissioners. No person shall serve on the Commission if that:
(i) person’s other employment or responsibilities conflict or could potentially
conflict with the duties and responsibilities of a member of the
Commission;
(ii) person is an employee of the Gaming Operation or the person’s other
employment or responsibilities create an impression or appearance of
impropriety in the fulfillment of the duties and responsibilities of a
member of the Commission; or
(iii) person is a Judge in any Tribal Court.
31.11.1 All members of the Hoopa Valley Tribal Gaming Commission shall be
subject to the background investigation requirements discussed in section 31.28.
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31.11.2
The Hoopa Valley Tribal Gaming Commission shall select from among its
members a Chairman to communicate with and provide direction to primary management
officials of Tribal Gaming. The Hoopa Valley Tribal Gaming Commission shall select from
among its members a Vice Chairperson.
31.11.2.1
31.11.2.2
31.11.2
Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings of the
Gaming Commission, perform all duties of the Chairperson, and
exercise any authority delegated to the Chairperson. The Chairperson
is responsible for communicating with and providing direction to
gaming management officials. The Chairperson shall vote only when
necessary to break a tie.
Vice Chairperson. The Vice Chairperson shall assist the Chairperson
when called upon to do so. In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice
Chairperson shall preside and when presiding shall have all the rights,
privileges, duties, and responsibilities of the Chairperson.
Quorum, A quorum of the Commission shall consist of three (3)
Commissioners; one of which must be the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson. All decisions shall
require approval from the majority of the Commission, unless particular power is delegated to
the Chairman pursuant to this Code or the Rules.
31.11.4
The authority of the Hoopa Valley Tribal Gaming Commission shall
supervene any other board, commission or committee other than the Tribal Council.
31.11.5
The Hoopa Valley Tribal Gaming Commission shall be charged with, but
not be limited to, the following responsibilities:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
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to perform background investigations, including but not limited to civil,
criminal, credit, social security number, FBI, and prior employment;
promulgate Rules pursuant to this Code, for the operation of games, the
control of internal fiscal affairs of Gaming Operations, and the conduct of
all business before the Commission;
grant, conditionally grant or deny any application for License;
enforce all relevant laws and rules with respect to the gaming operation
and to conduct investigations and hearings with respect thereto;
limit, cancel, revoke, terminate, condition, modify, suspend, or restrict any
License;
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(F)
(G)
(H)
(H)
(I)
(J)
(K)
(L)
(M)
(N)
make findings of suitability or unsuitability;
require the Licensee or Applicant to make restitution for the actual or
consequential damages of any violation of this Code or the Rules;
conduct, or cause to be conducted, background investigations on all
Applicants and Licensees;
hold administrative licensing hearings under this Code;
bring or respond to actions pursuant to this Code or the Rules before the
Tribal Court.
to establish written policies to perform the above duties consistent with the
Tribal Gaming Ordinance, Tribal Law, Federal law, and State Law (if
applicable);
to establish written policies regarding the daily operation of gaming
operations within the exterior boundaries of the Hoopa Valley Indian
Reservation, including but not limited to surveillance, bank deposits,
check cashing, jackpot payouts, internal auditing, security, and customer
relations;
to establish written policies for determining the eligibility of applicants to
obtain a gaming license;
to establish simple and fair rules for hearings before the Hoopa Valley
Tribal Gaming Commission; and
to establish any other written procedures and/or regulations necessary to
safeguard the integrity of gaming and to ensure the safety of all patrons of
Tribal Gaming within the exterior boundaries of the Hoopa Valley Indian
Reservation.
31.11.6 The non-employee, non-contractor with Tribe, or community member may be
appointed to the Hoopa Valley Tribal Gaming Commission. Employees of the Tribe may serve
during their employment. Nothing herein shall prevent the re-appointment of an eligible and
qualified person to the Hoopa Valley Tribal Gaming Commission.
31.11.7 All members of the Hoopa Valley Tribal Gaming Commission serve at the will
of the Hoopa Valley Tribal Council and may be removed with or without cause, upon a majority
vote of the Hoopa Valley Tribal Council at a regular meeting thereof.
31.11.8 All positions on the Commission shall be compensated on a per meeting basis at
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a rate equal to that of Tribal Employment Rights Commission.
31.11.9 Commission Meetings.
(a) Regular Meetings. The Commission shall meet at least twice per month at
the Commission’s main office or at any other designated meeting place.
(b) Special Meetings. Special meetings shall be convened by the Commission
Chairman as necessary to carry out the official duties of the
Commission. Notice of each special meeting shall be given by the
Commission Chairman by telephone or mail to each Commissioner.
Notice shall be received at least 24 hours in advance of such meeting and
shall include the date, time and place of the proposed meeting.
(c) Emergency Meetings. An emergency meeting may be called by the
Chairperson of the Commission with less than 24 hours notice; provided,
however, that the Chairperson of the Commission shall use best efforts to
assure that all Commissioners are notified of such meeting, with as much
prior notice as possible under the circumstances,
(d) Meetings Open to the Public. All meetings of the Commission shall be
open to the public; provided, however, that the Commission may, in its
discretion, close any portion of any meeting to the public when discussing
any information which the Commission deems confidential pursuant to the
provisions of this Code.
31.11.10 Vacancies on the Commission shall be filled within thirty (30) days by a
majority vote of the Council. Vacancies should be filled sooner, if possible, because the Gaming
Commission ensures that the Tribe is fulfilling its obligations under the Compact.
31.11.11 No Financial Interest in Gaming. No Commissioner shall have any direct or
indirect financial interest in any Gaming Operation. For purposes of this section, “indirect
financial interest” shall not include ownership of any mutual fund(s) which holds stock in a
publicly traded company, but shall include direct ownership of such stock. No Commissioner
may accept gratuities or any other thing of value from any Licensee or Applicant.
Commissioners may not gamble in any Gaming Establishment.
31.11.12 Commission Offices. The Commission shall maintain an office in a location
established by the Council. Such office shall serve as the Commission’s main business office and
shall be the site at which Commission records and documents are maintained and stored on a
permanent basis. No individual except a Commissioner, or other authorized employee or agent of
the Commission may possess a key to or may enter any Commission office without the
permission of the Commission. No person may access such records except a Commissioner, a
person duly authorized by the Commission, a Commission, or an attorney for the Commission.
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31.11.13 Commission Record-Keeping. The Commission shall maintain complete
records regarding the following:
(a)
(b)
(d)
Applications, financial statements, fingerprints, contracts, Licenses,
suspension and cancellation notices and correspondences of all
Applicants, including Management Entities or Controlling Shareholders,
Key Employees, Primary Management Officials, Gaming Establishments
and Gaming Device Suppliers;
Commission Licenses;
Meeting minutes from all Commission meetings;
Compact compliance;
Reports relating to customer disputes, complaints or other issues that
affect the integrity of the Gaming Operation;
Commission budget and expenditures;
Council communications and correspondences;
Gaming Device list pursuant to Section 31.24 of this Code; and
Any other records or documents the Commission deems necessary or
appropriate.
31.11.14 Confidentiality. The Commission shall preserve as confidential all information
provided by Applicants and Licensees, provided that the Commission may, in its discretion,
advise the NIGC, or the authorized representatives of any federally recognized Indian tribe
regarding the denial, revocation or withdrawal of any Application or License, or of any
disciplinary action taken regarding any License or Licensee.
31.11.15 Reports. The Commission shall make quarterly reports to the Council within
thirty (30) days after the end of each quarter. Such Reports shall contain the following
information:
(a)
(b)
(c)
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number and types of Licenses issued during the previous year;
information regarding License denials, suspensions or revocations;
report of any events of non-compliance, breach or violations of this Code,
the Rules, the Compact, IGRA, License or any other law or regulation;
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provided, however, that these reports are not the subject of or relating to a
pending investigation of the Commission or hearing before the
Commission;
(d) a report of Commission expenditures for the prior 30-day period;
(e) a summary of any Commission travel and training;
(f) the number of and purpose for any special Commission meeting(s); and
(i) all other information which the Commission deems relevant in order to
keep the Council informed and current on all Gaming regulatory matters.
Nothing in this Section shall authorize or permit the Commission to provide the Council
with any information pertaining to a pending investigation of the Commission, or hearing before
the Commission. The Commission may find that any willful or negligent breach of this provision
presents due cause for removal of the person from office or employment.
31.11.16 Tribal Court. The Tribal Court shall have the authority to impose civil penalties
of up to $500.00 (five hundred dollars) for each violation. Claims of such disclosure may be
presented by the Commission or the Licensee or Applicant affected, provided that any such
claim shall be presented to the Tribal Court within 60 days of the act complained of, or within 60
days the disclosure becomes known, whichever is later.
31.11.17 Budget. The Commission shall establish a budget for its operations, including,
but not limited to, acquisition of such furnishings, equipment, supplies, stationery, books and
other items as it deems necessary or desirable to carry out its functions, and incur such other
expenses, within the limit of funds available to it, as it deems necessary. Such Commission
budget shall be subject to approval by the Council and, once approved by the Council, shall be
funded from the Tribe’s general revenues. Within the limits of its Council approved budget, the
Commission shall employ and fix the salaries of, or contract for the services of, such
professional, technical and operational personnel and consultants as the execution of the
Commission’s duties may require. The Commission budget may, at the Council’s discretion, be
reviewed and modified by the Council every four (4) months. Any surplus remaining in the
Commission’s budget at the end of any budget year shall be refunded to the Council.
31.11.18 Promulgation of Gaming Rules. The Commission may promulgate Rules
governing the conduct of all games authorized by the Compact or IGRA, including Rules
governing all equipment, (e.g. lottery terminals, computers computer programs, chips, cards, pull
tabs, pull tab dispensers), used in such games. The Rules of each authorized game offered shall
be posted in a conspicuous location in every licensed Gaming Establishment.
31.12 Audit
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(A) The Chief Fiscal Officer for the Hoopa Valley Tribe shall cause to be conducted
annually an independent audit of gaming operations and shall submit the resulting audit reports
to the National Indian Gaming Commission.
(B) 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 audit that is described
in subsection (A), above.
31.13 Protection of the Environment and Public Health and Safety. Each gaming facility
shall be constructed, maintained and operated in a manner that adequately protects the
environment and the public health and safety.
31.14 Gaming License Required. The Tribe, through the Hoopa Valley Tribal Gaming
Commission shall ensure that the policies and procedures set out in this section are implemented
with respect to all employees and primary management officials employed at any gaming
enterprise operated on Indian lands. The Commission is hereby authorized to issue all Licenses
for the conduct of all Gaming authorized under this Code or any other License related to Gaming
which the Commission may by Rule require. A right to a hearing shall vest only upon receipt of
a license granted under an ordinance approved by the Chair of the National Indian Gaming
Commission,
31.14.1 Gaming Establishments. The Commission shall issue a separate license to each
place, facility, or location on Indian lands where Class II and/or Class III gaming is conducted
under this Ordinance.
31.14.2 Gaming Resource Supplier. Any Gaming Resource Supplier who, directly or
indirectly, provides, has provided, or is deemed likely to provide at least $25,000 in Gaming
Resources in any 12 month period shall be licensed by the Commission prior to the sale, lease or
distribution of any such Gaming Resources to or in connection with the Gaming Operation.
These licenses shall be reviewed at least every two years for continuing compliance.
31.14.3 Financial Sources. Any person extending financing, directly or indirectly, to the
Tribe’s Gaming Operation shall be licensed by the Commission prior to extending that financing.
These licenses shall be reviewed at least every two years for continuing compliance. However,
the Commission, at its discretion, may exclude from the licensing requirements of this Section,
financing provided by a federally regulated or state-regulated bank, savings and loan, or other
federally or state-regulated lending institution; or any agency of the federal, state or local
government; or any investor who, alone or in conjunction with others, holds less than 10% of any
outstanding indebtedness evidenced by bonds issued by the Tribe.
31.15 Standard for License. Licenses issued hereunder shall be issued according to
requirements at least as stringent as those set forth in the Compact.
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31.16 Application for License.
31.16.1 No License shall be issued under this Code except upon a sworn Application
filed with the Commission, in such form as may be prescribed by the Commission containing a
full and complete showing, at a minimum, of the following:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
satisfactory proof that the Applicant is of good character and reputation,
and is financially responsible;
if applicable, a complete description of the premises at which Gaming will
be conducted;
agreement by the Applicant to abide by all conditions of the License, this
Code, the Rules, the Compact and IGRA;
a separately sworn statement that the Applicant has never been convicted
of, or entered a plea of guilty or no contest to, any of the following
criminal offenses:
(1) any felony, other than a felony conviction for an offense under (2),
(3), or (4), within the preceding ten (10) years; provided, however,
that this record limitation to the preceding ten (10) years shall not
apply to any Applicant which is a Management Entity or
Controlling Shareholder,
(2) any gaming-related offense,
(3) fraud or misrepresentation in any context, or
(4) a violation of any provision of this Code, the Rules, or any other
Code or rules of the Tribe or any state agency regulating or
prohibiting gaming; and
the Applicant’s fulfillment of all applicable requirements of IGRA, all
provisions of this Code, and the Compact.
31.16.2 No License shall be issued to any Applicant who is determined by the
Commission to be a Person whose prior activities, criminal record, reputation, habits or
associations pose a threat to the public interest or to the effective regulation and control of
Gaming, or create or enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices, methods, or
activities in the operation of Gaming or the carrying on of the business and financial
atrangements incidental thereto.
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31.16.3 The issuance of Licenses shall also be subject to the provisions of Section 31.28
of this Code regarding background investigations.
31.16.4 The following notices shall be placed on the application form for a Key
Employee, Management Entity, Primary Management Official or Gaming Device Supplier
before an Applicant completes such form:
(A) “In compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the following information is
provided: Solicitation of the information on this form is authorized by
Chapter 25 U.S.C. §§ 2701 et seq. The purpose of the requested
information is to determine the eligibility of individuals to be granted a
gaming license. The information will be used by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authorities and by the National Indian Gaming Commission
members and staff who have need for the information in the performance
of their official duties. The information may be disclosed by the Tribe or
the NIGC 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 a tribe or the NIGC in connection with the issuance,
denial, or revocation of a gaming License, or investigations of activities
while associated with a tribe or a gaming operation. Failure to consent to
the disclosures indicated in this notice will result in a tribe being unable to
license you for a Primary Management Official 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 application may be grounds 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).”
31.17 Required Application Forms.
31.17.1 Each individual applying for a License, whether as a Primary Management
Official or Key Employee, and any person who is subject to a background investigation in
connection with an entity application for a License, shall be required to complete the following
forms:
(A) Application for Gaming License by Individual, if applicable;
(B) Personal History Record, with attached Personal Financial Questionnaire,
including Statement of Assets and Statement of Liabilities;
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(C) Two Complete Fingerprint Cards;
(D) Request to Release Information - Individual; and
(E) Release of All Claims - Individual.
31.17.2 Each individual in subsection (a) of this Section applying for a License renewal
shall supplement the Personal History Record and shall also be required to complete the
following forms:
(A) Application for Gaming License by Individual, if applicable;
(B) Request to Release Information - Individual; and
(C) Release of All claims -Individual.
31.17.3 Each entity, including a Management Entity and Gaming Device Supplier,
applying for a License must complete the following forms:
(A) Application for Gaming License by Entity;
(B) Request to Release Information - Entity; and
(C) Release of All Claims - Entity.
31.17.4 The Commission may request any additional forms or information from an
Applicant as it deems necessary or appropriate.
31.17.5 Pursuant to the Compact, upon request of the State of California, the Commission
shall forward the Applicant’s Personal History Record and all background information compiled
by the Commission to the State.
31.18 Fingerprint Cards Required. All Applicants for a License are required to submit
fingerprint cards. The Hoopa Tribal Police Department is hereby identified as the law
enforcement agency with law enforcement authority designated to take fingerprints. Pursuant to
25 C.F.R. § 522.2(h), the Commission shall forward an Applicant’s fingerprint card to the
Federal Bureau of Investigation National Criminal Information Center. The Commission may
submit an Applicant’s fingerprint card to any additional tribal, local or state criminal history
check system or center as the Commission deems necessary or appropriate. Reports obtained
from such fingerprint processing shall be incorporated into the Applicant’s personnel file.
31.19 Withdrawal of Application. An Application may not be withdrawn without the
permission of the Commission. An Applicant may request to withdraw an Application by
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submitting to the Commission a written request for withdrawal. The Commission shall retain the
right, in its sole discretion, to grant or deny a request for withdrawal.
31.20 Continuing Duty to Provide Information. Applicants and Licensees shall have a
continuing duty to provide any materials, assistance or other information required by the
Commission, and to fully cooperate in any investigation conducted by or on behalf of the
Commission. If any information provided on the Application changes or becomes inaccurate in
any way, the Applicant or Licensee shall promptly notify the Commission of such changes or
inaccuracies.
31.21 Term of License; License Fees; Parameters of License.
(a) Licenses, except Provisional Licenses, shall be for a term of one year, and shall
expire on the anniversary of the effective date of such License(s).
(b) In order for the Tribe to recover the costs of complying with federal,
Tribal, and state regulatory processes applicable to Class II Gaming and Class III
Gaming, the costs for maintaining the Commission shall, to the maximum extent
practical, be supported by fees paid by Applicants and Licensees. Application and
License fees shall be required:
(1) in accordance with a fee schedule to be established by the
Commission, annually from each party, other than the Tribe, to a
Management Contract;
(2) in accordance with a fee schedule to be established by the Commission
from any Person(s) required to obtain a License;
(3) in addition to the License fees imposed pursuant to subsection (b)(1) and
(2) of this Section, the Commission may impose such fees on Applicants
and Licensees as are reasonably related to costs of enforcement, including
investigations and proceedings before the Commission, and which will in
the aggregate be sufficient to enable the Tribe and the Commission to
recover its reasonable costs of enforcing this Code. Such costs may be
estimated by the Commission and imposed prior to a final Commission
action regarding a particular Licensee or Applicant. If the sum collected
exceeds the actual costs of the matter, the excess shall be returned to the
Applicant or Licensee.
(c) Violations of any provision of this Code or the Rules, or relevant License
provision(s), by a Licensee shall be deemed contrary to the public health, safety,
morals, good order and general welfare of the Tribe and the inhabitants of the
Reservation, and shall be deemed grounds for refusing to grant or renew a
License, suspension or revocation of a License. Acceptance of a License, or
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renewal thereof by a Licensee, constitutes an agreement on the part of the
Licensee to be bound by the provisions of this Code and the Rules as they are
now, or as they may hereafter be amended or restated, and to cooperate fully with
the Commission. It is the responsibility of the Licensee to remain informed of the
contents of this Code, the Rules and all other applicable regulations, amendments,
provisions, and conditions.
31.22 Conditions of License. All Licensees shall comply with such reasonable conditions as
may be fixed by the Commission, including but not limited to the following conditions:
(a)
(b)
Facility Licensees:
(1) _ the Licensee shall at all times maintain an orderly, clean and neat Gaming
Establishment, both inside and outside the premises of the Gaming
Establishment;
(2) the Gaming Establishment shall be subject to patrol by the Tribe’s security
and law enforcement personnel and, when authorized, local and state law
enforcement, and the Licensee shall cooperate at all times with such
security and law enforcement officials;
(3) the Gaming Establishment shall be open to inspection by authorized Tribal
officials at all times during business hours;
(4) there shall be no discrimination in any Gaming Operations by reason of
race, color, sex or creed; provided, however, that nothing herein shall
prevent the Licensee from granting preferences to Indians as permitted by
law; and
Persons, Management Entities and Gaming Device Suppliers licensed by the
Commission shall comply with such conditions of the License as the Commission,
in its reasonable discretion, may require.
31.23 Facility License. The Commission may issue an annual Facility License to a Gaming
Establishment, if the Gaming Establishment:
(a)
(b)
(c)
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is a sound physical structure with adequate and safe plumbing, electrical, heating,
cooling and ventilation systems in place and operational;
has been inspected and approved for safety by a building and fire inspector
designated by the Commission;
is adequate in all respects to accommodate the Gaming intended to be carried out
within the structure;
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(d) — is equipped with security and surveillance equipment meeting or exceeding
provisions set forth in the Tribal-State Compact and the Code;
(e) meets all requirements of applicable federal, tribal and state law; and
(f) has paid all applicable License fees and costs.
31.24 Certification of Gaming Devices. All Gaming Devices purchased, leased or otherwise
acquired by the Tribe must meet the technical equipment standards of the Compact, if any. The
Commission shall maintain a complete list of all Gaming Devices (whether or not such devices
are in use) located at any Gaming Establishment.
31.25 Provisional License. The Commission may issue Provisional Licenses pending the
satisfactory completion of all background investigations and other requirements of this Code,
IGRA, or the Compact, and, if applicable, pending expiration of the thirty (30) day NIGC review
period provided for at 25 C.F.R part 558. If such background investigations are not satisfactorily
completed, a Provisional License shall have no further force or effect. In no event shall a
Provisional License be valid for greater than ninety (90) days.
31.26 Provisional Employment Pending Issuance of License and During Temporary
License Period. As provided in Section 31.25, Primary Management Officials and Key
Employees may be employed in Gaming Operations prior to the issuance of a License hereunder
and during the period that a License shall be effective on a provisional basis, but such
employment shall be provisional only and subject to the requirements of this Section.
Employment may begin prior to issuance of a License only if the Commission, or such other
Tribal agency or official as may be authorized by the Council, has made a preliminary finding of
eligibility for employment in Gaming Operations, which shall require a preliminary
determination that the Primary Management Official or Key Employee in question is not a
person whose prior activities, criminal record or reputation, habits or associations pose a threat to
the public interest or to the effective regulation and control of Gaming, or create or enhance the
dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices, methods, or activities in the operation of
Gaming or the carrying on of the business and financial arrangements incidental thereto.
Provisional employment shall be terminated upon the occurrence of any of the following:
(a) denial of a relevant License by the Commission;
(b) unsatisfactory completion of a background investigation or NIGC review.
resulting in nullification of a provisional License, as described in Section 5.10; or
(c) to the extent required under 25 C.F.R part 558 and, at the end of thirty (30) days
after the starting date of provisional employment, if at the end of such period no
License has been issued hereunder or if a License issued hereunder remains
effective only on a provisional basis, as provided in Section 31.25; provided,
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however, that provisional employees terminated for the reason described in this
subsection shall be qualified for reemployment upon the satisfactory completion
of background investigations and NIGC reviews.
31.27 Assignment or Transfer. No License issued under this Code may be assigned or
transferred unless the proposed assignee or transferee would independently be qualified to hold
the License proposed to be assigned or transferred and the Commission approves of such
assignment or transfer.
31.28 Required Background Investigations. The Commission, or its designated agent under
the supervision and direction of the Commission, is responsible for conducting the background
investigations on all Persons specified in Section 31.14 of this Code. The background
investigation shall include a check of criminal history records information maintained by the
Federal Bureau of Investigations.
31.28.1 Standards for Background Investigations. All background investigations shall be
conducted to ensure that Gaming Operations shall not employ or contract with persons whose
prior activities, or reputation, habits and associations pose a threat to the public interest or to the
effective regulation of Gaming, or create or enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair or illegal
practices and methods and activities in the conduct of such Gaming. Such investigations shall be
conducted according to requirements at least as stringent as those set forth at 25 C.F.R. parts 556
and 558, the Compact, and this Chapter 5. Background investigations shall be conducted in a
manner which takes all reasonable steps to ensure the confidentiality of the information
generated by the investigation as well as that submitted by the Applicants. Any willful or
careless breach of this requirement may result in penalties as provided by Section 31.11.16 of
this Code. Both the Commission and the Tribal Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and decide
upon any such claims, but the jurisdiction of the Tribal Court shall be limited to those matters
which have first been decided by the Commission, or which involve charges against a
Commissioner, which cases shall not be within the jurisdiction of the Commission.
31.28.2 Information Required for Background Investigations.
31.28.2.1 Each Person subject to a background investigation under Section
31.14 of this Code shall be required to provide, subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, at a
minimum, and in such form as designated in Section 31.16.4, or as may be prescribed by
the Commission, all of the following information:
(a) full name, other names used (oral or written), social
security number(s), birth date, place of birth, citizenship,
gender, all languages (spoken and/or written);
(b) currently and for the previous five (5) years, all business
and employment positions held, ownership interests in
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(c)
(d)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Gj)
(k)
those businesses, business and residential addresses, and
driver’s license numbers;
the names and current addresses of at least three (3)
personal references, including one (1) personal reference
who was acquainted with the Applicant during each period
of residence listed under subsection (d) of this Section;
the address(es) for each residence during the last ten (10)
years;
current business and residential telephone numbers, and all
cell phone numbers;
a description of any existing and previous business
relationships with any Native American Indian tribe,
including but not limited to a description of the amount and
type of ownership interest in those businesses;
a description of any existing and previous business
relationships with the gaming industry generally, including
but not limited to a description of the amount and type of
ownership interest in those businesses;
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 any gaming or gambling, whether or
not such license or permit was granted;
for each felony for which there is an ongoing prosecution
or conviction, the charge, the name and address of the court
involved, and the date and disposition, if any;
for each misdemeanor conviction or ongoing misdemeanor
prosecution (excluding minor traffic violations), within ten
(10) years of the date of the application, the name and
address of the court involved and the date and disposition,
if any;
for each criminal charge (excluding minor traffic charges)
whether or not there is a conviction, if such criminal charge
is within 10 years of the date of the application and is not
otherwise listed pursuant to paragraph 31.28.2.1(i) or (j) of
this section, the criminal charge, the name and address of
the court involved and the date and disposition, if any;
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(1) The name and address of a 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;
(m) aphotograph;
(n) any other information the Commission deems relevant; and
(0) fingerprints consistent with the provisions of Section 31.18.
31.28.2.2 Background investigations conducted by the Commission must be
sufficient to allow the Commission to make an eligibility determination described in
Section 31.28.6 of this Ordinance. In conducting a background investigation, the
Commission, and its investigators or its agents, shall make every reasonable effort to
maintain the confidentiality of the identity of each Person interviewed in the course of the
investigation. Willful or careless violations of this requirement are subject to penalties as
provided by this Code.
31.28.3 Issuance of License. The Commission may, subject to the requirements of
Section 31.15, issue a License only after it has determined that the following minimum
requirements have been met:
(a) the Applicant has fully completed all required Application forms and has
provided the Commission with all other information that the Commission
has requested;
(b) — the Applicant meets all of the licensing requirements of this Code;
(c) the Applicant meets all of the licensing requirements and criteria
contained in the Compact;
(d) the Commission has reviewed the Applicant’s criminal history record and
deems the Applicant’s criminal history to be satisfactory to hold a
License;
(e) all applicable License fees and costs have been paid; and
(f) after the required reports have been submitted to NIGC.
31.28.3.1 The Commission shall not issue a license to any Applicant who is
determined by the Commission to be a Person whose prior activities, criminal record,
reputation, habits or associations pose a threat to the public interest or to the effective
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regulation and control of Gaming, or create or enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair,
or illegal practices, methods, or activities in the operation of Gaming or the carrying on
of the business and financial arrangements incidental thereto.
31.28.3.2 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 31.28.2.1, shall be maintained.
31.28.4 Denial of a License Application. The Commission, may deny an Applicant a
License only after it has determined that the minimum requirements contained in Section 31.28.3
have not been met by the Applicant or the Applicant’s Application, or if the Commission
determines that the Applicant is a Person whose prior activities, criminal record, reputation,
habits or associations pose a threat to the public interest or to the effective regulation and control
of Gaming, or create or enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices, methods,
or activities in the operation of Gaming or the carrying on of the business and financial
arrangements incidental thereto.
31.28.5 Cancellation or Suspension. Licensees and Applicants shall be legally
responsible for any violation of this Code, any relevant License provisions, the Rules, the
Compact or IGRA. Any License issued hereunder may be canceled, limited, revoked, suspended,
terminated or modified by the Commission for the breach of any of the provisions of the License,
this Code, or Rules, provided that a notice and hearing is provided to the licensee, In addition:
(a) unless otherwise stated in this Code or the Rules, a Licensee’s
spokesperson has the right to be present and to participate in the hearing
concerning the cancellation, limitation, revocation, suspension,
termination or modification of a License;
(b) a License may not be summarily suspended, without a prior hearing; and
(c) all decisions of the Commission regarding the cancellation, limitation,
revocation, suspension, termination or modification of Licenses shall be
final, unless appealed as provided in Section 31.24 of this Code. No
Gaming shall be conducted by the Licensee after cancellation, even during
the pendency of an appeal.
31.28.6 Eligibility Determination and Procedures for Forwarding Applications and
Reports for Key Employees and Primary Management Officials to the National Indian Gaming
Commission.
(a) Before an individual can be employed by the Gaming Operation the
Commission shall make a finding concerning the eligibility of an
Applicant to receive a license for a Primary Management Official or Key
Employee position.
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(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
The Commission shall review an Applicant’s prior activities, criminal
record, if any, and reputation, habits and associations to make a finding
concerning the eligibility of a Key Employee or Primary Management
Official for receiving a gaming license and employment in a Gaming
Operation.
If the Commission, in applying the standards adopted in this Ordinance,
determines that licensing and employment of the Person poses a threat to
the public interest or to the effective regulation of gaming, or creates or
enhances dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices, and methods
and/or activities in the conduct of Gaming, the Gaming Operation shall not
license nor employ that Person.
When a Key Employee or Primary Management Official commences work
at a Gaming Operation prior to being issued a license, the Gaming
Commission shall within a reasonable period of time forward to the NIGC
the notice of results for such Key Employee or Primary Management
Official, and shall conduct all necessary background investigations. The
Commission shall notify NIGC of the issuance of a license within 30 days
of its issuance. The Commission shall make the eligibility determination
referred to in subsection (a) of this Section. Copies of the eligibility
determination shall be included with the notice of results that must be
submitted to the NIGC before the licensing of a Primary Management
Official or Key Employee.
The Tribe shall create and maintain an investigative report for each
background investigation of a Primary Management Official or Key
Employee. The investigative reports shall, at a minimum, include all of the
following information:
(1) steps taken in conducting the background investigation;
(2) results obtained;
(3) conclusions reached by the Commission;
(4) the Commission’s basis for those conclusions; and
Before issuing a license to a Primary Management Official or Key
Employee, the Commission shall prepare a notice of results of the
Applicant’s background investigation to submit to the NIGC. The notice
of results must be submitted to the NIGC no later than sixty (60) days after
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the Applicant begins working for the Tribe. The notice of results shall
include the following information:
(i) the applicant’s name, date of birth, and social security
number;
(ii) date on which the applicant began, or will begin, working
as a Key Employee or Primary Management Official; and
(iii) asummary of the information presented in the investigative
report, which shall include:
(A) _ license(s) 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 (10) years of the date
of the application;
(D) _ every felony of which the applicant has been
convicted or any ongoing prosecution; and
(E) _acopy of the eligibility determination made in
accordance with Section 31.28.6(a)-(d).
(g) | No Gaming Operation shall employ an individual in a Key Employee or
Primary Management Official position who does not have a License after
ninety (90) days of commencing work at a Gaming Operation.
(h) =‘ Ifa License is not issued to an Applicant, the Commission shall:
(1) notify the NIGC; and
(2) forward copies of its eligibility determination, notice of results of
the applicant’s background investigation, and any relevant report
regarding a background investigation of the Applicant to the NIGC
for inclusion in the Indian Gaming Individuals Records System.
31.28.7 Records Retention. With respect to Key Employees and Primary Management
Officials, applications for licensing, investigative reports, and eligibility determination shall be
retained by the Gaming Commission for inspection by the Chairman or his designee for no less
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than three (3) years from the date of termination of employment of each Key Employee or
Primary Management Official.
31.28.8 Granting a Gaming License. The Commission is responsible for granting and
issuing gaming licenses to Primary Management Officials and Key Employees and shall notify
the NIGC of the issuance of a license to a Primary Management Official or Key Employee
within thirty (30) days of issuance.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
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All Primary Management Officials and Key Employees of the Gaming
Operation must have a gaming license issued by the Tribe. The
Commission may license a Primary Management Official or Key
Employee Applicant after submitting a notice of results of the Applicant’s
background investigation to the NIGC as required by Section 31.28.2.
If, within a thirty (30) day period after the NIGC receives all required
Applications and reports, the NIGC notifies the Tribe that it has no
objection to the issuance of a License pursuant to a License Application
filed by a Key Employee or a Primary Management Official, the
Commission may issue a License to such Applicant.
The Commission shall respond in a timely manner to requests for
additional information from the Chairman concerning Key Employees or
Primary Management Officials who are the subject of any report filed with
the NIGC by the Commission. Any such request by the Chairman shall
suspend the thirty (30) day period referred to in this Section until the
Chairman receives the additional information requested.
If, within a thirty (30) day period after the NIGC receives from the
Commission a notice of results of the Applicant’s background
investigation, the NIGC provides the Tribe with a statement of itemized
objections to the issuance of a License to a Key Employee or to a Primary
Management Official for whom the Commission has submitted an
application and all required reports to the NIGC, the Commission shall
reconsider the application within 30 days, taking into account the
statement of itemized objections from the NIGC. The Commission shall
take the NIGC’s objections into account when reconsidering a license
application.
The Commission shall make the final decision whether to issue a License
to such Applicant.
If the Commission has issued a license to a Primary Management Official
or Key Employee before receiving the NIGC’s statement of objections,
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Amended September 30, 2021
notice and a hearing shall be provided to the Licensee, as required by
Section 31.29.
_ 31.28.9 License Revocation and Suspension Following Receipt of Information from
NIGC.
(a) If, after the issuance of a License, the Tribe receives information from the
NIGC indicating that a Management Entity or Controlling Shareholder,
Key Employee, or Primary Management Official is not eligible for
employment, the Commission shall immediately suspend the License,
shall provide the Licensee with written notice of the suspension and
potential revocation, and provide the Licensee with notice of a time and
place for a hearing on the proposed License revocation.
(b) After a hearing, the Commission shall decide whether to revoke or
reinstate a License suspended pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section.
The Commission shall notify the NIGC of its decision to revoke or
reinstate a license within forty-five (45) days of receiving notification
from the NIGC that a Primary Management Official or Key Employee is
not eligible for employment. A decision of the Commission to revoke a
License after the hearing called for by subsection (a) of this Section shall
be final and there shall be no appeal. A Management Entity whose
License has been revoked or suspended pursuant to this Section may not
operate a Gaming Operation.
31.28.10 Nothing herein shall create a property interest in the issuance or retention of a
license provided for this Code.
31.28.11 Failure of an employee or primary management official to obtain or maintain a
gaming license shall be grounds for immediate termination. Nothing herein shall grant or
otherwise create any property interest in employment or continued employment at any gaming
facility on Indian lands.
31.29 Scope of Rules of Procedure. All License hearings, enforcement hearings and exclusion
hearings conducted pursuant to this Code shall be governed by this Chapter.
31.29.1 Hearings.
(a) The Commission shall afford an Applicant an opportunity for a hearing
prior to any final action by the Commission on a Application, other than
an unconditional grant of a License.
(b) | The Commission shall afford a Licensee the opportunity for a hearing
prior to taking final action resulting in the revocation of the License or the
Gaming Ordinance Page 29
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Amended June 06, 2002
Amended February 14, 2020
Amended September 30, 2021
imposition of any penalties which the Commission is authorized to impose
pursuant to these Rules and the Code.
(c) Nothing in this Section shall limit the Commission’s authority to
summarily suspend or revoke a License pursuant to Section 31.28.5(b) of
this Code.
31.29,2 Notice of Hearing.
(a) The Commission shall post notice of any hearing in a prominent,
noticeable place in the Tribe's Executive Office at least seven (7) days
prior to the hearing. The day the notice is posted shall be considered a full
day’s notice under this Section. The notice shall state the date, time and
place of the hearing.
(b) | The Commission shall also provide written notice to the Applicant or
Licensee of the hearing at least seven (7) days prior to the date set for the
hearing. The day the Applicant or Licensee receives the notice shall be
considered a full day’s notice under this Section. The notice shall be sent
by registered or certified mail, or may be personally served upon the
Applicant or Licensee. The notice shall state the date, time and place of
the hearing. The notice shall also contain an indication of the action(s)
being considered by the Commission, including, but not limited to:
(1) whether the Commission is holding the hearing for the
purpose of obtaining further information from the
Applicant;
(2) whether the Commission will be considering the grant or
denial of the License Application;
(3) whether the Commission will be examining any alleged
violations of the Code, the Compact, the IGRA, the
conditions of any License issued by the Commission, any
order by the Commission, or any other applicable laws,
regulations or agreements; or
(4) whether any other sanctions or penalties will be considered.
The notice shall also contain a short, plain statement of the reasons the
Commission determines the hearing is necessary.
31.29.3 Ex Parte Communications.
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Amended June 06, 2002
Amended February 14, 2020
Amended September 30, 2021
[OCR skipped on page(s) 31-41]
[Read from a scan; the first 30 pages.]
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.