SAC AND FOX GAMING COMMISSION
 
 

 

What is the Sac and Fox Gaming Commission?

The Sac and Fox Gaming Commission is a regulatory body established and authorized by the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa in order to regulate all gaming operations governed by the Sac and Fox Gaming Ordinance.

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What is the purpose of the Sac and Fox Gaming Commission?

The Sac and Fox Gaming Commission is the primary regulator of gaming on Sac and Fox tribal lands and may adopt all rules and regulations deemed necessary to carry out the Sac and Fox Gaming Ordinance. The tribal Ordinance regulates the conduct of Class II and Class III gaming activities conducted on Sac and Fox Tribal lands in order to generate revenue for the operation of tribal government programs and services, promote tribal self-sufficiency and economic development, shield the operation of gaming from organized crime and other corrupting influences, and assure that gaming is conducted fairly and honestly by both the operator and players.

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How many members are on the Sac and Fox Gaming Commission?

The Sac and Fox Gaming Commission is comprised of not less than three (3) and not more than five (5) members. The Commissioners shall be appointed by the Sac and Fox Tribal Council for such term as the Tribal Council may determine.

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What are some of the duties of the Sac and Fox Gaming Commission?

• Issue, deny, review, suspend or revoke Gaming Licenses for all employees, agents or contractors
• Monitor all gaming operations for compliance with the Sac and Fox Gaming Ordinance and take appropriate action for non-compliance or fraudulent practice
• Adopt gaming operation standards such as internal controls, regulation of the prize and wagering structure, and payout rates
• Inspect and examine all premises where gaming is conducted or gambling devices and equipment are manufactured, sold or distributed and any equipment and supplies which may or have been used in the gaming establishment, wherever located
• Seize, remove, and impound equipment, supplies, or other property for examination; or seize and impound a patron’s winnings when there is reason to believe that the Gaming Ordinance has been violated pending civil forfeiture hearings or criminal proceedings
• Access, inspect, examine, copy and audit all papers, books, and records of applicants and licensees regarding any revenue or income produced by any gaming business
• Conduct investigations of any alleged misconduct, take enforcement action and make appropriate referrals to tribal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
• Conduct hearings, issue subpoenas, take disciplinary actions, levy fines, and issue closure orders
• Provide adequate, continuous security and videotaping of all gaming activities
• Approve non-management contracts
• Report to the Sac and Fox Tribal Council
• Take any other action as may be reasonable and appropriate to enforce the Gaming Ordinance and the rules and regulations of the Commission

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What are some of the primary documents which the Sac and Fox Gaming Commission uses to regulate gaming on tribal lands?

• The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. §§ 2701 et. seq. and 18 U.S.C. §§ 1166-1168
• Tribal/State Gaming Compact, effective date December 20, 2004
• Sac and Fox Gaming Ordinance, Title 11, Section 11-1101 et. seq.
• Sac and Fox Gaming Regulations, revised November 20, 2004
• Sac and Fox Minimum Internal Control Standards and federal Minimum Internal Control Standards
• Other applicable laws

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What is the role of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) in regulating Class II and III gaming on tribal lands?

The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) is a federal Commission established within the Department of the Interior by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Currently, NIGC acts as federal oversight over the tribal regulatory body. This is another level of regulation of Indian gaming.

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What is Class II and Class III gaming?

Class II games include bingo and, when played in the same location as bingo, pull tabs, lotto, punch boards, tip jars, instant bingo, other games similar to bingo; and non-house banked card games authorized or not explicitly prohibited by the State of Iowa. Class III games include, but are not limited to the following: gambling devices, dice games, wheel games, card games, pari-mutuel wagering on horses and dogs, lotteries, sports betting pools and sports betting including parlay cards. The NIGC Office of General Counsel reviews games on request by a tribe or a game developer and issues advisory opinions on whether they are Class II or Class III. Class III games are generally considered casino-style games.

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