[Title 25 CFR III]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - April 1, 2004 Edition]
[Title 25 - INDIANS]
[Chapter III - NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF THE]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
25INDIANS12004-04-012004-04-01falseNATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF THEIIICHAPTER IIIINDIANS
CHAPTER III--NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF THE
INTERIOR
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SUBCHAPTER A--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Part Page
501 Purpose and scope of this chapter........... 751
502 Definitions of this chapter................. 751
503 Commission information collection
requirements under the Paperwork
Reduction Act: OMB control numbers and
expiration dates........................ 754
504-512 [Reserved]
513 Debt Collection............................. 755
514 Fees........................................ 762
515 Privacy Act procedures...................... 765
516 Testimony of commissioners and employees and
former commissioners and former
employees respecting official duties;
response to subpoena.................... 768
517 Freedom of Information Act procedures....... 770
518 Self regulation of class II gaming.......... 776
519 Service..................................... 782
SUBCHAPTER B--APPROVAL OF CLASS II AND CLASS III ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS
520-521 [Reserved]
522 Submission of gaming ordinance or resolution 784
523 Review and approval of existing ordinances
or resolutions.......................... 786
524 Appeals..................................... 787
525-529 [Reserved]
SUBCHAPTER C--MANAGEMENT CONTRACT PROVISIONS
530 [Reserved]
531 Content of management contracts............. 789
532 [Reserved]
533 Approval of management contracts............ 790
534 [Reserved]
535 Post-approval procedures.................... 793
536 [Reserved]
[[Page 750]]
537 Background investigations for persons or
entities with a financial interest in,
or having management responsibility for,
a management contract................... 794
538 [Reserved]
539 Appeals..................................... 797
SUBCHAPTER D--HUMAN SERVICES
540-541 [Reserved]
542 Minimum internal control standards.......... 798
543-549 [Reserved]
SUBCHAPTER E--GAMING LICENSES AND BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS FOR KEY
EMPLOYEES AND PRIMARY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS
550-555 [Reserved]
556 Background investigations for primary
management officials and key employees.. 877
557 [Reserved]
558 Gaming licenses for key employees and
primary management officials............ 897
559 [Reserved]
SUBCHAPTER F [RESERVED]
560-569 [Reserved]
SUBCHAPTER G--COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS
570 [Reserved]
571 Monitoring and investigations............... 881
572 [Reserved]
573 Enforcement................................. 883
574 [Reserved]
575 Civil fines................................. 885
576 [Reserved]
577 Appeals before the Commission............... 886
578-579 [Reserved]
SUBCHAPTER H [RESERVED]
580-589 [Reserved]
SUBCHAPTER I [RESERVED]
590-599 [Reserved]
[[Page 751]]
SUBCHAPTER A_GENERAL PROVISIONS
PART 501_PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER--Table of Contents
Sec.
501.1 Purpose.
501.2 Scope.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2706, 2710.
Source: 58 FR 5810, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 501.1 Purpose.
This chapter implements the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (Pub. L.
100-497, 102 Stat. 2467).
Sec. 501.2 Scope.
(a) Tribes and other operators of class II and class III gaming
operations on Indian lands shall conduct gaming operations according to
the requirements of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the regulations of
this chapter, tribal law and, where applicable, the requirements of a
compact or procedures prescribed by the Secretary under 25 U.S.C.
2710(d).
(b) Class I gaming on Indian lands is within the exclusive
jurisdiction of the Indian tribes and shall not be subject to the
provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act or this chapter.
(c) Class II gaming on Indian lands shall continue to be within the
jurisdiction of an Indian tribe, but shall be subject to the provisions
of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and this chapter.
(d) Nothing in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act or this chapter
shall impair the right of an Indian tribe to regulate class III gaming
on its Indian lands concurrently with a State, except to the extent that
such regulation is inconsistent with, or less stringent than, the State
laws and regulations made applicable by a Tribal-State compact that is
entered into by an Indian tribe under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act
and that is in effect.
PART 502_DEFINITIONS OF THIS CHAPTER--Table of Contents
Sec.
502.1 Chairman.
502.2 Class I gaming.
502.3 Class II gaming.
502.4 Class III gaming.
502.5 Collateral agreement.
502.6 Commission.
502.7 Electronic, computer or other technologic aid.
502.8 Electronic or electromechanical facsimile.
502.9 Other games similar to bingo.
502.10 Gaming operation.
502.11 House banking game.
502.12 Indian lands.
502.13 Indian tribe.
502.14 Key employee.
502.15 Management contract.
502.16 Net revenues.
502.17 Person having a direct or indirect financial interest in a
management contract.
502.18 Person having management responsibility for a management
contract.
502.19 Primary management official.
502.20 Secretary.
502.21 Tribal-State compact.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.
Source: 57 FR 12392, Apr. 9, 1992, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 502.1 Chairman.
Chairman means the Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission
or his or her designee.
Sec. 502.2 Class I gaming.
Class I gaming means:
(a) Social games played solely for prizes of minimal value; or
(b) Traditional forms of Indian gaming when played by individuals in
connection with tribal ceremonies or celebrations.
Sec. 502.3 Class II gaming.
Class II gaming means:
(a) Bingo or lotto (whether or not electronic, computer, or other
technologic aids are used) when players:
(1) Play for prizes with cards bearing numbers or other
designations;
(2) Cover numbers or designations when object, similarly numbered or
designated, are drawn or electronically determined; and
(3) Win the game by being the first person to cover a designated
pattern on such cards;
[[Page 752]]
(b) If played in the same location as bingo or lotto, pull-tabs,
punch boards, tip jars, instant bingo, and other games similar to bingo;
(c) Nonbanking card games that:
(1) State law explicitly authorizes, or does not explicitly
prohibit, and are played legally anywhere in the state; and
(2) Players play in conformity with state laws and regulations
concerning hours, periods of operation, and limitations on wagers and
pot sizes;
(d) Card games played in the states of Michigan, North Dakota, South
Dakota, or Washington if:
(1) An Indian tribe actually operates the same card games as played
on or before May 1, 1988, as determined by the Chairman; and
(2) The pot and wager limits remain the same as on or before May 1,
1988, as determined by the Chariman;
(e) Individually owned class II gaming operations--
(1) That were operating on September 1, 1986;
(2) That meet the requirements of 25 U.S.C. 2710(b)(4)(B);
(3) Where the nature and scope of the game remains as it was on
October 17, 1988; and
(4) Where the ownership interest or interests are the same as on
October 17, 1988.
Sec. 502.4 Class III gaming.
Class III gaming means all forms of gaming that are not class I
gaming or class II gaming, including but not limited to:
(a) Any house banking game, including but not limited to--
(1) Card games such as baccarat, chemin de fer, blackjack (21), and
pai gow (if played as house banking games);
(2) Casino games such as roulette, craps, and keno;
(b) Any slot machines as defined in 15 U.S.C. 1171(a)(1) and
electronic or electromechanical facsimiles of any game of chance;
(c) Any sports betting and parimutuel wagering including but not
limited to wagering on horse racing, dog racing or jai alai; or
(d) Lotteries.
Sec. 502.5 Collateral agreement.
Collateral agreement means any contract, whether or not in writing,
that is related, either directly or indirectly, to a management
contract, or to any rights, duties or obligations created between a
tribe (or any of its members, entities, or organizations) and a
management contractor or subcontractor (or any person or entity related
to a management contractor or subcontractor).
Sec. 502.6 Commission.
Commission means the National Indian Gaming Commission.
Sec. 502.7 Electronic, computer or other technologic aid.
(a) Electronic, computer or other technologic aid means any machine
or device that:
(1) Assists a player or the playing of a game;
(2) Is not an electronic or electromechanical facsimile; and
(3) Is operated in accordance with applicable Federal communications
law.
(b) Electronic, computer or other technologic aids include, but are
not limited to, machines or devices that:
(1) Broaden the participation levels in a common game;
(2) Facilitate communication between and among gaming sites; or
(3) Allow a player to play a game with or against other players
rather than with or against a machine.
(c) Examples of electronic, computer or other technologic aids
include pull tab dispensers and/or readers, telephones, cables,
televisions, screens, satellites, bingo blowers, electronic player
stations, or electronic cards for participants in bingo games.
[67 FR 41172, June 17, 2002]
Sec. 502.8 Electronic or electromechanical facsimile.
Electronic or electromechanical facsimile means a game played in an
electronic or electromechanical format that replicates a game of chance
by incorporating all of the characteristics of the game, except when,
for bingo, lotto, and other games similar to bingo, the electronic or
electromechanical format broadens
[[Page 753]]
participation by allowing multiple players to play with or against each
other rather than with or against a machine.
[67 FR 41172, June 17, 2002]
Sec. 502.9 Other games similar to bingo.
Other games similar to bingo means any game played in the same
location as bingo (as defined in 25 USC 2703(7)(A)(i)) constituting a
variant on the game of bingo, provided that such game is not house
banked and permits players to compete against each other for a common
prize or prizes.
[67 FR 41172, June 17, 2002]
Sec. 502.10 Gaming operation.
Gaming operation means each economic entity that is licensed by a
tribe, operates the games, receives the revenues, issues the prizes, and
pays the expenses. A gaming operation may be operated by a tribe
directly; by a management contractor; or, under certain conditions, by
another person or other entity.
Sec. 502.11 House banking game.
House banking game means any game of chance that is played with the
house as a participant in the game, where the house takes on all
players, collects from all losers, and pays all winners, and the house
can win.
Sec. 502.12 Indian lands.
Indian lands means:
(a) Land within the limits of an Indian reservation; or
(b) Land over which an Indian tribe exercises governmental power and
that is either--
(1) Held in trust by the United States for the benefit of any Indian
tribe or individual; or
(2) Held by an Indian tribe or individual subject to restriction by
the United States against alienation.
Sec. 502.13 Indian tribe.
Indian tribe means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other
organized group or community of Indians that the Secretary recognizes
as--
(a) Eligible for the special programs and services provided by the
United States to Indians because of their status as Indians; and
(b) Having powers of self-government.
Sec. 502.14 Key employee.
Key employee means:
(a) A person who performs 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;
(b) If not otherwise included, any other person whose total cash
compensation is in excess of $50,000 per year; or,
(c) If not otherwise included, the four most highly compensated
persons in the gaming operation.
Sec. 502.15 Management contract.
Management contract means any contract, subcontract, or collateral
agreement between an Indian tribe and a contractor or between a
contractor and a subcontractor if such contract or agreement provides
for the management of all or part of a gaming operation.
Sec. 502.16 Net revenues.
Net revenues means gross gaming revenues of an Indian gaming
operation less--
(a) Amounts paid out as, or paid for, prizes; and
(b) Total gaming-related operating expenses, excluding management
fees.
Sec. 502.17 Person having a direct or indirect financial interest
in a management contract.
Person having a direct or indirect financial interest in a
management contract means:
(a) When a person is a party to a management contract, any person
having a direct financial interest in such management contract;
[[Page 754]]
(b) When a trust is a party to a management contract, any
beneficiary or trustee;
(c) When a partnership is a party to a management contract, any
partner;
(d) When a corporation is a party to a management contract, any
person who is a director or who holds at least 10% of the issued and
outstanding stock alone or in combination with another stockholder who
is a spouse, parent, child or sibling; or
(e) When an entity other than a natural person has an interest in a
trust, partnership or corporation that has an interest in a management
contract, all parties of that entity are deemed to be persons having a
direct financial interest in a management contract.
Sec. 502.18 Person having management responsibility for a management
contract.
Person having management responsibility for a management contract
means the person designated by the management contract as having
management responsibility for the gaming operation, or a portion
thereof.
Sec. 502.19 Primary management official.
Primary management official means:
(a) The person having management responsibility for a management
contract;
(b) Any person who has authority:
(1) To hire and fire employees; or
(2) To set up working policy for the gaming operation; or
(c) The chief financial officer or other person who has financial
management responsibility.
Sec. 502.20 Secretary.
Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
Sec. 502.21 Tribal-State compact.
Tribal-State compact means an agreement between a tribe and a state
about class III gaming under 25 U.S.C. 2710(d).
PART 503_COMMISSION INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE
PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT: OMB CONTROL NUMBERS AND EXPIRATION DATES
--Table of Contents
Sec.
503.1 Purpose of this part.
503.2 Display of control numbers and expiration dates.
Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
Source: 58 FR 16495, Mar. 29, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 503.1 Purpose of this part.
This part displays the control numbers and expiration dates assigned
to information collection requirements of the National Indian Gaming
Commission (NIGC, or the Commission) assigned by the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) pursuant to the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1980, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
Sec. 503.2 Display of control numbers and expiration dates.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currently
assigned OMB Expiration
Part or section number of title 25 CFR control date
numbers
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Sec. 514.1 (submission of fee reports) 3141-0007 6/30/94
Sec. 515.3 (request for access to 3141-0002 10/31/95
records)...............................
Sec. 515.5 (request for amendment to 3141-0002 10/31/95
records)...............................
Sec. 515.7 (appeals).................. 3141-0002 10/31/95
Part 519 (designation of agent for 3141-0003 10/31/95
service)...............................
Sec. 522.2 (submission and approval of 3141-0003 10/31/95
new ordinances)........................
Sec. 522.3 (amendment)................ 3141-0003 10/31/95
Sec. 522.12 (revocation of class III 3141-0003 10/31/95
gaming)................................
Sec. 523.2 (submission and approval of 3141-0003 10/31/95
existing ordinances)...................
Sec. 523.4 (amendment)................ 3141-0003 10/31/95
Part 524 (appeals)...................... 3141-0003 10/31/95
Sec. 533.3 (approval of management 3141-0004 10/31/95
contracts).............................
Sec. 533.5 (modifications)............ 3141-0004 10/31/95
Sec. 535.1 (post-approval procedures). 3141-0004 10/31/95
[[Page 755]]
Part 537 (background investigations).... 3141-0004 10/31/95
Part 539 (appeals)...................... 3141-0004 10/31/95
Sec. 556.4 (background investigations 3141-0003 10/31/95
for class II gaming)...................
Sec. 556.5 (background investigations) 3141-0003 10/31/95
Part 558 (gaming licenses).............. 3141-0003 10/31/95
Sec. 571.7 (maintenance of records)... 3141-0001 7/31/95
Sec. 571.12 (audits).................. 3141-0001 7/31/95
Sec. 571.13 (audits).................. 3141-0001 7/31/95
Sec. 571.14 (audit reconciliation).... 3141-0001 7/31/95
Sec. 575.5 (information to Chairman).. 3141-0001 7/31/95
Sec. 575.6 (penalty reduction)........ 3141-0001 7/31/95
Sec. 577.3 (notice of appeal)......... 3141-0001 7/31/95
Sec. 577.8 (confidentiality).......... 3141-0001 7/31/95
Sec. 577.12 (intervention)............ 3141-0001 7/31/95
Sec. 577.14 (objections).............. 3141-0001 7/31/95
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PARTS 504 512 [RESERVED]
PART 513_DEBT COLLECTION--Table of Contents
Subpart A_General Provisions
Sec.
513.1 What definitions apply to the regulations in this part?
513.2 What is the Commission's authority to issue these regulations?
513.3 What happens to delinquent debts owed to the Commission?
513.4 What notice will the Commission give to a debtor of the
Commission's intent to collect debts?
513.5 What is the Commission's policy on interest, penalty charges, and
administrative costs?
513.6 What are the requirements for offset review?
513.7 What is the Commission's policy on revoking a debtor's ability to
engage in Indian gaming for failure to pay a debt?
Subpart B_Administrative and Tax Refund Offset
513.20 What debts can the Commission refer to Treasury for collection by
administrative and tax refund offset?
513.21 What notice will a debtor be given of the Commission's intent to
collect a debt through administrative and tax refund offset?
Subpart C_Salary Offset
513.30 When may the Commission use salary offset to collect debts?
513.31 What notice will the Commission, as the creditor agency, give a
debtor that salary offset will occur?
513.32 What are the hearing procedures when the Commission is the
creditor agency?
513.33 Will the Commission issue a certification when the Commission is
the creditor agency?
513.34 What opportunity is there for a voluntary repayment agreement
when the Commission is the creditor agency?
513.35 What special review is available when the Commission is the
creditor agency?
513.36 Under what conditions will the Commission refund amounts
collected by salary offset?
513.37 What will the Commission do as the paying agency?
Subpart D_Administrative Wage Garnishment
513.40 How will the Commission handle debt collection through
administrative wage garnishment?
Authority: 31 U.S.C. 3711, 3716-3718, 3720A, 3720D; 5 U.S.C. 5514;
25 U.S.C. 2713(a)(1).
Source: 66 FR 58057, Nov. 20, 2001, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A_General Provisions
Sec. 513.2 What is the Commission's authority to issue these regulations?
(a) The Commission has authority to issue these regulations under 25
U.S.C. 2713(a)(1) of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The Commission is
issuing the regulations in this part under the authority of: The FCCS,
the Debt Collection Act of 1982 and the Debt Collection Improvement Act
of 1996, 31 U.S.C. 3711, 3716-3718, and 3720A. In addition, the salary
offset provisions are issued in conformity with 5 U.S.C. 5514 and its
implementing regulations published at 5 CFR part 550, subpart K.
(b) The Commission hereby adopts the provisions of the FCCS (31 CFR
parts 900-904). The Commission's regulations supplement the FCCS as
necessary.
Sec. 513.3 What happens to delinquent debts owed to the Commission?
(a) The Commission will collect debts in accordance with these
regulations in this part.
[[Page 757]]
(b) The Commission will transfer to the Department of the Treasury
any past due, legally enforceable nontax debt that has been delinquent
for 180 days or more so that Treasury may take appropriate action to
collect the debt or terminate collection action in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 5514, 26 U.S.C. 6402, 31 U.S.C. 3711 and 3716, the FCCS, 5 CFR
550.1108, and 31 CFR part 285.
(c) The Commission may transfer any past due, legally enforceable
nontax debt that has been delinquent for fewer than 180 days to the
Department of Treasury for collection in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5514,
26 U.S.C. 6402, 31 U.S.C. 3711 and 3716, the FFCS, 5 CFR 550.1108, and
31 CFR part 285.
Sec. 513.4 What notice will the Commission give to a debtor of the
Commission's intent to collect debts?
(a) When the Chairman determines that a debt is owed to the
Commission, the Chairman will send a written notice (Notice), also known
as a demand letter. The Notice will be sent by facsimile or mail to the
most current address known to the Commission. The Notice will inform the
debtor of the following:
(1) The amount, nature, and basis of the debt;
(2) The methods of offset that may be employed;
(3) The debtor's opportunity to inspect and copy agency records
related to the debt;
(4) The debtor's opportunity to enter into a written agreement with
the Commission to repay the debt;
(5) The Commission's policy concerning interest, penalty charges,
and administrative costs, as set out in Sec. 513.5, including a
statement that such assessments must be made against the debtor unless
excused in accordance with the FCCS and this part;
(6) The date by which payment should be made to avoid late charges
and enforced collection;
(7) The name, address, and telephone number of a contact person or
office at the Commission that is available to discuss the debt; and
(8) The debtor's opportunity for review.
(b) A debtor whose debt arises from a notice of violation and/or
civil fine assessment that has become a final order and that was subject
to the Commission's appeal procedures at 25 CFR part 577 may not re-
litigate matters that were the subject of the final order.
Sec. 513.5 What is the Commission's policy on interest, penalty
charges, and administrative costs?
(a) Interest.
(1) The Commission will assess interest on all delinquent debts
unless prohibited by statute, regulation, or contract.
(2) Interest begins to accrue on all debts from the date that the
debt becomes delinquent. The Commission will assess interest at the rate
established annually by the Secretary of the Treasury under 31 U.S.C.
3717.
(b) Penalties. The Commission will assess a penalty charge of 6
percent a year on any portion of a delinquent debt.
(c) Administrative costs. The Commission will assess charges to
cover administrative costs incurred as a result of the debtor's failure
to pay a debt before it becomes delinquent. Administrative costs include
the cost of providing a copy of the file to the debtor and costs
incurred in processing and handling the debt because it became
delinquent, such as costs incurred in obtaining a credit report or in
using a private collection contractor, or service fees charged by a
Federal agency for collection activities undertaken on behalf of the
Commission.
(d) Interest, penalties, and administrative costs will continue to
accrue throughout any appeal process.
(e) Allocation of payments. A partial or installment payment by a
debtor will be applied first to outstanding penalty assessments, second
to administrative costs, third to accrued interest, and fourth to the
outstanding debt principal.
(f) Additional authority. The Commission may assess interest,
penalty charges, and administrative costs on debts that are not subject
to 31 U.S.C. 3717 to the extent authorized under common law or other
applicable statutory authority.
(g) Waiver. (1) Regardless of the amount of the debt, the Chairman
may decide to waive collection of all or part
[[Page 758]]
of the accrued interest, penalty charges, or administrative costs if
collection of these charges would be against equity and good conscience
or not in the Commission's best interest.
(2) A decision to waive interest, penalty charges, or administrative
costs may be made at any time before a debt is paid. However, when
charges have been collected before the waiver decision, they will not be
refunded. The Chairman's decision whether to waive collection of these
charges is final and not subject to further review.
Sec. 513.6 What are the requirements for offset review?
(a) The Commission will provide the debtor with a reasonable
opportunity for an oral hearing when the debtor requests reconsideration
of the debt and the Commission determines that the question of
indebtedness cannot be resolved by review of the documentary evidence.
(b) Unless otherwise required by law, an oral hearing is not
required to be a formal evidentiary hearing, although the Commission
will carefully document all significant matters discussed at the
hearing.
(c) When an oral hearing is not required, the Commission will review
the request for reconsideration based on the written record.
Sec. 513.7 What is the Commission's policy on revoking a debtor's ability
to engage in Indian gaming for failure to pay a debt?
The Chairman of the Commission may revoke a debtor's ability to
operate, manage, or otherwise participate in the operation of an Indian
gaming facility if the debtor inexcusably or willfully fails to pay a
debt. The revocation of ability to engage in gaming may last only as
long as the debtor's indebtedness.
Subpart B_Administrative and Tax Refund Offset
Sec. 513.20 What debts can the Commission refer to Treasury for
collection by administrative and tax refund offset?
(a) The Commission may refer any past due, legally enforceable
nonjudgment debt of a person to the Treasury for administrative and tax
refund offset if the debt:
(1) Has been delinquent for at least three months and will not have
been delinquent more than 10 years at the time the offset is made;
(2) Is at least $25.00 or another amount established by Treasury.
(b) Debts reduced to judgment may be referred to Treasury for tax
refund offset at any time.
Sec. 513.21 What notice will a debtor be given of the Commission's
intent to collect a debt through administrative and tax refund offset?
(a) The Commission will give the debtor written notice of its intent
to offset before initiating the offset. Notice will be mailed to the
debtor at the debtor's last known address as determined by the
Commission.
(b) The notice will state the amount of the debt and notify the
debtor that:
(1) The debt is past due and, unless repaid within 60 days after the
date of the notice, the Commission will refer the debt to Treasury for
administrative and tax refund offset;
(2) The debtor has 60 calendar days to present evidence that all or
part of the debt is not past-due or legally enforceable; and
(3) The debtor has an opportunity to make a written agreement to
repay the debt.
Subpart C_Salary Offset
Sec. 513.30 When may the Commission use salary offset to collect debts?
(a) The Commission collects debts owed by employees to the Federal
Government by means of salary offset under the authority of: 5 U.S.C.
5514; 31 U.S.C. 3716; 5 CFR part 550, subpart K; 31 CFR 285.7; and this
subpart. Salary offset is applicable when the Commission is attempting
to collect a debt owed by an individual employed by the Commission or
another agency.
(b) Nothing in the regulations in this subpart precludes the
compromise, suspension, or termination of collection actions under the
Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966, as amended, or the Federal Claims
Collection Standards.
[[Page 759]]
(c) A levy pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code takes precedence
over a salary offset under this subpart, as provided in 5 U.S.C. 5514(d)
and 31 U.S.C. 3716.
(d) The regulations in this subpart do not apply to any case where
collection of a debt by salary offset is explicitly prohibited by
another statute.
(e) This subpart's regulations covering notice, hearing, written
responses, and final decisions do not apply to:
(1) Any routine intra-agency adjustment in pay that is attributable
to clerical or administrative error or delay in processing pay documents
that have occurred within the four pay periods preceding the adjustment,
or any adjustment to collect a debt amounting to $50 or less. However,
at the time of any adjustment, or as soon thereafter as possible, the
Commission's payroll agency will provide the employee with a written
notice of the nature and amount of the adjustment and a contact point
for appealing the adjustment.
(2) Any negative adjustment to pay that arises from the debtor's
election of coverage or a change in coverage under a Federal benefits
program requiring periodic deductions from pay, if the amount to be
recovered was accumulated over four or fewer pay periods. However, at
the time of the adjustment, the Commission's payroll agent will provide
in the debtor's earnings statement a clear statement informing the
debtor of the previous overpayment.
(f) An employee's involuntary payment of all or any of the debt
through salary offset will not be construed as a waiver of any rights
that the employee may have under the law, unless there are statutory or
contractual provisions to the contrary.
Sec. 513.31 What notice will the Commission, as the creditor agency,
give a debtor that salary offset will occur?
(a) Deductions from a debtor's salary will not be made unless the
Commission sends the debtor a written Notice of Intent at least 30
calendar days before the salary offset is initiated.
(b) The Notice of Intent will include the following:
(1) Notice that the Commission has reviewed the records relating to
the debt and has determined that the employee owes the debt;
(2) Notice that, after a 30-day period, the Commission will begin to
collect the debt by deductions from the employee's current disposable
pay account and the date on which deductions from salary will start;
(3) The amount of the debt and the facts giving rise to it;
(4) The frequency and the amount of the intended deduction stated as
a fixed dollar amount or as a percentage of pay not to exceed 15 percent
of the disposable pay, and the intention to continue the deductions
until the debt and all accumulated interest are paid in full or
resolved;
(5) The name, address, and telephone number of the person to whom
the debtor may propose a written alternative schedule for voluntary
repayment in lieu of salary offset. The debtor must include a
justification for the alternative schedule in the proposal;
(6) The Commission's policy concerning interest, penalties, and
administrative costs, set out at Sec. 513.5, and a statement that
assessments will be made unless excused in accordance with the FCCS;
(7) Notice of the employee's right to inspect and copy all
Commission records pertaining to the debt and the name, address, and
telephone number of the Commission employee to whom requests for access
must be made;
(8) Notice of the employee's opportunity to a hearing conducted by
an individual who does not work for the Commission on the Commission's
determination of the existence or amount of the debt and the terms of
the repayment schedule;
(9) Notice that filing a request for a hearing on or before the 15th
calendar day following the debtor's receiving the Notice of Intent will
stay collection proceedings and that a final decision will be issued at
the earliest practical date, but not later than 60 days after the filing
of the petition for hearing, unless the employee requests, and a hearing
official grants, a delay in proceedings;
[[Page 760]]
(10) An explanation of the effect of submitting knowingly false or
frivolous statements; and
(11) Notice that amounts paid on or deducted from debts that are
later waived or found not to be owed will be promptly refunded to the
employee.
Sec. 513.32 What are the hearing procedures when the Commission is
the creditor agency?
(a) To request a hearing, the debtor must file, within 15 days of
receiving the Commission's notice of intent to offset, a written
petition signed by the debtor and addressed to the Commission stating
why the debtor believes the Commission's determination of the existence
or amount of the debt is in error. The Commission may waive the 15-day
time limit for filing a request for hearing if the employee shows that
the delay was due to circumstances beyond his or her control or because
the employee did not receive notice of the 15-day time limit. A debtor
who has previously obtained a hearing to contest a debt that arose from
a notice of violation or proposed civil fine assessment matters under 25
CFR part 577 may not re-litigate matters that were at issue in that
hearing.
(b) Regardless of whether the debtor is a Commission employee, the
Commission will provide a prompt and appropriate hearing before a
hearing official who is not from the Commission.
(c) The hearing will be conducted according to the FCCS review
requirements at 31 CFR 901.3(e).
(d) Unless the employee requests, and a hearing official grants, a
delay in proceedings, within 60 days after the petition for hearing the
hearing official will issue a written decision on:
(1) The determination of the creditor agency concerning the
existence or amount of the debt; and
(2) The repayment schedule, if a schedule was not established by
written agreement between the employee and the creditor agency.
(e) If the hearing official determines that a debt may not be
collected by salary offset but the Commission has determined that the
debt is valid, the Commission may seek collection of the debt through
other means in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
(f) The form of hearings, written responses, and final decisions
will be according to the Commission's review requirements at Sec.
513.7. Written decisions regarding salary offset that are provided after
a request for hearing must state: The facts purported to evidence the
nature and origin of the alleged debt; the hearing official's analysis,
findings, and conclusions as to the employee's or creditor agency's
grounds; the amount and validity of the alleged debt; and, where
applicable, the repayment schedule.
Sec. 513.33 Will the Commission issue a certification when the Commission
is the creditor agency?
Yes. Upon completion of the procedures established in this subpart
and pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5514, the Commission will submit a
certification to Treasury or to a paying agency in the form prescribed
by the paying agency.
Sec. 513.34 What opportunity is there for a voluntary repayment
agreement when the Commission is the creditor agency?
(a) In response to a Notice of Intent, an employee may propose to
repay the debt voluntarily in lieu of salary offset by submitting a
written proposed repayment schedule to the Commission. A proposal must
be received by the Commission within 15 calendar days after the employee
is sent the Notice of Intent.
(b) The Commission will notify the employee whether, within the
Commission's discretion, the proposed repayment schedule is acceptable.
(c) If the proposed repayment schedule is unacceptable, the employee
will have 15 calendar days from the date the notice of the decision is
received in which to file a request for a hearing.
(d) If the proposed repayment schedule is acceptable or the employee
agrees to a modification proposed by the Commission, the agreement will
be put in writing and signed by the employee and the Commission.
[[Page 761]]
Sec. 513.35 What special review is available when the Commission is
the creditor agency?
(a)(1) An employee subject to salary offset or a voluntary repayment
agreement may, at any time, request a special review by the Commission
of the amount of the salary offset or voluntary repayment, based on
materially changed circumstances, including, but not limited to,
catastrophic illness, divorce, death, or disability.
(2) The request for special review must include an alternative
proposed offset or payment schedule and a detailed statement, with
supporting documents, that shows why the current salary offset or
payment results in extreme financial hardship to the employee, spouse,
or dependents. The statement must indicate:
(i) Income from all sources;
(ii) Assets;
(iii) Liabilities;
(iv) Number of dependents;
(v) Expenses for food, housing, clothing, and transportation;
(vi) Medical expenses; and
(vii) Exceptional expenses, if any.
(b) The Commission will evaluate the statement and documentation and
determine whether the current offset or repayment schedule imposes
extreme financial hardship on the employee. The Commission will notify
the employee in writing within 30 calendar days of its determination,
including, if appropriate, a revised offset or payment schedule. If the
special review results in a revised offset or repayment schedule, the
Commission will provide a new certification to the paying agency.
Sec. 513.36 Under what conditions will the Commission refund amounts
collected by salary offset?
(a) As the creditor agency, the Commission will promptly refund any
amount deducted under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 5514, when:
(1) The Commission determines that the debt is not owed; or
(2) An administrative or judicial order directs the Commission to
make a refund.
(b) Unless required or permitted by law or contract, refunds under
this section will not bear interest.
Sec. 513.37 What will the Commission do as the paying agency?
(a) When the Commission receives a certification from a creditor
agency that has complied with the Office of Personnel Management's
requirements set out at 5 CFR 550.1109, the Commission will send the
employee a written notice of salary offset.
(b) If the Commission receives an incomplete certification from a
creditor agency, the Commission will return the certification with
notice that the procedures under 5 U.S.C. 5514 and 5 CFR 550.1104 must
be followed and a properly certified claim submitted before the
Commission will take action to collect the debt from the employee's
current pay account.
(c) Notice to a debtor will include:
(1) The Commission's receipt of a certification from a creditor
agency;
(2) The amount of the debt and the deductions to be made, which may
be stated as a percentage of disposable pay; and
(3) The date and pay period when the salary offset will begin.
(d) The Commission will provide a copy of the notice of salary
offset to a creditor agency.
(e) The Commission will coordinate salary deductions under this
subpart as appropriate.
(f) The Commission's payroll officer will determine the amount of
the debtor's disposable pay and will implement the salary offset.
(g) The Commission may use the following types of salary debt
collection:
(1) Lump sum offset. If the amount of the debt is equal to or less
than 15 percent of disposable pay, the debt generally will be collected
through one lump sum offset.
(2) Installment deductions. The amount deducted from any period will
not exceed 15 percent of the disposable pay from which the deduction is
made unless the debtor has agreed in writing to the deduction of a
greater amount. If possible, installment payments will liquidate the
debt in three years or less.
(3) Deductions from final check. A deduction exceeding the 15
percent of disposable pay limitation may be made from any final salary
payment under 31
[[Page 762]]
U.S.C. 3716 and the Federal Claims Collection Standards, in order to
liquidate the debt, whether the employee is leaving voluntarily or
involuntarily.
(4) Deductions from other sources. If an employee subject to salary
offset is leaving the Commission and the balance of the debt cannot be
liquidated by offset of the final salary check, then the Commission may
offset later payments of any kind against the balance of the debt, as
allowed by 31 U.S.C. 3716 and the Federal Claims Collection Standards.
(h) When two or more creditor agencies are seeking salary offsets,
the Commission's payroll office may, in its discretion, determine
whether one or more debts should be offset simultaneously within the 15
percent limitation.
(i) The Commission is not authorized to review the merits of the
creditor agency's determination with respect to the amount or validity
of the debt certified by the creditor agency.
Subpart D_Administrative Wage Garnishment
Sec. 513.40 How will the Commission handle debt collection through
administrative wage garnishment?
This part adopts all the provisions of the administrative wage
garnishment regulations contained in 31 CFR 285.11, promulgated by
Treasury, which allow Federal agencies to collect debts from a debtor's
non-Federal pay by means of administrative wage garnishment authorized
by 31 U.S.C. 3720D, and in 5 CFR parts 581 and 582, promulgated by the
Office of Personnel Management, which provides for garnishment orders
for child support and/or alimony and commercial garnishment of federal
employees' pay.
PART 514_FEES--Table of Contents
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2706, 2708, 2710, 2717, 2717a.
Sec. 514.1 Annual fees.
(a) Each gaming operation under the jurisdiction of the Commission
shall pay to the Commission annual fees as established by the
Commission. The Commission, by a vote of not less than two of its
members, shall adopt the rates of fees to be paid.
(1) The Commission shall adopt preliminary rates for each calendar
year during the first quarter of that year (or as soon thereafter as
possible), and, if considered necessary, shall modify those rates during
the second and third quarters of the calendar year.
(2) The Commission shall adopt final rates of fees for each calendar
year during the fourth quarter of that year.
(3) The Commission shall publish the rates of fees in a notice in
the Federal Register.
(4) The rates of fees imposed shall be--
(i) No more than 2.5 percent of the first $1,500,000 (1st tier), and
(ii) No more than 5 percent of amounts in excess of the first
$1,500,000 (2nd tier) of the assessable gross revenues from each gaming
operation subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.
(5) If a tribe has a certificate of self-regulation, the rate of
fees imposed shall be no more than .25 percent of assessable gross
revenues from self-regulated class II gaming operations.
(6) If a tribe is determined to be self-regulated pursuant to the
provisions of 25 U.S.C. 2717(a)(2)(C), no fees shall be imposed.
(b) For purposes of computing fees, assessable gross revenues for
each gaming operation are the annual total amount of money wagered on
class II and III games, admission fees (including table or card fees),
less any amounts paid out as prizes or paid for prizes awarded, and less
an allowance for amortization of capital expenditures for structures.
(1) Unless otherwise provided by the regulations, generally accepted
accounting principles shall be used.
(2) The allowance for amortization of capital expenditures for
structures shall not exceed 5% of the cost of structures in use
throughout the year and 2\1/2\% of the cost of structures in use during
only a part of the year.
(3) Example:
Gross gaming revenues:
Money wagered................................. ......... $1,000,000
Admission fees................................ 5,000
------------
......... 1,005,000
[[Page 763]]
Less:
Prizes paid in cash........................... $500,000
Cost of other prizes awarded.................. 10,000 510,000
------------
Gross gaming profit......................... ......... 495,000
Less allowance for amortization of............
capital expenditures for structures:........
Capital expenditures for structures made in--
Prior years................................. 750,000
Current year................................ 50,000
-----------
800,000
-----------
Maximum allowance:
$750,000x.05 =.............................. 37,500
50,000x.025=................................ 1,250 38,750
------------
Assessable gross revenues....................... ......... $456,250
------------
(4) All class II and III revenues from gaming operations are to be
included.
(c) Each gaming operation subject to the jurisdiction of the
Commission and not exempt from paying fees pursuant to the self-
regulation provisions shall file with the Commission quarterly a
statement showing its assessable gross revenues for the previous
calendar year.
(1) These quarterly statements shall show the amounts derived from
each type of game, the amounts deducted for prizes, and the amounts
deducted for the amortization of structures;
(2) These quarterly statements shall be filed no later than--March
31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, of each calendar year the
gaming operation is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission,
beginning in September 1991. For calendar year 1998, the quarterly
statement for the first quarter shall be filed no later than April 13,
1998. Any changes or adjustments to the previous year's assessable gross
revenue amounts from one quarter to the next shall be explained.
(3) The quarterly statements shall identify an individual or
individuals to be contacted should the Commission need to communicate
further with the gaming operation. The telephone numbers of the
individual(s) shall be included.
(4) The quarterly statements shall be transmitted to the Commission
to arrive no later than the due date.
(5) Each gaming operation shall determine the amount of fees to be
paid and remit them with the statement required in paragraph (c) of this
section. The fees payable shall be computed using--
(i) The most recent rates of fees adopted by the Commission pursuant
to paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section,
(ii) The assessable gross revenues for the previous calendar year as
reported pursuant to this paragraph, and
(iii) The amounts paid and credits received during previous
quarters.
(6) Each quarterly statement shall include the computation of the
fees payable, showing all amounts used in the calculations. The required
calculations are as follows:
(i) Multiply the previous calendar year's 1st tier assessable gross
revenues by the rate for those revenues adopted by the Commission.
(ii) Multiply the previous calendar year's 2nd tier assessable gross
revenues by the rate for those revenues adopted by the Commission.
(iii) Add (total) the results (products) obtained in paragraphs
(c)(6) (i) and (ii) of this section.
(iv) Multiply the total obtained in paragraph (c)(6)(iii) of this
section by the fraction representing the quarter for which the
computation is being made: 1st quarter--\1/4\; 2nd quarter--\1/2\ (\2/
4\); 3rd quarter--\3/4\; and 4th quarter--1 (\4/4\). For the purpose of
making these computations in 1991 only, the third calendar quarter is
the first quarter and the fourth calendar quarter is the second quarter.
There will be no third or fourth quarter in 1991.
(v) Subtract the amounts already remitted by the operation for the
current year and credits, if any, which are due for any previous year's
overpayment from the amount determined in paragraph (c)(6)(iv) of this
section.
(vi) The amount computed in paragraph (c)(6)(v) of this section is
the amount to be remitted.
(7) Examples of fee computations follow:
(i) Example 1: Where a filing is made for the first quarter of the
calendar
[[Page 764]]
year, the previous year's assessable gross revenues are $2,000,000, the
fee rates adopted by the Commission are 2% on the first $1,500,000 and
4% on the remainder, and a credit of $2,000 is due from the previous
year, the amounts to be used and the computations to be made are as
follows:
1st tier revenues--$1,500,000x2%=............................. $30,000
2nd tier revenues-- 500,000x4%=............................... 20,000
---------
Annual fees................................................. 50,000
Multiply for fraction of year--\1/4\ or....................... .25
---------
Fees for first quarter...................................... 12,500
Deduct credit due............................................. 2,000
---------
Amount to be remitted....................................... $10,500
---------
(ii) Example 2: Where a filing is being made for the third quarter,
the previous year's assessable gross revenues are $5,000,000, the fee
rates adopted by the Commission are 1% on the first $1,500,000 and 1.5%
on the remainder, and $35,000 has already been remitted, the amounts to
be used and the computations to be made are as follows:
1st tier revenues--$1,500,000x1%=............................. $15,000
2nd tier revenues--3,500,000x1.5%=............................ 52,500
Annual fees................................................. 67,500
Multiply for fraction of year--\3/4\ or....................... .75
---------
Fees for first three quarters............................... 50,625
Deduct amounts already remitted............................... \1\
35.000
---------
Amount to be remitted....................................... $15,625
---------
\1\ This amount may be other than $33,750 ($67,500x.50) because the
assessable gross revenues may have been adjusted, the fee rate may
have changed, a credit for the previous year's overpayment may have
been received, or a clerical error may have been discovered.
(iii) Example 3: Where a filing is being made for the third quarter
of 1991, the previous year's assessable gross revenues are $5,000,000,
the fee rates adopted by the Commission are 1% on the first $1,500,000
and 1% on the remainder, and nothing has already been remitted, the
amounts to be used and the computations to be made are as follows:
1st tier revenues--$1,500,000x1%=............................. $15,000
2nd tier revenues--3,500,000x1%=.............................. 35,000
---------
Annual fees............................................. 50,000
Multiply for fraction of year--1/4 or......................... .25
---------
Fees for first quarter.................................. 12,500
Deduct amounts already remitted............................... -0-
---------
Amount to be remitted................................... $12,500
(8) Quarterly statements, remittances and communications about fees
shall be transmitted to the Commission at the following address: Office
of Finance, National Indian Gaming Commission, 1441 L Street, N.W.,
Suite 9100, Washington, DC 20005. Checks should be made payable to the
National Indian Gaming Commission (do not remit cash).
(9) The Commission may assess a penalty for failure to file timely a
quarterly statement.
(10) Interest shall be assessed at rates established from time to
time by the Secretary of the Treasury on amounts remaining unpaid after
their due date (31 U.S.C. 3717).
(d) The total amount of all fees imposed during any fiscal year
shall not exceed the statutory maximum imposed by Congress. The
Commission shall credit pro-rata any fees collected in excess of this
amount against amounts otherwise due at the end of the quarter following
the quarter during which the Commission makes such determination.
(1) The Commission will notify each gaming operation as to the
amount of overpayment, if any, and therefore the amount of credit to be
taken against the next quarterly payment otherwise due.
(2) The notification required in paragraph (d)(1) of this section
shall be made in writing addressed to the gaming operation.
(e) Failure to pay fees, any applicable penalties, and interest
related thereto may be grounds for:
(1) Closure, or
(2) Disapproving or revoking the approval of the Chairman of any
license, ordinance, or resolution required under this Act for the
operation of gaming.
(f) To the extent that revenue derived from fees imposed under the
schedule established under this paragraph are not expended or committed
at the close of any fiscal year, such funds shall remain available until
expended (Pub. L. 101-121; 103 Stat. 718; 25 U.S.C. 2717a) to defray the
costs of operations of the Commission.
[56 FR 40709, Aug. 15, 1991; 56 FR 57373, Nov. 8, 1991, as amended at 63
FR 12316, Mar. 12, 1998; 69 FR 2505, Jan. 16, 2004]
[[Page 765]]
PART 515_PRIVACY ACT PROCEDURES--Table of Contents
Sec.
515.1 Purpose and scope.
515.2 Definitions.
515.3 Identification of individuals making requests.
515.4 Procedures for requests and disclosures.
515.5 Request for amendment to record.
515.6 Review of request for amendment of record by the Records Manager.
515.7 Appeal to the Commission of initial adverse agency determination
on access or amendment to records.
515.8 Disclosure of record to a person other than the individual to whom
it pertains.
515.9 Fees.
515.10 Penalties.
515.11 General exemptions. [Reserved]
515.12 Specific exemptions.
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552a.
Source: 58 FR 5815, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 515.1 Purpose and scope.
(a) The purpose of this part is to inform the public of records
maintained by the Commission about identifiable individuals and to
inform those individuals how they may gain access to and amend records
concerning themselves.
(b) This part carries out the requirements of the Privacy Act of
1974 (Pub. L. 93-579) codified at 5 U.S.C. 552a.
(c) The regulation applies only to records disclosed or requested
under the Privacy Act of 1974, and not to requests for information made
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552, the Freedom of Information Act.
Sec. 515.2 Definitions.
As defined in the Privacy Act of 1974 and for the purposes of this
part, unless otherwise required by the context, the following terms
shall have these meanings:
(a) Individual means a citizen of the United States or an alien
lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
(b) Maintain means maintain, collect, use, or disseminate.
(c) Record means any item, collection, or grouping of information
about an individual that is maintained by the Commission, including
education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or
employment history, and that contains the individual's name, or the
identifying number, symbol, or other identifier assigned to the
individual, such as social security number, finger or voice print, or a
photograph.
(d) System of records means a group of any records under the control
of the Commission from which information is retrieved by the name of the
individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or other identifier
assigned to the individual.
(e) Routine use means, with respect to the disclosure of a record,
the use of such record for a purpose that is compatible with the purpose
for which it was collected.
Sec. 515.3 Identification of individuals making requests.
(a) Any individual may request that the Commission inform him or her
whether a particular record system named by the individual contains a
record pertaining to him or her and the contents of such record. Such
requests shall conform to the requirements of Sec. 515.4 of this part.
The request may be made in person or in writing at the NIGC, suite 250,
1850 M Street, NW., Washington, DC 20036-5803 during the hours of 9 a.m.
to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
(b)(1) Requests made in writing shall include a statement, signed by
the individual and either notarized or witnessed by two persons
(including witnesses' addresses). If the individual appears before a
notary, the individual shall submit adequate proof of identity in the
form of a driver's license, birth certificate, passport, or other
identification acceptable to the notary. If the statement is witnessed,
it shall include a statement above the witnesses' signatures that they
personally know the individual or that the individual has submitted
proof of his or her identity to their satisfaction. In any case in
which, because of the extreme sensitivity of the record sought to be
seen or copied, the Commission determines that the identification is not
adequate, it may request the individual to submit additional proof of
identity.
(2) If the request is made in person, the requester shall submit
proof of
[[Page 766]]
identity similar to that described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section,
and that is acceptable to the Commission. The individual may have a
person of his or her own choosing accompany him or her when the record
is disclosed.
(c) Requests made by an agent, parent, or guardian shall be in
accordance with the procedures described in paragraph (b) of this
section.
Sec. 515.4 Procedures for requests and disclosures.
(a) Requests for a determination under Sec. 515.3(a) of this part
shall be acknowledged by the Commission within ten (10) days (excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and Federal holidays) after the date on which the
Commission receives the request. If the Commission is unable to locate
the information requested, it shall so notify the individual within ten
(10) days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Federal holidays) after
receipt of the request, Such acknowledgement may request additional
information to assist the Commission in locating the record, or it may
advise the individual that no record exists about that individual.
(b)(1) Upon submission of proof of identity as required by Sec.
515.3(b)(1) or (2) of this part, the Commission shall respond within ten
(10) days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Federal holidays). The
Commission shall decide whether to make a record available to the record
subject and shall immediately convey its determination to the requester.
If the individual asks to see the record, the Commission may make the
record available at the location where the record is maintained.
(2) The Commission shall furnish each record requested by an
individual under this section in a form intelligible to that individual.
(3) If the Commission denies access to a record to an individual,
that person shall be advised of the reason for the denial and of the
appeal procedures provided in Sec. 515.7 of this part.
(4) Upon request, an individual shall be provided access to the
accounting of disclosures from his or her record under the same
procedures as provided above and in Sec. 515.3 of this part.
Sec. 515.5 Request for amendment to record.
(a) Any individual who has reviewed a record pertaining to him or
her that was furnished under this part, may request that the Commission
amend all or any part of that record.
(b) Each individual requesting an amendment shall send the request
to the Records Manager.
(c) Each request for an amendment of a record shall contain the
following information:
(1) The name of the individual requesting the amendment;
(2) The name of the system of records in which the record sought to
be amended is maintained;
(3) The location of the system of records from which the individual
record was obtained;
(4) A copy of the record sought to be amended or a sufficiently
detailed description of that record:
(5) A statement of the material in the record that the individual
desires to amend;
(6) A statement of the basis for the requested amendment, including
any material that the individual can furnish to substantiate the reasons
for the amendment sought.
Sec. 515.6 Review of request for amendment of record by the Records Manager.
(a) The Records Manager shall, not later than ten (10) days
(excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Federal holidays) after the receipt of
a request for an amendment of a record under Sec. 515.5 of this part,
acknowledge receipt of the request and inform the individual whether
more information is required before the amendment can be considered.
(b) If more information is not required, within ten (10) days after
receipt of the request (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Federal
holidays), the Records Manager shall either make the requested amendment
or notify the individual of the Commission's refusal to do so, including
in the notification the reasons for the refusal, and the appeal
procedures provided in Sec. 515.7 of this part.
(c) The Records Manager shall make each requested amendment to a
record
[[Page 767]]
if such amendment will tend to negate inaccurate, irrelevant, untimely,
or incomplete material in the record.
(d) The Records Manager shall inform prior recipients of any
amendment or notation of dispute of such individual's record. The
individual may request a list of prior recipients if there exists an
accounting of the disclosures.
Sec. 515.7 Appeal to the Commission of initial adverse agency
determination on access or amendment to records.
(a) Any individual whose request for access or an amendment has been
denied in whole or in part, may appeal the decision to the Commission no
later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the adverse decision is
rendered.
(b) The appeal shall be in writing and shall contain all of the
following information:
(1) The name of the individual making the appeal;
(2) Identification of the record sought to be amended;
(3) The record system in which such record is contained;
(4) A short statement describing the amendment sought; and
(5) The name and location of the agency official who initially
denied the amendment.
(c) Not later than thirty (30) days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays
and Federal holidays) after the date on which the Commission receives
the appeal, the Commission shall complete its review of the appeal and
make a final decision thereon. For good cause shown, however, the
Commission may extend such thirty (30) day period. If the Commission
extends the period, the individual requesting the review shall be
promptly notified of the extension and the anticipated date of a
decision.
(d) After review of an appeal, the Commission shall send a written
notice to the requester containing the following information:
(1) The decision and, if the denial is upheld, the reasons for the
decision;
(2) The right of the requester to file with the Commission a concise
statement setting forth the reasons for his or her disagreement with the
Commission's denial of access or amendment. The Commission shall make
this statement available to any person to whom the record is later
disclosed, together with a brief statement, if appropriate, of the
Commission's reasons for denying requested access or amendment. The
Commission shall also send a copy of the statement to prior recipients
of the individual's record; and
(3) The right of the requester to institute a civil action in a
Federal district court for judicial review of the decision.
Sec. 515.8 Disclosure of record to a person other than the individual
to whom it pertains.
(a) Any individual who desires to have a record covered by this part
disclosed to or mailed to another person may designate such person and
authorize such person to act as his or her agent for that specific
purpose. The authorization shall be in writing, signed by the
individual, and notarized or witnessed as provided in Sec. 515.3 of
this part.
(b) The parent of any minor individual or the legal guardian of any
individual who has been declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to
be incompetent, due to physical or mental incapacity or age, may act on
behalf of that individual in any matter covered by this section. A
parent or guardian who desires to act on behalf of such an individual
shall present suitable evidence of parentage or guardianship, by birth
certificate, certified copy of court order, or similar documents, and
proof of the individual's identity in a form that complies with Sec.
515.3(b) of this part.
(c) An individual to whom a record is to be disclosed in person,
pursuant to this section, may have a person of his or her own choosing
accompany him or her when the record is disclosed.
Sec. 515.9 Fees.
The Commission shall not charge an individual for the costs of
making a search for a record or the costs of reviewing the record. When
the Commission makes a copy of a record as a necessary part of reviewing
the record, the Commission shall not charge the individual for the cost
of making that copy. Otherwise, the Commission may
[[Page 768]]
charge a fee sufficient to cover the cost of duplication.
Sec. 515.10 Penalties.
Any person who makes a false statement in connection with any
request for a record, or an amendment thereto, under this part, is
subject to the penalties prescribed in 18 U.S.C. 494 and 495.
Sec. 515.11 General exemptions. [Reserved]
Sec. 515.12 Specific exemptions.
(a) The following system of records is exempt from 5 U.S.C.
552a(c)(3), (d), (e)(1) and (f):
Indian Gaming Individuals Records System
(b) The exemptions under paragraph (a) of this section apply only to
the extent that information in this system is subject to exemption under
5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2). When compliance would not appear to interfere with
or adversely affect the overall responsibilities of the Commission with
respect to licensing of key employees and primary management officials
for employment in an Indian gaming operation, the applicable exemption
may be waived by the Commission.
(c) Exemptions from the particular sections are justified for the
following reasons:
(1) From 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), because making available the
accounting of disclosures to an individual who is the subject of a
record could reveal investigative interest. This would permit the
individual to take measures to destroy evidence, intimidate potential
witnesses, or flee the area to avoid the investigation.
(2) From 5 U.S.C. 552a(d), (e)(1), and (f) concerning individual
access to records, when such access could compromise classified
information related to national security, interfere with a pending
investigation or internal inquiry, constitute an unwarranted invasion of
privacy, reveal a sensitive investigative technique, or pose a potential
threat to the Commission or its employees or to law enforcement
personnel. Additionally, access could reveal the identity of a source
who provided information under an express promise of confidentiality.
(3) From 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(2), because to require the Commission to
amend information thought to be incorrect, irrelevant, or untimely,
because of the nature of the information collected and the length of
time it is maintained, would create an impossible administrative and
investigative burden by continually forcing the Commission to resolve
questions of accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and completeness.
(4) From 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1) because:
(i) It is not always possible to determine relevance or necessity of
specific information in the early stages of an investigation.
(ii) Relevance and necessity are matters of judgment and timing in
that what appears relevant and necessary when collected may be deemed
unnecessary later. Only after information is assessed can its relevance
and necessity be established.
(iii) In any investigation the Commission may receive information
concerning violations of law under the jurisdiction of another agency.
In the interest of effective law enforcement and under 25 U.S.C.
2716(b), the information could be relevant to an investigation by the
Commission.
(iv) In the interviewing of individuals or obtaining evidence in
other ways during an investigation, the Commission could obtain
information that may or may not appear relevant at any given time;
however, the information could be relevant to another investigation by
the Commission.
PART 516_TESTIMONY OF COMMISSIONERS AND EMPLOYEES AND FORMER COMMISSIONERS
AND FORMER EMPLOYEES RESPECTING OFFICIAL DUTIES; RESPONSE TO SUBPOENA
--Table of Contents
Sec.
516.1 What is the purpose of this part and to whom does it apply?
516.2 When may a person to whom this part applies give testimony, make a
statement or submit to interview?
516.3 When may a person to whom this part applies produce records?
516.4 How are records certified or authenticated?
[[Page 769]]
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 25 U.S.C. 2706; 25 U.S.C. 2716(a); 18
U.S.C. 1905.
Source: 64 FR 54542, Oct. 7, 1999, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 516.1 What is the purpose of this part and to whom does it apply?
(a) The purpose of this part is to promulgate regulations regarding
the release of official National Indian Gaming Commission information
and provision of testimony by National Indian Gaming Commission
personnel with respect to litigation or potential litigation and to
prescribe conduct on the part of National Indian Gaming Commission
personnel in response to a litigation-related request or demand.
(b) This part applies to requests or demands that are litigation-
related or otherwise arise out of judicial, administrative or other
legal proceedings (including subpoena, order or other demand) for
interview, testimony (including by deposition) or other statement, or
for production of documents relating to the business of the National
Indian Gaming Commission, whether or not the National Indian Gaming
Commission or the United States is a party to the litigation. It does
not, however, apply to document requests covered by 25 CFR parts 515 and
517.
(c) To the extent the request or demand seeks official information
or documents, the provisions of this part are applicable to
Commissioners, employees, and former Commissioners and former employees,
of the National Indian Gaming Commission.
Sec. 516.2 When may a person to whom this part applies give testimony,
make a statement or submit to interview?
(a) No person to whom this part applies, except as authorized by the
Chairman or the General Counsel pursuant to this regulation, shall
provide testimony, make a statement or submit to interview.
(b) Whenever a subpoena commanding the giving of any testimony has
been lawfully served upon a person to whom this part applies, such
individual shall, unless otherwise authorized by the Chairman or the
General Counsel, appear in response thereto and respectfully decline to
testify on the grounds that it is prohibited by this regulation.
(c) A person who desires testimony or other statement from any
person to whom this part applies may make written request therefor,
verified by oath, directed to the Chairman setting forth his or her
interest in the matter to be disclosed and designating the use to which
such statement or testimony will be put in the event of compliance with
such request: provided, that a written request therefor by an official
of any federal, state or tribal entity, acting in his or her official
capacity need not be verified by oath. If it is determined by the
Chairman or the General Counsel that such statement or testimony will be
in the public interest, the request may be granted. Where a request for
a statement or testimony is granted, one or more persons to whom this
part applies may be authorized or designated to appear and testify or
give a statement with respect thereto.
Sec. 516.3 When may a person to whom this part applies produce records?
(a) Any request for records of the National Indian Gaming Commission
shall be handled pursuant to the procedures established in 25 CFR parts
515 and 517 and shall comply with the rules governing public disclosure
as provided in 25 CFR parts 515 and 517.
(b) Whenever a subpoena duces tecum commanding the production of any
record has been lawfully served upon a person to whom this part applies,
such person shall forward the subpoena to the General Counsel. If
commanded to appear in response to any such subpoena, a person to whom
this part applies shall respectfully decline to produce the record on
the ground that production is prohibited by this part and state that the
production of the record(s) of the National Indian Gaming Commission is
a matter to be determined by the Chairman or the General Counsel.
Sec. 516.4 How are records certified or authenticated?
(a) Upon request, the person having custody and responsibility for
maintenance of records which are to be released under this part or 25
CFR parts
[[Page 770]]
515 or 517 may certify the authenticity of copies of records that are
requested to be provided in such format.
(b) A request for certified copies of records or for authentication
of copies of records shall be sent to the National Indian Gaming
Commission, 1441 L Street NW., Suite 9100, Washington, DC 20005,
Attention: Freedom of Information Act Officer.
PART 517_FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROCEDURES--Table of Contents
Sec.
517.1 Purpose and scope.
517.2 Definitions.
517.3 Requests for records.
517.4 Disclosure of requested records.
517.5 Confidential commercial information.
517.6 Response to requests for records.
517.7 Appeals.
517.8 Fees.
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552.
Source: 58 FR 44448, Aug. 23, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 517.1 Purpose and scope.
This part contains the regulations of the National Indian Gaming
Commission implementing the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). These
regulations provide procedures by which members of the public may obtain
access to records compiled, created, and maintained by the Commission,
along with procedures the Commission must follow in response to such
requests for records.
Sec. 517.2 Definitions.
(a) Commercial-use requester means requesters seeking information
for a use or purpose that furthers the commercial, trade, or profit
interests of the requester or the person on whose behalf the request is
made. In determining whether a requester properly belongs in this
category, the Commission shall determine the use to which a requester
will put the documents requested. Where the Commission has reasonable
cause to doubt the use to which a requester will put the records sought,
or where that use is not clear from the request itself, the Commission
shall seek additional clarification before assigning the request to a
specific category.
(b) Confidential commercial information means records provided to
the government by a submitter that arguably contain material exempt from
disclosure under Exemption 4 of the FOIA, because disclosure could
reasonably be expected to cause substantial competitive harm.
(c) Direct costs means those expenditures by the Commission actually
incurred in searching for and duplicating records to respond to a FOIA
request. Direct costs include the salary of the employee or employees
performing the work (the basic rate of pay for the employee plus a
percentage of that rate to cover benefits) and the cost of operating
duplicating machinery. Direct costs do not include overhead expenses,
such as the cost of and heating or lighting of the facility in which the
records are stored.
(d) Duplication refers to the process of making a copy of a document
necessary to fulfill a FOIA request. Such copies can take the form of,
among other things, paper copy, microform, audio-visual materials, or
machine-readable documentation. The copies provided shall be in a form
that is reasonably usable by requesters.
(e) Educational institution refers to a preschool, a public or
private elementary school, an institution of undergraduate higher
education, an institution of graduate higher education, an institution
of professional education, and an institution of vocational education,
which operates a program of scholarly research.
(f) Freedom of Information Act Officer means the person designated
by the Chairman to administer the FOIA.
(g) Non-commercial scientific institution refers to an institution
that is not operated on a ``commercial'' basis as that term is used in
Sec. 517.2(a), commercial-use requester, and which is operated solely
for the purpose of conducting scientific research the results of which
are not intended to promote any particular product or industry.
(h) Representative of the news media refers to any person actively
gathering news for an entity that is organized and operated to publish
or broadcast news to the public. The term ``news''
[[Page 771]]
means information that is about current events or that would be of
current interest to the public.
(i) Requester means any person, including an individual, Indian
tribe, partnership, corporation, association, or public or private
organization other than a Federal agency, that requests access to
records in the possession of the Commission.
(j) Review refers to the process of examining a record, in response
to a FOIA request, to determine whether any portion of that record may
be withheld under one or more of the FOIA Exemptions. It also includes
processing of any record for disclosure, for example, redacting
information that is exempt from disclosure under the FOIA. Review does
not include time spent resolving general legal or policy issues
regarding the use of FOIA Exemptions.
(k) Search refers to the time spent looking for material that is
responsive to a request, including page-by-page or line-by-line
identification of material within a document. The Commission shall
ensure that searches are conducted in the most efficient and least
expensive manner reasonably possible.
(l) Submitter means any person or entity who provides information
directly or indirectly to the Commission. The term includes, but is not
limited to, corporations, Indian tribal governments, state governments
and foreign governments.
(m) Working day means a federal workday that does not include
Saturdays, Sundays or federal holidays.
Sec. 517.3 Requests for records.
(a) Form of requests. Requests for records made pursuant to the FOIA
may be in writing, specifically invoke the Act, and be addressed to the
FOIA Officer, Suite 250, 1850 M St., NW., Washington, DC 20036-5803.
Requests may also be made in person at the same address, where records
will be available for inspection on the premises. Requests for records
shall describe the records requested with enough specificity to enable
Commission employees to locate the information requested with a
reasonable amount of effort. Requests shall also include a statement of
the maximum amount of fees the requester is willing to pay to obtain the
requested information, or if a waiver or reduction of fees seems
appropriate, the reasons for such waiver or reduction.
(b) Types of records not available. The FOIA does not require the
Commission to:
(1) Compile or create records solely for the purpose of satisfying a
request for records;
(2) Provide records not yet in existence, even if such records may
be expected to come into existence at some future time; or
(3) Restore records destroyed or otherwise disposed of, except that
the FOIA Officer must notify the requester that the requested records
have been destroyed or disposed of.
Sec. 517.4 Disclosure of requested records.
(a) The FOIA Officer shall make requested records available to the
public to the greatest extent possible in keeping with the FOIA, except
that the following records are exempt from the disclosure requirements:
(1) Records specifically authorized under criteria established by an
Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or
foreign policy and which are, in fact, properly classified pursuant to
such Executive order;
(2) Records related solely to the internal personnel rules and
practices of the Commission;
(3) Records specifically exempted from disclosure by statute (other
than 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552(b)) provided that such statute requires that the
matters be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no
discretion on the issue or that the statute establishes particular
criteria for withholding information or refers to particular types of
matters to be withheld;
(4) Records containing trade secrets and commercial or financial
information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential;
(5) Interagency or intra-agency memorandums or letters which would
not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation
with the Commission;
[[Page 772]]
(6) Personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of
which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
privacy;
(7) Records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes,
but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement
records or information:
(i) Could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement
proceedings;
(ii) Would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an
impartial adjudication;
(iii) Could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy;
(iv) Could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of a
confidential source, including a State, local or foreign agency or
authority or any private institution which furnished information on a
confidential basis, and in the case of a recorded or information
compiled by criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a
criminal investigation or by an agency conducting a lawful national
security intelligence investigation, information furnished by a
confidential source;
(v) Would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement
investigations or prosecutions, or would disclose guidelines for law
enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could
reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law; or
(vi) Could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical
safety of any individual.
(8) Records contained in or related to examination, operating, or
condition reports prepared by, or on behalf of, or for the use of an
agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial
institutions;
(9) Geological or geophysical information and data, including maps,
concerning wells.
(b) If a requested record contains exempted material along with
nonexempted material, all reasonable segregable nonexempt material shall
be disclosed.
(c) The FOIA Officer may disclose requested information falling
within the exemptions of paragraphs (a)(1)-(a)(3), (a)(5), (a)(6),
(a)(8) and (a)(9) of this section, if to do so would further the
purposes and policies of the FOIA and the IGRA. The FOIA Officer shall
not disclose requested information falling within the exemptions of
paragraphs (a)(4) and (a)(7) of this section.
Sec. 517.5 Confidential commercial information.
(a) Notice to submitters. The Commission shall, to the extent
permitted by law, provide a submitter who provides confidential
commercial information to the Commission, with prompt notice of a FOIA
request or administrative appeal encompassing the confidential
commercial information if the Commission may be required to disclose the
information under the FOIA. Such notice shall either describe the exact
nature of the information requested or provide copies of the records or
portions thereof containing the confidential commercial information. The
Commission shall also notify the requester that notice and an
opportunity to object has been given to the submitter.
(b) When notice is required. Notice shall be given to a submitter
when:
(1) The information has been designated by the submitter as
confidential commercial information protected from disclosure.
Submitters of confidential commercial information shall use good faith
efforts to designate, either at the time of submission or a reasonable
time thereafter, those portions of their submissions they deem protected
from disclosure under Exemption 4 of the FOIA because disclosure could
reasonably be expected to cause substantial competitive harm. Such
designation shall be deemed to have expired ten years after the date of
submission, unless the requester provides reasonable justification for a
designation period of greater duration; or
(2) The FOIA Officer has reason to believe that the information may
be protected from disclosure under Exemption 4 of the FOIA.
(c) Opportunity to object to disclosure. The Commission shall afford
a submitter a reasonable period of time to provide the Commission with a
detailed written statement of any objection to disclosure. The statement
shall specify all grounds for withholding any
[[Page 773]]
of the information under any exemption of the FOIA, and if Exemption 4
applies, shall demonstrate the reasons the submitter believes the
information to be confidential commercial information that is exempt
from disclosure. Whenever possible, the submitters claim of
confidentiality shall be supported by a statement or certification by an
officer or authorized representative of the submitter. Information
provided by a submitter pursuant to this paragraph may itself be subject
to disclosure under the FOIA.
(d) Notice of intent to disclose. The FOIA Officer shall carefully
consider a submitter's objections and specific grounds for nondisclosure
prior to determining whether to disclose the information requested.
Whenever the FOIA Officer determines that disclosure is appropriate, the
FOIA Officer shall, within a reasonable number of days prior to
disclosure, provide the submitter with written notice of the intent to
disclose which shall include a statement of the reasons for which the
submitter's objections were overruled, a description of the information
to be disclosed, and a specified disclosure date. The FOIA Officer shall
also notify the requester that the requested records will be made
available.
(e) Notice of lawsuit. When a requester brings suit seeking to
compel disclosure of confidential commercial information, the FOIA
Officer shall promptly notify the submitter of this action.
(f) Exceptions to the notice requirements under this section. The
notice requirements under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall
not apply if:
(1) The FOIA Officer determines that the information should not be
disclosed;
(2) The information lawfully has been published or officially made
available to the public;
(3) Disclosure of the information is required by law (other than the
FOIA);
(4) The information requested is not designated by the submitter as
exempt from disclosure in accordance with this part, when the submitter
had the opportunity to do so at the time of submission of the
information or within a reasonable time thereafter, unless the agency
has substantial reason to believe that disclosure of the information
would result in competitive harm; or
(5) The designation made by the submitter in accordance with this
part appears obviously frivolous. When the FOIA Officer determines that
a submitter was frivolous in designating information as confidential,
the FOIA Officer must provide the submitter with written notice of any
final administrative disclosure determination within a reasonable number
of days prior to the specified disclosure date, but no opportunity to
object to disclosure will be offered.
Sec. 517.6 Response to requests for records.
(a) Initial determinations. (1) The FOIA Officer shall make an
initial determination regarding access to the requested information and
shall so notify the requester within ten (10) working days after receipt
of the request. This 10-day period may be extended ten (10) additional
working days if unusual circumstances arise. If an extension is
necessary, the FOIA Officer shall promptly notify the requester of the
extension, briefly stating the reasons for the extension, and estimating
when the FOIA Officer will respond. Unusual circumstances warranting
extension are:
(i) The need to search for and collect the requested records from
field facilities or other establishments that are separate from the
office processing the request;
(ii) The need to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a
voluminous amount of records which are demanded in a single request; or
(iii) The need for consultation with another agency having a
substantial interest in the determination of the request, which
consultation shall be conducted with all practicable speed.
(2) If the FOIA Officer decides that an initial determination cannot
be reached within the time limits specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this
section, he or she shall notify the requester of the reasons for the
delay and include an estimate of when a determination will be made.
(3) If no initial determination has been made at the end of the 10-
day period provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this
[[Page 774]]
section, including any extension, the requester may appeal the action to
the FOIA Appeals Officer.
(4) If the FOIA Officer determines that another agency is
responsible for responding to a request or part thereof, the FOIA
Officer shall refer such request to the appropriate agency. The FOIA
Officer shall inform the requester of the referral and of the name and
address of the agency or agencies to which the request has been
referred.
(b) Granting of requests. When the FOIA Officer determines that the
requested records shall be made available, he or she shall:
(1) Provide copies of the requested records; or
(2) Notify the requester of his or her decision, including a brief
statement of when and how the records will be provided. Requested
records shall then be promptly made available.
(c) Denial of requests. When the FOIA Officer determines that access
to requested records should be denied, he or she shall notify the
requester of the denial, the grounds for withholding the records, and
the procedures for appeal of the denial.
Sec. 517.7 Appeals.
(a) Right of appeal. A requester may appeal to the FOIA Appeals
Officer any adverse determination.
(b) Notice of appeal.
(1) Time for appeal. An appeal must be received no later than thirty
(30) working days after notification of denial of access or after the
time limit for response by the FOIA Officer has expired.
(2) Form of appeal. An appeal shall be initiated by filing a written
notice of appeal. The notice shall be accompanied by copies of the
original request and the initial denial. To expedite the appellate
process and give the requester an opportunity to present his or her
arguments, the notice should contain a brief statement of the reasons
why the requester believes the initial denial to have been in error. The
appeal shall be addressed to the Freedom of Information Act Appeals
Officer, National Indian Gaming Commission, 1850 M St., NW., suite 250,
Washington, DC 20036.
(c) Final agency determinations. The FOIA Appeals Officer shall
issue a final written determination, stating the basis for its decision,
within twenty (20) working days after receipt of a notice of appeal. If
the determination is to provide access to the requested records, the
FOIA Officer shall make those records immediately available to the
requester. If the determination upholds the denial of access to the
requested records, the FOIA Appeals Officer shall notify the requester
of the determination and the right of the requester to obtain judicial
review in the appropriate federal district court.
Sec. 517.8 Fees.
(a) In general. Fees pursuant to the FOIA shall be assessed
according to the schedule contained in paragraph (b) of this section for
services rendered by the Commission in response to requests for records
under this part. All fees shall be charged to the requester, except
where the charging of fees is limited under paragraph (d) of this
section or where a waiver or reduction of fees is granted under
paragraph (c) of this section. Requesters shall pay fees by check or
money order made payable to the Treasury of the United States.
(b) Charges for responding to FOIA requests. The following fees
shall be assessed in responding to requests for records submitted under
this part, unless a waiver or reduction of fees has been granted
pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section:
(1) Copies. The Commission shall charge $0.10 per page for copies of
documents up to 8\1/2\x14. For copies prepared by
computer, the Commission will charge actual costs of production of the
computer printouts, including operator time. For other methods of
reproduction, the Commission shall charge the actual costs of producing
the documents.
(2) Searches. (i) Manual searches. Whenever feasible, the Commission
will charge at the salary rate (basic pay plus a percent for benefits)
of the employee or employees performing the search. However, where a
homogenous class of personnel is used exclusively in a search (e.g. all
administrative/clerical or all professional/executive), the Commission
shall charge $12.50 per hour for clerical time and $30.00 per hour for
professional time. Charges for
[[Page 775]]
search time less than a full hour will be in increments of quarter
hours.
(ii) Computer searches. The Commission will charge the actual direct
costs of conducting computer searches. These direct costs shall include
the cost of operating the central processing unit for that portion of
operating time that is directly attributable to searching for requested
records, as well as the costs of operator/programmer salary
apportionable to the search. The Commission is not required to alter or
develop programming to conduct searches.
(3) Review fees. Review fees shall be assessed only with respect to
those requesters who seek records for a commercial use under paragraph
(d)(1) of this section. Review fees shall be assessed at the same rates
as those listed under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section. Review fees
shall be assessed only for the initial record review, for example,
review undertaken when the Commission analyzes the applicability of a
particular exemption to a particular record or portion thereof at the
initial request level. No charge shall be assessed at the administrative
appeal level of an exemption already applied.
(c) Statutory waiver. Documents shall be furnished without charge or
at a charge below that listed in paragraphs (b) of this section where it
is determined, based upon information provided by a requester or
otherwise made known to the FOIA Officer, that disclosure of the
requested information is in the public interest. Disclosure is in the
public interest if it is likely to contribute significantly to public
understanding of government operations and is not primarily for
commercial purposes. Requests for a waiver or reduction of fees shall be
considered on a case by case basis. In order to determine whether the
fee waiver requirement is met, the FOIA Officer shall consider the
following six factors:
(1) The subject of the request. Whether the subject of the requested
records concerns the operations or activities of the government;
(2) The informative value of the information to be disclosed.
Whether the disclosure is likely to contribute to an understanding of
government operations or activities;
(3) The contribution to an understanding of the subject by the
general public likely to result from disclosure. Whether disclosure of
the requested information will contribute to public understanding;
(4) The significance of the contribution to public understanding.
Whether the disclosure is likely to contribute significantly to public
understanding of government operations or activities;
(5) The existence and magnitude of commercial interest. Whether the
requester has a commercial interest that would be furthered by the
requested disclosure; and, if so
(6) The primary interest in disclosure. Whether the magnitude of the
identified commercial interest of the requester is sufficiently large,
in comparison with the public interest in disclosure, that disclosure is
primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.
(d) Types of requesters. There are four categories of FOIA
requesters: commercial use requesters, educational and non-commercial
scientific institutional requesters, representatives of the news media,
and all other requesters. These terms are defined in Sec. 517.2.
Specific levels of fees are prescribed below for each of these
categories.
(1) Commercial-use requesters. The FOIA Officer shall charge
commercial use requesters the full direct costs of searching for,
reviewing, and duplicating requested records.
(2) Educational and non-commercial scientific institution
requesters. The FOIA Officer shall charge educational and non-commercial
scientific institution requesters for document duplication only, except
that the first 100 pages of copies shall be provided without charge.
(3) News media requesters. The FOIA Officer shall charge news media
requesters for document duplication costs only, except that the first
100 pages of paper copies shall be provided without charge.
(4) All other requesters. The FOIA Officer shall charge requesters
who do not fall into any of the above categories fees which recover the
full reasonable direct costs incurred for searching for and reproducing
records if that total cost exceeds $15.00, except that the first
[[Page 776]]
100 pages and the first two hours of manual search time shall not be
charged. To apply this term to computer searches, the FOIA Officer will
determine the total hourly cost of operating the central processing unit
and the operator's salary (plus 16 percent for benefits). When the cost
of the search equals the equivalent dollar amount of two hours of the
salary of the person performing the search, the FOIA Officer will begin
assessing charges for the computer search.
(e) Charges for unsuccessful searches. Ordinarily, no charge will be
assessed when requested records are not found or when the records
located are withheld as exempt. However, if the requester has been
notified of the estimated cost of the search time and has been advised
specifically that the requested records may not exist or may be withheld
as exempt, fees may be charged.
(f) Charges for interest. The FOIA Officer may assess interest
charges on an unpaid bill, accrued under previous FOIA request(s),
starting on the 31st day following the day on which the bill was sent to
the requester. A fee received by the FOIA Officer, even if not
processed, will result in a stay of the accrual of interest. The
Commission shall follow the provisions of the Debt Collection Act of
1982 and the implementing procedures to recover any indebtedness owed to
the Commission.
(g) Aggregating requests. A requester or a group of requesters may
not submit multiple requests at the same time, each seeking portions of
a document or documents solely in order to avoid payment of fees. When
the Commission reasonably believes that a requester is attempting to
divide a request into a series of requests to evade an assessment of
fees, the Commission may aggregate such request and charge accordingly.
(h) Advance payment of fees. Fees may be paid upon provision of the
requested records, except that payment may be required prior to that
time if the requester has previously failed to pay fees or if the FOIA
Officer determines the total fee will exceed $250. When payment is
required in advance of the processing of a request, the time limits
prescribed in Sec. 517.6 shall not be deemed to begin until the FOIA
Officer has received payment of the assessed fee.
(i) Payment of fees. Where it is anticipated that the cost of
providing the requested record will exceed $25.00 after the free
duplication and search time has been calculated, and the requester has
not indicated in advance a willingness to pay a fee greater than $25.00,
the FOIA Officer shall promptly notify the requester of the amount of
the anticipated fee or a portion thereof, which can readily be
estimated. The notification shall offer the requesting party an
opportunity to confer with agency representatives for the purpose of
reformulating the request so as to meet the requester's needs at a
reduced cost.
PART 518_SELF REGULATION OF CLASS II GAMING--Table of Contents
Sec.
518.1 What does this part cover?
518.2 Who may petition for a certificate of self-regulation?
518.3 What must a tribe submit to the Commission as part of its
petition?
518.4 What criteria must a tribe meet to receive a certificate of self-
regulation?
518.5 What process will the Commission use to review petitions?
518.6 When will a certificate of self-regulation become effective?
518.7 If a tribe holds a certificate of self-regulation, is it required
to report information to the Commission to maintain its self-
regulatory status?
518.8 Does a tribe that holds a certificate of self-regulation have a
continuous duty to advise the Commission of any information?
518.9 Are any of the investigative or enforcement powers of the
Commission limited by the issuance of a certificate of self-
regulation?
518.10 Under what circumstances may the Commission remove a certificate
of self-regulation?
518.11 May a tribe request a hearing on the Commission's proposal to
remove its certificate?
518.12 May a tribe request reconsideration by the Commission of a denial
of a petition or a removal of a certificate of self-
regulation?
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2706(b)(10), 2710(c)(3)-(6).
Source: 63 FR 41969, Aug. 6, 1998, unless otherwise noted.
[[Page 777]]
Sec. 518.1 What does this part cover?
This part sets forth requirements for obtaining, and procedures
governing, the Commission's issuance of certificates of self-regulation
of class II gaming operations under 25 U.S.C. 2710(c). When the
Commission issues a certificate of self-regulation, the certificate is
issued to the tribe, not to a particular gaming operation; the
certificate will apply to all class II gaming operations operated by the
tribe that holds the certificate.
Sec. 518.2 Who may petition for a certificate of self-regulation?
A tribe may submit to the Commission a petition for self-regulation
of class II gaming if, for the three (3) year period immediately
preceding the date of its petition:
(a) The tribe has continuously conducted the gaming activity for
which it seeks self-regulation;
(b) All gaming that the tribe has engaged in, or licensed and
regulated, on Indian lands within the tribe's jurisdiction, is located
within a State that permits such gaming for any purpose by any person,
organization or entity (and such gaming is not otherwise specifically
prohibited on Indian lands by federal law), in accordance with 25 U.S.C.
2710(b)(1)(A);
(c) The governing body of the tribe has adopted an ordinance or
resolution that the Chairman has approved, in accordance with 25 U.S.C.
2710(b)(1)(B);
(d) The tribe has otherwise complied with the provisions of 25
U.S.C. 2710; and
(e) The gaming operation and the tribal regulatory body have, for
the three years immediately preceding the date of the petition,
maintained all records required to support the petition for self-
regulation.
Sec. 518.3 What must a tribe submit to the Commission as part of
its petition?
(a) A petition for a certificate of self-regulation under this part
shall contain:
(1) Two copies on 8-1/2x11 paper of a petition
for self-regulation approved by the governing body of the tribe and
certified as authentic by an authorized tribal official, which includes:
(i) A brief history of each gaming operation(s), including the
opening dates and periods of voluntary or involuntary closure;
(ii) An organizational chart of the independent tribal regulatory
body;
(iii) A description of the process by which all employee and
regulator positions at the independent tribal regulatory body are
filled, including qualifying and disqualifying criteria;
(iv) A description of the process by which the independent tribal
regulatory body is funded and the funding level for the three years
immediately preceding the date of the petition;
(v) A list of the current regulators and employees of the
independent tribal regulatory body, their titles, the dates they began
employment, and, if serving limited terms, the expiration date of such
terms;
(vi) A list of the current gaming operation division heads; and
(vii) A report, with supporting documentation, including a sworn
statement signed by an authorized tribal official, which explains how
tribal net gaming revenues were used in accordance with the requirements
of 25 U.S.C. 2710(b)(2)(B);
(2) A descriptive list of the documents maintained by the tribe,
together with an assurance that the listed documents or records are
available for the Commission's review for use in determining whether the
tribe meets the eligibility criteria of Sec. 518.2 and the approval
criteria of Sec. 518.4, which shall include but is not limited to:
(i) The tribe's constitution or other governing documents;
(ii) If applicable, the tribe's revenue allocation plan pursuant to
25 U.S.C. 2710(b)(3);
(iii) A description of the accounting system(s) at both the gaming
operation and the tribe that account for the flow of the gaming revenues
from receipt to their ultimate use, consistent with IGRA;
(iv) Manual(s) of the internal control systems of the gaming
operation(s);
(v) A description of the record keeping system for all allegations
of criminal or dishonest activity for the three (3)-year period
immediately preceding the date of the petition, and measures taken to
resolve the allegations;
[[Page 778]]
(vi) A description of the record keeping system for all
investigations, enforcement actions, and prosecutions of violations of
the tribal gaming ordinance or regulations, for the three (3)-year
period immediately preceding the date of the petition, including
dispositions thereof;
(vii) A description of the personnel record keeping system of all
current employees of the gaming operation(s);
(viii) The dates of issuance, and criteria for the issuance of
tribal gaming licenses issued for each place, facility or location at
which gaming is conducted; and
(ix) The tribe's current set of gaming regulations; and
(3) A copy of the public notice required under 25 CFR 518.5(d) and a
certification, signed by a tribal official, that it has been posted.
Upon publication of the notice in a local newspaper, the tribe shall
forward an affidavit of publication to the Commission.
Sec. 518.4 What criteria must a tribe meet to receive a certificate
of self-regulation?
(a) The Commission shall issue a certificate of self-regulation if
it determines that the tribe has, for the three years immediately
preceding the petition:
(1) Conducted its gaming activity in a manner that:
(i) Has resulted in an effective and honest accounting of all
revenues;
(ii) Has resulted in a reputation for safe, fair, and honest
operation of the activity; and
(iii) Has been generally free of evidence of criminal or dishonest
activity;
(2) Adopted and is implementing adequate systems for:
(i) Accounting of all revenues from the activity;
(ii) Investigation, licensing and monitoring of all employees of the
gaming activity; and
(iii) Investigation, enforcement and prosecution of violations of
its gaming ordinance and regulations;
(3) Conducted the operation on a fiscally and economically sound
basis; and
(4) The gaming activity has been conducted in compliance with the
IGRA, NIGC regulations in this chapter, and the tribe's gaming ordinance
and gaming regulations.
(b) Indicators that a tribe has met the criteria set forth in
paragraph (a) of this section may include, but are not limited to:
(1) Adoption and implementation of minimum internal control
standards which are at least as stringent as those promulgated by the
Commission, or until such standards are promulgated by the Commission,
minimum internal control standards at least as stringent as those
required by the State of Nevada or the State of New Jersey;
(2) Evidence that suitability determinations are made with respect
to tribal gaming regulators which are at least as stringent as those
required for key employees and primary management officials of the
gaming operation(s);
(3) Evidence of an established independent regulatory body within
the tribal government which:
(i) Monitors gaming activities to ensure compliance with federal and
tribal laws and regulations;
(ii) Promulgates tribal gaming regulations pursuant to tribal law;
(iii) Ensures that there is an adequate system for accounting of all
revenues from the activity and monitors such system for continued
effectiveness;
(iv) Performs routine operational or other audits of the gaming
operation(s);
(v) Routinely receives and reviews accounting information from the
gaming operation(s);
(vi) Has access to and may inspect, examine, photocopy and audit all
papers, books, and records of the gaming operation(s);
(vii) Provides ongoing information to the tribe on the status of the
tribe's gaming operation(s);
(viii) Monitors compliance with minimum internal control standards
for the gaming operation;
(ix) Adopts and implements an adequate system for investigation,
licensing, and monitoring of all employees of the gaming activity;
(x) Maintains records on licensees and on persons denied licenses
including persons otherwise prohibited from
[[Page 779]]
engaging in gaming activities within the tribe's jurisdiction;
(xi) Inspects and examines all premises where gaming is conducted;
(xii) Establishes standards for and issues vendor licenses or
permits to persons or entities who deal with the gaming operation, such
as manufacturers and suppliers of services, equipment and supplies;
(xiii) Establishes or approves, and requires the posting of, rules
of games;
(xiv) Inspects games, tables, equipment, cards, and chips or tokens
used in the gaming operation(s);
(xv) Establishes standards for technological aids and tests such for
compliance with standards;
(xvi) Establishes or approves video surveillance standards;
(xvii) Adopts and implements an adequate system for the
investigation of possible violations of the tribal gaming ordinance and
regulations and takes appropriate enforcement actions;
(xviii) Determines that there are adequate dispute resolution
procedures for gaming operation employees and customers, and ensures
that such system is adequately implemented; and
(xix) Takes testimony and conducts hearings on regulatory matters,
including matters related to the revocation of primary management
officials and key employee licenses;
(4) Documentation of a sufficient source of permanent and stable
funding for the independent tribal regulatory body which is allocated
and appropriated by the tribal governing body;
(5) Adoption of a conflict of interest policy for the regulators/
regulatory body and their staff;
(6) Evidence that the operation is financially stable;
(7) Adoption and implementation of a system for adequate prosecution
of violations of the tribal gaming ordinance and regulations, which may
include the existence of a tribal court system authorized to hear and
decide gaming related cases;
(8) Evidence that the operation is being conducted in a safe manner,
which may include, but not be limited to:
(i) The availability of medical, fire, and emergency services;
(ii) The existence of an evacuation plan; and
(iii) Proof of compliance with applicable building, health, and
safety codes; and
(9) Evidence that reports are produced or received by the tribe, the
tribal regulatory body, or the gaming operation based on an evaluation
of the internal controls of the gaming operation during the three (3)
year period immediately preceding the date of the petition.
(c) The burden of establishing self-regulation is upon the tribe
filing the petition.
(d) During the review of the petition, the Commission shall have
complete access to all areas of and all papers, books, and records of
the tribal regulatory body, the gaming operation, and any other entity
involved in the regulation or oversight of the gaming operation. The
Commission shall be allowed to inspect and photocopy any relevant
materials. The tribe shall take no action to prohibit the Commission
from soliciting information from any current or former employees of the
tribe, the tribal regulatory body, or the gaming operation. Failure to
adhere to this paragraph may be grounds for denial of a petition for
self-regulation.
Sec. 518.5 What process will the Commission use to review petitions?
(a) The Chairman shall appoint one Commissioner to administer the
Office of Self Regulation. The Office of Self Regulation shall undertake
an initial review of the petition to determine whether the tribe meets
all of the eligibility criteria of Sec. 518.2. If the tribe fails to
meet any of the eligibility criteria, the Office of Self Regulation
shall deny the petition and so notify the tribe. If the tribe meets all
of the eligibility criteria, the Office of Self Regulation shall review
the petition and accompanying documents for completeness. If the Office
of Self Regulation finds the petition incomplete, it shall immediately
notify the tribe by letter, certified mail, return receipt requested, of
any obvious deficiencies or significant omissions apparent in the
petition and provide the tribe with an opportunity to submit additional
information and/or clarification.
[[Page 780]]
(b) The Office of Self Regulation shall notify a tribe, by letter,
when it considers a petition to be complete.
(c) Upon receipt of a complete petition, the Office of Self
Regulation shall conduct a review and investigation to determine whether
the tribe meets the approval criteria under Sec. 518.4. During the
course of this review, the Office of Self Regulation may request from
the tribe any additional material it deems necessary to assess whether
the tribe has met the requirements for self-regulation. The tribe shall
provide all information requested by the Office of Self Regulation in a
timely manner. The Office of Self Regulation may consider any evidence
which may be submitted by interested or informed parties. The Office of
Self Regulation shall make all such information on which it relies in
making its determination available to the Tribe and shall afford the
Tribe an opportunity to respond.
(d) The tribe shall post a notice, contemporaneous with the filing
of the petition, advising the public that it has petitioned the
Commission for a certificate of self regulation. Such notice shall be
posted in conspicuous places in the gaming operation and the tribal
government offices. Such notice shall remain posted until the Commission
either issues a certificate or declines to do so. The tribe shall also
publish such notice, once a week for four weeks, in a local newspaper
with a broad based circulation. Both notices shall state that one of the
criteria for the issuance of a certificate is that the tribe has a
reputation for safe, fair, and honest operation of the gaming activity,
and shall solicit comments in this regard. The notices shall instruct
commentors to submit their comments directly to the Office of Self
Regulation, shall provide the mailing address of the Commission and
shall request that commentors include their name, address and day time
telephone number.
(e) After making an initial determination on the petition, the
Office of Self Regulation shall issue a report of its findings to the
tribe.
(1) If the Office of Self Regulation determines that the tribe has
satisfied the criteria for a certificate of self regulation, it shall so
indicate in its report and shall issue a certificate in accordance with
25 CFR 518.6.
(2) If the Office of Self Regulation's initial determination is that
a tribe has not met the criteria for a certificate of self regulation,
it shall so advise the tribe in its report and the tribe shall have 60
days from the date of service of the report to submit to the Office of
Self Regulation a written response to the report. This response may
include additional materials which:
(i) The tribe deems necessary to adequately respond to the findings;
and
(ii) The tribe believes supports its petition.
(f) At the time of the submission of its response the tribe may
request a hearing before the Office of Self Regulation. This request
shall specify the issues to be addressed by the tribe at such hearing,
and any proposed oral or written testimony the tribe wishes to present.
The Office of Self Regulation may limit testimony.
(g) The Office of Self Regulation shall notify the tribe, within 10
days of receipt of such request, of the date and place of the hearing.
The Office of Self Regulation shall also set forth the schedule for the
conduct of the hearing, including the specification of all issues to be
addressed at the hearing, the identification of any witnesses, the time
allotted for testimony and oral argument, and the order of the
presentation.
(h) Following review of the tribe's response and the conduct of the
hearing, the Office of Self Regulation shall issue a decision on the
petition. The decision shall set forth with particularity the findings
with respect to the tribe's compliance with standards for self-
regulation set forth in this part. If the Office of Self Regulation
determines that a certificate will issue, it will do so in accordance
with 25 CFR 518.6.
(i) The decision to deny a petition shall be appealable to the full
Commission. Such appeal shall be received by the Commission within
thirty (30) days of service of the decision and shall include a
supplemental statement that states with particularity the relief desired
and the grounds therefor. The full Commission shall decide the appeal
[[Page 781]]
based only on a review of the record before it. The decision on appeal
shall require a majority vote of the Commissioners.
(j) The decision of the Commission to approve or deny a petition
shall be a final agency action. A denial shall be appealable under 25
U.S.C. 2714, subject to the provisions of Sec. 518.12. The Commission
decision shall be effective when the time for the filing of a request
for reconsideration pursuant to Sec. 518.12 has expired and no request
has been filed.
Sec. 518.6 When will a certificate of self-regulation become effective?
A certificate of self-regulation shall become effective on January 1
of the year following the year in which the Commission determines that a
certificate will issue. Complete petitions are due no later than June
30. No petitions will be considered for the following January 1
effective date that have not been received by June 30 of the previous
year. Petitions will be reviewed and investigated in chronological order
based on the date of receipt of a complete petition. The Commission will
announce its determinations on December 1 for all those reviews and
investigations it completes.
Sec. 518.7 If a tribe holds a certificate of self-regulation, is it
required to report information to the Commission to maintain its
self-regulatory status?
Yes. Each tribe that holds a certificate of self-regulation shall be
required to submit a self-regulation report annually to the Commission
in order to maintain its self-regulatory status. Such report shall set
forth information to establish that the tribe has continuously met the
eligibility requirements of Sec. 518.2 and the approval requirements of
Sec. 518.4 and shall include a report, with supporting documentation,
including a sworn statement signed by an authorized tribal official,
which explains how tribal net gaming revenues were used in accordance
with the requirements of 25 U.S.C. 2710(b)(2)(B)''. The annual report
shall be filed with the Commission on April 15th of each year following
the first year of self-regulation. Failure to file such report shall be
grounds for the removal of a certificate under Sec. 518.8.
Sec. 518.8 Does a tribe that holds a certificate of self-regulation
have a continuing duty to advise the Commission of any information?
Yes. A tribe that holds a certificate of self-regulation has a
continuing duty to advise immediately the Commission of any
circumstances that may reasonably cause the Commission to review the
tribe's certificate of self-regulation. Failure to do so is grounds for
removal of a certificate of self-regulation. Such circumstances may
include, but are not limited to: a change in management contractor;
financial instability; or any other factors that are material to the
decision to grant a certificate of self regulation.
Sec. 518.9 Are any of the investigative or enforcement powers of the
Commission limited by the issuance of a certificate of self-regulation?
No. Subject to the provisions of 25 U.S.C. 2710(c)(5)(A) the
Commission retains its investigative and enforcement powers over all
class II gaming tribes notwithstanding the issuance of a certificate of
self-regulation. The Commission shall retain its powers to investigate
and bring enforcement actions for violations of the Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act, accompanying regulations, and violations of tribal
gaming ordinances.
Sec. 518.10 Under what circumstances may the Commission remove a
certificate of self-regulation?
The Commission may, after an opportunity for a hearing, remove a
certificate of self-regulation by a majority vote of its members if it
determines that the tribe no longer meets the eligiblity criteria of
Sec. 518.2, the approval criteria of Sec. 518.4, the requirements of
Sec. 518.7 or the requirements of Sec. 518.8. The Commission shall
provide the tribe with prompt notice of the Commission's intent to
remove a certificate of self-regulation under this Part. Such notice
shall state the reasons for the Commission's action and shall advise the
tribe of its right to a hearing under Sec. 518. 11. The decision to
remove a certificate is appealable to
[[Page 782]]
Federal District Court pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 2714.
Sec. 518.11 May a tribe request a hearing on the Commission's proposal
to remove its certificate?
Yes. A tribe may request a hearing regarding the Commission's
proposal to remove a certificate of self regulation under Sec. 518.10.
Such a request shall be filed with the Commission within thirty (30)
days after the tribe receives notice of the Commission's action. Failure
to request a hearing within the time provided by this section shall
constitute a waiver of the right to a hearing.
Sec. 518.12 May a tribe request reconsideration by the Commission of a
denial of a petition or a removal of a certificate of self-regulation?
Yes. A tribe may file a request for reconsideration of a denial of a
petition or a removal of a certificate of self-regulation within 30 days
of receipt of the denial or removal. Such request shall set forth the
basis for the request, specifically identifying those Commission
findings which the tribe believes to be erroneous. The Commission shall
issue a final decision within 30 days of receipt of the request. If the
Commission fails to issue a decision within 30 days, the request shall
be considered to be disapproved.
PART 519_SERVICE--Table of Contents
Sec.
519.1 Designation of an agent by a tribe.
519.2 Designation of an agent by a management contractor or a tribal
operator.
519.3 Methods of service.
519.4 Copy of any official determination, order, or notice of violation.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2706(b)(10).
Source: 58 FR 5810, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 519.1 Designation of an agent by a tribe.
By written notification to the Commission, a tribe shall designate
an agent for service of any official determination, order, or notice of
violation.
Sec. 519.2 Designation of an agent by a management contractor or a
tribal operator.
By written notification to the Commission, a management contractor
or a tribal operator shall designate an agent for service of any
official determination, order, or notice of violation.
Sec. 519.3 Methods of service.
(a) The Chairman shall serve any official determination, order, or
notice of violation by:
(1) Delivering a copy to a designated agent;
(2) Delivering a copy to the person who is the subject of the
official determination, order, or notice of violation;
(3) Delivering a copy to the individual who, after reasonable
inquiry, appears to be in charge of the gaming operation that is the
subject of the official determination, order, or notice of violation;
(4) Mailing to the person who is the subject of the official
determination, order, or notice of violation or to his or her designated
agent at the last known address. Service by mail is complete upon
mailing; or
(5) Transmitting a facsimile to the person who is the subject of the
official determination, order, or notice of violation or to his or her
designated agent at the last known facsimile number. Service by
facsimile is complete upon transmission.
(b) Delivery of a copy means: Handing it to the person or designated
agent (or attorney for either); leaving a copy at the person's, agent's
or attorney's office with a clerk or other person in charge thereof; if
there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place therein;
or, if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office,
leaving it at the person's dwelling house or usual place of abode with
some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein.
(c) Service shall not be deemed incomplete because of refusal to
accept.
Sec. 519.4 Copy of any official determination, order, or notice of
violation.
The Commission shall transmit a copy of any official determination,
order, or notice of violation to the tribal chairman, the designated
tribal
[[Page 783]]
agent under Sec. 519.1, and to the relevant tribal gaming authority.
The Commission shall transmit such copy as expeditiously as possible.
Service under Sec. 519.3 shall not depend on a copy being sent to the
appropriate tribal chairman, the designated tribal agent or to the
relevant tribal gaming authority.
[[Page 784]]
SUBCHAPTER B_APPROVAL OF CLASS II AND CLASS III ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS
PARTS 520 521 [RESERVED]
PART 522_SUBMISSION OF GAMING ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION--Table of Contents
Sec.
522.1 Scope of this part.
522.2 Submission requirements.
522.3 Amendment.
522.4 Approval requirements for class II ordinances.
522.5 Disapproval of a class II ordinance.
522.6 Approval requirements for class III ordinances.
522.7 Disapproval of a class III ordinance.
522.8 Publication of class III ordinance and approval.
522.9 Substitute approval.
522.10 Individually owned class II and class III gaming operations other
than those operating on September 1, 1986.
522.11 Individually owned class II gaming operations operating on
September 1, 1986.
522.12 Revocation of class III gaming.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2706, 2710, 2712
Source: 58 FR 5810, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 522.1 Scope of this part.
This part applies to any gaming ordinance or resolution adopted by a
tribe after February 22, 1993. Part 523 of this chapter applies to all
existing gaming ordinances or resolutions.
[58 FR 5810, Jan. 22, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 16494, Mar. 29, 1993]
Sec. 522.2 Submission requirements.
A tribe shall submit to the Chairman all of the following
information with a request for approval of a class II or class III
ordinance or resolution:
(a) One copy on 8\1/2\x11 paper of an
ordinance or resolution certified as authentic by an authorized tribal
official and that meets the approval requirements in Sec. 522.4(b) or
522.6 of this part;
(b) A description of procedures to conduct or cause to be conducted
background investigations on key employees and primary management
officials and to ensure that key employees and primary management
officials are notified of their rights under the Privacy Act as
specified in Sec. 556.2 of this chapter;
(c) A description of procedures to issue tribal licenses to primary
management officials and key employees;
(d) Copies of all tribal gaming regulations;
(e) When an ordinance or resolution concerns class III gaming, a
copy of the tribal-state compact or procedures as prescribed by the
Secretary;
(f) A description of procedures for resolving disputes between the
gaming public and the tribe or the management contractor;
(g) Designation of an agent for service under Sec. 519.1 of this
chapter; and
(h) Identification of a law enforcement agency that will take
fingerprints and a description of procedures for conducting a criminal
history check by a law enforcement agency. Such a criminal history check
shall include a check of criminal history records information maintained
by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
[58 FR 5810, Jan. 22, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 16494, Mar. 29, 1993]
Sec. 522.3 Amendment.
(a) Within 15 days after adoption, a tribe shall submit for the
Chairman's approval any amendment to an ordinance or resolution.
(b) A tribe shall submit for the Chairman's approval any amendment
to the submissions made under Sec. Sec. 522.2(b) through (h) of this
part within 15 days after adoption of such amendment.
Sec. 522.4 Approval requirements for class II ordinances.
No later than 90 days after the submission to the Chairman under
Sec. 522.2 of this part, the Chairman shall approve the class II
ordinance or resolution if the Chairman finds that--
(a) A tribe meets the submission requirements contained in Sec.
522.2 of this part; and
(b) The class II ordinance or resolution provides that--
[[Page 785]]
(1) The tribe shall have the sole proprietary interest in and
responsibility for the conduct of any gaming operation unless it elects
to allow individually owned gaming under either Sec. 522.10 or Sec.
522.11 of this part;
(2) A tribe shall use net revenues from any tribal gaming or from
any individually owned games only for one or more of the following
purposes:
(i) To fund tribal government operations or programs;
(ii) To provide for the general welfare of the tribe and its members
(if a tribe elects to make per capita distributions, the plan must be
approved by the Secretary of the Interior under 25 U.S.C. 2710(b)(3));
(iii) To promote tribal economic development;
(iv) To donate to charitable organizations; or
(v) To help fund operations of local government agencies;
(3) A tribe shall cause to be conducted independent audits of gaming
operations annually and shall submit the results of those audits to the
Commission;
(4) All gaming related contracts that result in purchases of
supplies, services, or concessions for more than $25,000 in any year
(except contracts for professional legal or accounting services) shall
be specifically included within the scope of the audit conducted under
paragraph (b)(3) of this section;
(5) A tribe shall perform background investigations and issue
licenses for key employees and primary management officials according to
requirements that are at least as stringent as those in parts 556 and
558 of this chapter;
(6) A tribe shall issue a separate license to each place, facility,
or location on Indian lands where a tribe elects to allow class II
gaming; and
(7) A tribe shall construct, maintain and operate a gaming facility
in a manner that adequately protects the environment and the public
health and safety.
Sec. 522.5 Disapproval of a class II ordinance.
No later than 90 days after a tribe submits an ordinance for
approval under Sec. 522.2 of this part, the Chairman may disapprove an
ordinance if he or she determines that a tribe failed to comply with the
requirements of Sec. 522.2 or Sec. 522.4(b) of this part. The Chairman
shall notify a tribe of its right to appeal under part 524 of this
chapter. A disapproval shall be effective immediately unless appealed
under part 524 of this chapter.
Sec. 522.6 Approval requirements for class III ordinances.
No later than 90 days after the submission to the Chairman under
Sec. 522.2 of this part, the Chairman shall approve the class III
ordinance or resolution if--
(a) A tribe follows the submission requirements contained in Sec.
522.2 of this part;
(b) The ordinance or resolution meets the requirements contained in
Sec. 522.4(b) (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7) of this part; and
(c) The tribe shall have the sole proprietary interest in and
responsibility for the conduct of any gaming operation unless it elects
to allow individually owned gaming under Sec. 522.10 of this part.
Sec. 522.7 Disapproval of a class III ordinance.
(a) Notwithstanding compliance with the requirements of Sec. 522.6
of this part and no later than 90 days after a submission under Sec.
522.2 of this part, the Chairman shall disapprove an ordinance or
resolution and notify a tribe of its right of appeal under part 524 of
this chapter if the Chairman determines that--
(1) A tribal governing body did not adopt the ordinance or
resolution in compliance with the governing documents of a tribe; or
(2) A tribal governing body was significantly and unduly influenced
in the adoption of the ordinance or resolution by a person having a
direct or indirect financial interest in a management contract, a person
having management responsibility for a management contract, or their
agents.
(b) A disapproval shall be effective immediately unless appealed
under part 524 of this chapter.
[[Page 786]]
Sec. 522.8 Publication of class III ordinance and approval.
The Chairman shall publish a class III tribal gaming ordinance or
resolution in the Federal Register along with the Chairman's approval
thereof.
Sec. 522.9 Substitute approval.
If the Chairman fails to approve or disapprove an ordinance or
resolution submitted under Sec. 522.2 of this part within 90 days after
the date of submission to the Chairman, a tribal ordinance or resolution
shall be considered to have been approved by the Chairman but only to
the extent that such ordinance or resolution is consistent with the
provisions of the Act and this chapter.
Sec. 522.10 Individually owned class II and class III gaming operations
other than those operating on September 1, 1986.
For licensing of individually owned gaming operations other than
those operating on September 1, 1986 (addressed under Sec. 522.11 of
this part), a tribal ordinance shall require:
(a) That the gaming operation be licensed and regulated under an
ordinance or resolution approved by the Chairman;
(b) That income to the tribe from an individually owned gaming
operation be used only for the purposes listed in Sec. 522.4(b)(2) of
this part;
(c) That not less than 60 percent of the net revenues be income to
the Tribe;
(d) That the owner pay an assessment to the Commission under Sec.
514.1 of this chapter;
(e) Licensing standards that are at least as restrictive as those
established by State law governing similar gaming within the
jurisdiction of the surrounding State; and
(f) Denial of a license for any person or entity that would not be
eligible to receive a State license to conduct the same activity within
the jurisdiction of the surrounding State. State law standards shall
apply with respect to purpose, entity, pot limits and hours of
operation.
Sec. 522.11 Individually owned class II gaming operations operating
on September 1, 1986.
For licensing of individually owned gaming operations operating on
September 1, 1986, under Sec. 502.3(e) of this chapter, a tribal
ordinance shall contain the same requirements as those in Sec.
522.10(a)-(d) of this part.
Sec. 522.12 Revocation of class III gaming.
A governing body of a tribe, in its sole discretion and without the
approval of the Chairman, may adopt an ordinance or resolution revoking
any prior ordinance or resolution that authorizes class III gaming.
(a) A tribe shall submit to the Chairman on 8\1/
2\x11 paper one copy of any revocation ordinance
or resolution certified as authentic by an authorized tribal official.
(b) The Chairman shall publish such ordinance or resolution in the
Federal Register and the revocation provided by such ordinance or
resolution shall take effect on the date of such publication.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any person
or entity operating a class III gaming operation on the date of
publication in the Federal Register under paragraph (b) of this section
may, during a one-year period beginning on the date of publication,
continue to operate such operation in conformance with a tribal-state
compact.
(d) A revocation shall not affect--
(1) Any civil action that arises during the one-year period
following publication of the revocation; or
(2) Any crime that is committed during the one-year period following
publication of the revocation.
PART 523_REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF EXISTING ORDINANCES OR RESOLUTIONS
--Table of Contents
Sec.
523.1 Scope of this part.
523.2 Submission requirements.
523.3 Review of an ordinance or resolution.
523.4 Review of an amendment.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2706, 2710, 2712.
Source: 58 FR 5812, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
[[Page 787]]
Sec. 523.1 Scope of this part.
This part applies to a class II or a class III gaming ordinance or
resolution enacted by a tribe prior to February 22, 1993, and that has
not been submitted to the Chairman.
[58 FR 5810, Jan. 22, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 16494, Mar. 29, 1993]
Sec. 523.2 Submission requirements.
(a) Within 60 days after a request by the Chairman, a tribe shall:
(1) Submit for review and approval all items required under Sec.
522.2 of this chapter; and
(2) For each gaming operation submit the financial statements for
the previous fiscal year and the most recent audit report and management
letter.
(b) If a tribe fails to submit all items under Sec. 522.2 of this
chapter within 60 days, the Chairman shall deem the ordinance or
resolution disapproved and shall notify the tribe of its right to appeal
under part 524.
Sec. 523.3 Review of an ordinance or resolution.
Within 90 days after receipt of a submission under Sec. 523.2 of
this part, the Chairman shall subject the ordinance or resolution to the
standards in part 522 of this chapter.
(a) For class II and class III gaming, if the Chairman determines
that an ordinance or resolution submitted under this part meets the
approval and submission requirements of part 522 of this chapter and the
Chairman finds the annual financial statements are included in the
submission, the Chairman shall approve the ordinance or resolution.
(b) If an ordinance or resolution fails to meet the requirements for
review under part 522 of this chapter or if a tribe fails to submit the
annual financial statement, the Chairman shall notify a tribe in writing
of the specific areas of noncompliance.
(c) The Chairman shall allow a tribe 120 days from receipt of such
notice to bring the ordinance or resolution into compliance with the
requirements of part 522 of this chapter or to submit an annual
financial statement, or both.
(d) At the end of the 120-day period provided under paragraph (c) of
this section, or earlier if the tribe notifies the Chairman that it
intends not to comply, the Chairman shall disapprove any ordinance or
resolution if a tribe fails to amend according to the notification made
under paragraph (b) of this section.
Sec. 523.4 Review of an amendment.
Within 90 days after receipt of an amendment, the Chairman shall
subject the amendment to the standards in part 522 of this chapter.
(a) If the Chairman determines that an amendment meets the approval
and submission requirements of part 522 of this chapter, the Chairman
will approve the amendment.
(b) If an amendment fails to meet the requirements for review under
part 522 of this chapter, the Chairman shall notify the tribe in writing
of the specific areas of noncompliance.
(c) If the Chairman fails to disapprove a submission under paragraph
(a) or (b) of this section within 90 days after the date of submission
to the Chairman, a tribal amendment shall be considered to have been
approved by the Chairman but only to the extent that such amendment is
consistent with the provisions of the Act and this chapter.
PART 524_APPEALS--Table of Contents
Sec.
524.1 Appeals by a tribe.
524.2 Limited participation by an entity other than a tribe.
524.3 Decisions on appeals.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2706, 2710, 2712.
Source: 58 FR 5812, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 524.1 Appeal by a tribe.
A tribe may appeal disapproval of a gaming ordinance, resolution or
amendment under part 522 or 523 of this chapter. An appeal shall be
filed with the Commission within 30 days after the Chairman serves his
or her determination under part 519 of this chapter. Such an appeal
shall state succinctly why the tribe believes the Chairman's
determination to be erroneous, and shall include supporting
documentation, if any. Failure to file an appeal within the time
provided by
[[Page 788]]
this section shall result in a waiver of the opportunity for an appeal.
Sec. 524.2 Limited participation by an entity other than a tribe.
(a) An entity other than a tribe may request to participate in an
appeal of a disapproval under part 522 or part 523 of this chapter by
filing a written submission. Such written submission shall:
(1) State the property, financial, or other interest of the party in
the appeal; and
(2) The reasons why the action of the Chairman in disapproving an
ordinance, resolution or amendment may be in error or the reasons why
the Chairman's disapproval should be upheld by the Commission. The
reasons shall address the approval requirements under Sec. Sec. 522.4,
522.5, 522.6, 522.7, 523.2 of this chapter.
(b) The Commission shall forward a copy of a request under paragraph
(a) of this section to the party of record under Sec. 524.1 of this
part.
(c) The Commission shall review a request under this section and
timely notify the requester of its determination. Such notification
shall supply the reasons for the determination. The Commission shall
also notify the party of record on appeal under Sec. 524.1 of its
determination.
(d) The Commission shall limit the extent of participation by an
entity other than a tribe to one written submission as described under
paragraph (a) of this section, unless the Commission determines further
participation would substantially contribute to the record.
Sec. 524.3 Decisions on appeals.
(a) Within 90 days after it receives the appeal, the Commission
shall render its decision on the appeal.
(b) The Commission shall notify the party of record under Sec.
524.1 of this part and any limited participant under Sec. 524.2 of this
part of its final decision and the reasons supporting it.
PARTS 525 529 [RESERVED]
[[Page 789]]
SUBCHAPTER C_MANAGEMENT CONTRACT PROVISIONS
PART 530 [RESERVED]
PART 531_CONTENT OF MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS--Table of Contents
Sec.
531.1 Required provisions.
531.2 Prohibited provisions.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 81, 2706(b)(10), 2710(d)(9), 2711.
Source: 58 FR 5828, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 531.1 Required provisions.
A management contract previously approved by the Secretary of the
Interior shall conform to the requirements contained in paragraphs (c),
(d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this section and a management
contract not previously approved by the Secretary shall conform to all
of the requirements contained in this section in the manner indicated.
(a) Governmental authority. Provide that all gaming covered by the
contract will be conducted in accordance with the Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act (IGRA, or the Act) and governing tribal ordinance(s).
(b) Assignment of responsibilities. Enumerate the responsibilities
of each of the parties for each identifiable function, including:
(1) Maintaining and improving the gaming facility;
(2) Providing operating capital;
(3) Establishing operating days and hours;
(4) Hiring, firing, training and promoting employees;
(5) Maintaining the gaming operation's books and records;
(6) Preparing the operation's financial statements and reports;
(7) Paying for the services of the independent auditor engaged
pursuant to Sec. 571.12 of this chapter;
(8) Hiring and supervising security personnel;
(9) Providing fire protection services;
(10) Setting advertising budget and placing advertising;
(11) Paying bills and expenses;
(12) Establishing and administering employment practices;
(13) Obtaining and maintaining insurance coverage, including
coverage of public liability and property loss or damage;
(14) Complying with all applicable provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code;
(15) Paying the cost of any increased public safety services; and
(16) If applicable, supplying the National Indian Gaming Commission
(NIGC, or the Commission) with all information necessary for the
Commission to comply with the regulations of the Commission issued
pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
(c) Accounting. Provide for the establishment and maintenance of
satisfactory accounting systems and procedures that shall, at a minimum:
(1) Include an adequate system of internal accounting controls;
(2) Permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles;
(3) Be susceptible to audit;
(4) Allow a class II gaming operation, the tribe, and the Commission
to calculate the annual fee under Sec. 514.1 of this chapter;
(5) Permit the calculation and payment of the manager's fee; and
(6) Provide for the allocation of operating expenses or overhead
expenses among the tribe, the tribal gaming operation, the contractor,
and any other user of shared facilities and services.
(d) Reporting. Require the management contractor to provide the
tribal governing body not less frequently than monthly with verifiable
financial reports or all information necessary to prepare such reports.
(e) Access. Require the management contractor to provide immediate
access to the gaming operation, including its books and records, by
appropriate tribal officials, who shall have:
(1) The right to verify the daily gross revenues and income from the
gaming operation; and
[[Page 790]]
(2) Access to any other gaming-related information the tribe deems
appropriate.
(f) Guaranteed payment to tribe. Provide for a minimum guaranteed
monthly payment to the tribe in a sum certain that has preference over
the retirement of development and construction costs.
(g) Development and construction costs. Provide an agreed upon
maximum dollar amount for the recoupment of development and construction
costs.
(h) Term limits. Be for a term not to exceed five (5) years, except
that upon the request of a tribe, the Chairman may authorize a contract
term that does not exceed seven (7) years if the Chairman is satisfied
that the capital investment required, and the income projections, for
the particular gaming operation require the additional time. The time
period shall begin running no later than the date when the gaming
activities authorized by an approved management contract begin.
(i) Compensation. Detail the method of compensating and reimbursing
the management contractor. If a management contract provides for a
percentage fee, such fee shall be either:
(1) Not more than thirty (30) percent of the net revenues of the
gaming operation if the Chairman determines that such percentage is
reasonable considering the circumstances; or
(2) Not more than forty (40) percent of the net revenues if the
Chairman is satisfied that the capital investment required and income
projections for the gaming operation require the additional fee.
(j) Termination provisions. Provide the grounds and mechanisms for
modifying or terminating the contract (termination of the contract shall
not require the approval of the Chairman).
(k) Dispute provisions. Contain a mechanism to resolve disputes
between:
(1) The management contractor and customers, consistent with the
procedures in a tribal ordinance;
(2) The management contractor and the tribe; and
(3) The management contractor and the gaming operation employees.
(l) Assignments and subcontracting. Indicate whether and to what
extent contract assignments and subcontracting are permissible.
(m) Ownership interests. Indicate whether and to what extent changes
in the ownership interest in the management contract require advance
approval by the tribe.
(n) Effective date. State that the contract shall not be effective
unless and until it is approved by the Chairman, date of signature of
the parties notwithstanding.
Sec. 531.2 Prohibited provisions.
A management contract shall not transfer or, in any other manner,
convey any interest in land or other real property, unless specific
statutory authority exists and unless clearly specified in writing in
the contract.
PART 532 [RESERVED]
PART 533_APPROVAL OF MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS--Table of Contents
Sec.
533.1 Requirement for review and approval.
533.2 Time for submitting management contracts.
533.3 Submission of management contract for approval.
533.4 Action by the Chairman.
533.5 Notice of noncompliance.
533.6 Approval.
533.7 Void agreements.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 81, 2706(b)(10), 2710(d)(9), 2711.
Source: 58 FR 5829, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 533.1 Requirement for review and approval.
Subject to the Chairman's approval, an Indian tribe may enter into a
management contract for the operation of a class II or class III gaming
activity.
(a) Such contract shall become effective upon approval by the
Chairman.
(b) Contract approval shall be evidenced by a Commission document
dated and signed by the Chairman. No other means of approval shall be
valid.
(c) Contracts approved by the Secretary remain effective until
approved or disapproved by the Chairman.
[[Page 791]]
Sec. 533.2 Time for submitting management contracts.
A tribe or a management contractor shall submit a management
contract to the Chairman for review as follows:
(a) Contracts approved by the Secretary, within sixty (60) days
after a request by the Chairman. If a tribe or a management contractor
fail to submit all items under Sec. 533.3 of this part within 60 days,
the Chairman may deem the contract disapproved and shall notify the
parties of their rights to appeal under part 539 of this chapter.
(b) All other contracts, upon execution.
Sec. 533.3 Submission of management contract for approval.
A tribe shall include in any request for approval of a management
contract under this part:
(a) A contract containing:
(1) Original signatures of an authorized official of the tribe and
the management contractor;
(2) A representation that the contract as submitted to the Chairman
is the entirety of the agreement among the parties; and
(3)(i) If the contract has been approved by the Secretary, terms
that meet the requirements of Sec. Sec. 531.1(c), (d), (e), (f), (g),
(h), (i), and (j) and Sec. 531.2 of this chapter; or
(ii) Terms that meet the requirements of part 531 of this chapter.
(b) A letter, signed by the tribal chairman, setting out the
authority of an authorized tribal official to act for the tribe
concerning the management contract.
(c) Copies of documents evidencing the authority under paragraph (b)
of this section.
(d) A list of all persons and entities identified in Sec. Sec.
537.1(a) and 537.1(c)(1) of this chapter, and either:
(1) The information required under Sec. 537.1(b)(1) of this chapter
for Class II gaming contracts and Sec. 537.1(b)(1)(i) of this chapter
for class III gaming contracts; or
(2) The dates on which the information was previously submitted.
(e)(1) For new contracts and new operations, a three (3)-year
business plan which sets forth the parties' goals, objectives, budgets,
financial plans, and related matters; or
(2) For existing contracts, income statements and sources and uses
of funds statements for the previous three (3) years; or
(3) For new contracts for existing operations, a three (3) year
business plan which sets forth the parties goals, objectives, budgets,
financial plans, and related matters, and income statements and sources
and uses of funds statements for the previous three (3) years.
(f) If applicable, a justification, consistent with the provisions
of Sec. 531.1(h) of this chapter, for a term limit in excess of five
(5) years, but not exceeding seven (7) years.
(g) If applicable, a justification, consistent with the provisions
of Sec. 531.1(i) of this chapter, for a fee in excess of thirty (30)
percent, but not exceeding forty (40) percent.
Sec. 533.4 Action by the Chairman.
(a) The Chairman shall provide notice of noncompliance under Sec.
533.5 of this part, or shall approve or disapprove a management contract
applying the standards contained in Sec. 533.6 of this part, within 180
days of the date on which the Chairman receives a complete submission
under Sec. 533.3 of this part, unless the Chairman notifies the tribe
and management contractor in writing of the need for an extension of up
to ninety (90) days.
(b) A tribe may bring an action in a U.S. district court to compel
action by the Chairman:
(1) After 180 days following the date on which the Chairman receives
a complete submission if the Chairman does not provide notice of
noncompliance or approve or disapprove the contract under this part; or
(2) After 270 days following the Chairman's receipt of a complete
submission if the Chairman has told the tribe and management contractor
in writing of the need for an extension and has not provided notice of
noncompliance or approved or disapproved the contract under this part.
Sec. 533.5 Notice of noncompliance.
(a) If a management contract previously approved by the Secretary
fails
[[Page 792]]
to meet the requirements of this part, the Chairman shall notify the
tribe and management contractor, in writing, of the specific areas of
noncompliance.
(1) The Chairman shall allow the tribe and the management contractor
120 days from receipt of such notice to modify the contract.
(2) If the Secretary approved a management contract before October
17, 1988, the Chairman shall allow the tribe and the management
contractor 180 days from receipt of such notification to modify the
contract.
(b) If a tribe and a management contractor fail to modify a
management contract within the time provided, the Chairman may:
(1) Disapprove the management contract, or
(2) Approve the management contract subject to the required
modifications if:
(i) All modifications benefit the tribe;
(ii) The modifications are required to bring the contract into
statutory compliance; and
(iii) The modifications are all agreed to by the management
contractor.
Sec. 533.6 Approval.
(a) The Chairman may approve a management contract if it meets the
standards of part 531 of this chapter and Sec. 533.3 of this part;
(b) The Chairman shall disapprove a management contract for class II
gaming if he or she determines that--
(1) Any person with a direct or indirect financial interest in, or
having management responsibility for, a management contract:
(i) Is an elected member of the governing body of the tribe that is
party to the management contract;
(ii) Has been convicted of any felony or any misdemeanor gaming
offense;
(iii) Has knowingly and willfully provided materially false
statements or information to the Commission or to a tribe;
(iv) Has refused to respond to questions asked by the Chairman in
accordance with his responsibilities under this part; or
(v) Is determined by the Chairman to be a person whose prior
activities, criminal record, if any, or reputation, habits, and
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, and activities in the
conduct of gaming or the carrying on of related business and financial
arrangements;
(2) The management contractor or its agents have unduly interfered
with or influenced for advantage, or have tried to unduly interfere with
or influence for advantage, any decision or process of tribal government
relating to the gaming operation;
(3) The management contractor or its agents has deliberately or
substantially failed to follow the terms of the management contract or
the tribal gaming ordinance or resolution adopted and approved pursuant
to this Act; or
(4) A trustee, exercising the skill and diligence to which a trustee
is commonly held, would not approve the contract.
(c) The Chairman may disapprove a management contract for class III
gaming if he or she determines that a person with a financial interest
in, or management responsibility for, a management contract is a person
whose prior activities, criminal record, if any, or reputation, habits,
and 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, and
activities in the conduct of gaming or the carrying on of related
business and financial arrangements.
Sec. 533.7 Void agreements.
Management contracts and changes in persons with a financial
interest in or management responsibility for a management contract, that
have not been approved by the Secretary of the Interior or the Chairman
in accordance with the requirements of this part, are void.
PART 534 [RESERVED]
[[Page 793]]
PART 535_POST-APPROVAL PROCEDURES--Table of Contents
Sec.
535.1 Modifications.
535.2 Assignments.
535.3 Post-approval noncompliance.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 81, 2706(b)(10), 2710(d)(9), 2711.
Source: 58 FR 5830, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 535.1 Modifications.
(a) Subject to the Chairman's approval, a tribe may enter into a
modification of a management contract for the operation of a class II or
class III gaming activity.
(b) A tribe shall submit a modification to the Chairman upon its
execution.
(c) A tribe shall include in any request for approval of a
modification under this part:
(1) A modification containing original signatures of an authorized
official of the tribe and the management contractor and terms that meet
the applicable requirements of part 531 of this chapter;
(2) A letter, signed by the tribal chairman, setting out the
authority of an authorized tribal official to act for the tribe
concerning the modification;
(3) Copies of documents evidencing the authority under paragraph
(c)(2) of this section;
(4) If the modification involves a change in person(s) having a
direct or indirect financial interest in the management contract or
having management responsibility for the management contract, a list of
such person(s) and either:
(i) The information required under Sec. 537.1(b)(1) of this chapter
for class II gaming contracts or Sec. 537.1(b)(1)(i) of this chapter
for class III gaming contracts; or
(ii) The dates on which the information was previously submitted;
(5) If applicable, a justification, consistent with the provisions
of Sec. 531.1(h) of this chapter, for a term limit in excess of five
(5) years, but not exceeding seven (7) years; and
(6) If applicable, a justification, consistent with the provisions
of Sec. 531.1(i) of this chapter, for a management fee in excess of
thirty (30) percent, but not exceeding forty (40) percent.
(d) For modifications which do not require a background
investigation under part 537 of this chapter, the Chairman shall have
thirty (30) days from receipt to approve or disapprove a modification,
or to notify the parties that an additional thirty (30) days is required
to reach a decision.
(1) When a modification requires a background investigation under
part 537 of this chapter, the Chairman shall approve or disapprove such
modification as soon as practicable but in no event later than 180 days
after the Chairman receives it;
(2) If the Chairman does not approve or disapprove, he shall respond
in accordance with the service provisions of part 519 of this chapter
noting that no action has been taken on the proposed modification. The
request shall therefore be deemed disapproved and the parties shall have
thirty (30) days to appeal the decision under part 539 of this chapter.
(e) (1) The Chairman may approve a modification to a management
contract if the modification meets the submission requirements of
paragraph (c) of this section.
(2) The Chairman shall disapprove a modification of a management
contract for class II gaming if he or she determines that the conditions
contained in Sec. 533.6(b) of this chapter apply.
(3) The Chairman may disapprove a modification of a management
contract for class III gaming if he or she determines that the
conditions contained in Sec. 533.6(c) of this chapter apply.
(f) Modifications that have not been approved by the Chairman in
accordance with the requirements of this part are void.
Sec. 535.2 Assignments.
Subject to the approval of the Chairman, a management contractor may
assign its rights under a management contract to the extent permitted by
the contract. A tribe or a management contractor shall submit such
assignment to the Chairman upon execution. The Chairman shall approve or
disapprove an assignment applying the
[[Page 794]]
standards of, and within the time provided by Sec. Sec. 535.1(d) and
535.1(e) of this part.
Sec. 535.3 Post-approval noncompliance.
If the Chairman learns of any action or condition that violates the
standards contained in parts 531, 533, 535, and 537 of this chapter, the
Chairman may require modifications of, or may void, a management
contract approved by the Chairman under such sections, after providing
the parties an opportunity for a hearing before the Chairman and a
subsequent appeal to the Commission as set forth in part 577 of this
chapter. The Chairman will initiate modification proceedings by serving
the parties, specifying the grounds for modification. The parties will
have thirty (30) days to request a hearing or respond with objections.
Within thirty (30) days of receiving a request for a hearing, the
Chairman will hold a hearing and receive oral presentations and written
submissions. The Chairman will make his decision on the basis of the
developed record and notify the parties of his/her decision and of their
right to appeal.
PART 536 [RESERVED]
PART 537_BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS FOR PERSONS OR ENTITIES WITH A
FINANCIAL INTEREST IN, OR HAVING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR, A
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT--Table of Contents
Sec.
537.1 Applications for approval.
537.2 Submission of background information.
537.3 Fees for background investigations.
537.4 Determinations.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 81, 2706(b)(10), 2710(d)(9), 2711.
Source: 58 FR 5831, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 537.1 Applications for approval.
(a) For each management contract for class II gaming, the Chairman
shall conduct or cause to be conducted a background investigation of:
(1) Each person with management responsibility for a management
contract;
(2) Each person who is a director of a corporation that is a party
to a management contract;
(3) The ten (10) persons who have the greatest direct or indirect
financial interest in a management contract;
(4) Any entity with a financial interest in a management contract
(in the case of institutional investors, the Chairman may exercise
discretion and reduce the scope of the information to be furnished and
the background investigation to be conducted); and
(5) Any other person with a direct or indirect financial interest in
a management contract otherwise designated by the Commission.
(b) For each natural person identified in paragraph (a) of this
section, the management contractor shall provide to the Commission the
following information:
(1) Required information. (i) Full name, other names used (oral or
written), social security number(s), birth date, place of birth,
citizenship, and gender;
(ii) A current photograph, driver's license number, and a list of
all languages spoken or written;
(iii) Business and employment positions held, and business and
residence addresses currently and for the previous ten (10) years; the
city, state and country of residence from age eighteen (18) to the
present;
(iv) The names and current addresses of at least three (3) personal
references, including one personal reference who was acquainted with the
person at each different residence location for the past five (5) years;
(v) Current business and residence telephone numbers;
(vi) A description of any existing and previous business
relationships with Indian tribes, including ownership interests in those
businesses;
(vii) A description of any existing and previous business
relationships with the gaming industry generally, including ownership
interests in those businesses;
(viii) The name and address of any licensing or regulatory agency
with
[[Page 795]]
which the person has filed an application for a license or permit
relating to gaming, whether or not such license or permit was granted;
(ix) For each gaming offense and for each felony for which there is
an ongoing prosecution or a conviction, the name and address of the
court involved, the charge, and the dates of the charge and of the
disposition;
(x) 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 dates of the prosecution and the disposition;
(xi) A complete financial statement showing all sources of income
for the previous three (3) years, and assets, liabilities, and net worth
as of the date of the submission; and
(xii) For each criminal charge (excluding minor traffic charges)
regardless of whether or not it resulted in a conviction, if such
criminal charge is within 10 years of the date of the application and is
not otherwise listed pursuant to paragraphs (b)(1)(ix) or (b)(1)(x) of
this section, the name and address of the court involved, the criminal
charge, and the dates of the charge and the disposition.
(2) Fingerprints. The management contractor shall arrange with an
appropriate federal, state, or tribal law enforcement authority to
supply the Commission with a completed form FD-258, Applicant
Fingerprint Card, (provided by the Commission), for each person for whom
background information is provided under this section.
(3) Responses to questions. Each person with a direct or indirect
financial interest in a management contract or management responsibility
for a management contract shall respond within thirty (30) days to
written or oral questions propounded by the Chairman.
(4) Privacy notice. In compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974, each
person required to submit information under this section shall sign and
submit the following statement:
Solicitation of the information in this section is authorized by 25
U.S.C. 2701 et seq. The purpose of the requested information is to
determine the suitability of individuals with a financial interest in,
or having management responsibility for, a management contract. The
information will be used by the National Indian Gaming Commission
members and staff and Indian tribal officials who have need for the
information in the performance of their official duties. The information
may be disclosed to appropriate federal, tribal, state, or foreign law
enforcement and regulatory agencies in connection with a background
investigation or when relevant to civil, criminal or regulatory
investigations or prosecutions or investigations of activities while
associated with a gaming operation. Failure to consent to the
disclosures indicated in this statement will mean that the Chairman of
the National Indian Gaming Commission will be unable to approve the
contract in which the person has a financial interest or management
responsibility.
The disclosure of a person's Social Security Number (SSN) is
voluntary. However, failure to supply a SSN may result in errors in
processing the information provided.
(5) Notice regarding false statements. Each person required to
submit information under this section shall sign and submit the
following statement:
A false statement knowingly and willfully provided in any of the
information pursuant to this section may be grounds for not approving
the contract in which I have a financial interest or management
responsibility, or for disapproving or voiding such contract after it is
approved by the Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Also,
I may be punished by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, title 18, section
1001).
(c) For each entity identified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section,
the management contractor shall provide to the Commission the following
information:
(1) List of individuals. (i) Each of the ten (10) largest
beneficiaries and the trustees when the entity is a trust;
(ii) Each of the ten (10) largest partners when the entity is a
partnership; and
(iii) Each person who is a director or who is one of the ten (10)
largest holders of the issued and outstanding stock alone or in
combination with another stockholder who is a spouse, parent, child or
sibling when the entity is a corporation.
(2) Required information. (i) The information required in paragraph
(b)(1)(i) of this section for each individual identified in paragraph
(c)(1) of this section;
(ii) Copies of documents establishing the existence of the entity,
such as the
[[Page 796]]
partnership agreement, the trust agreement, or the articles of
incorporation;
(iii) Copies of documents designating the person who is charged with
acting on behalf of the entity;
(iv) Copies of bylaws or other documents that provide the day-to-day
operating rules for the organization;
(v) A description of any existing and previous business
relationships with Indian tribes, including ownership interests in those
businesses;
(vi) A description of any existing and previous business
relationships with the gaming industry generally, including ownership
interest in those businesses;
(vii) The name and address of any licensing or regulatory agency
with which the entity has filed an application for a license or permit
relating to gaming, whether or not such license or permit was granted;
(viii) For each gaming offense and for each felony for which there
is an ongoing prosecution or a conviction, the name and address of the
court involved, the charge, and the dates of the charge and disposition;
(ix) For each misdemeanor conviction or ongoing misdemeanor
prosecution within ten (10) years of the date of the application, the
name and address of the court involved, and the dates of the prosecution
and disposition;
(x) Complete financial statements for the previous three (3) fiscal
years; and
(xi) 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 (c)(1)(viii) or (c)(1)(ix) of this section, the
criminal charge, the name and address of the court involved and the
dates of the charge and disposition.
(3) Responses to questions. Each entity with a direct or indirect
financial interest in a management contract shall respond within thirty
(30) days to written or oral questions propounded by the Chairman.
(4) Notice regarding false statements. Each entity required to
submit information under this section shall sign and submit the
following statement:
A false statement knowingly and willfully provided in any of the
information pursuant to this section may be grounds for not approving
the contract in which we have a financial interest, or for disapproving
or voiding such contract after it is approved by the Chairman of the
National Indian Gaming Commission. Also, we may be punished by fine or
imprisonment (U.S. Code, title 18, section 1001).
[58 FR 5831, Jan. 22, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 16494, Mar. 29, 1993]
Sec. 537.2 Submission of background information.
A management contractor shall submit the background information
required in Sec. 537.1 of this part:
(a) In sufficient time to permit the Commission to complete its
background investigation by the time the individual is to assume
management responsibility for, or the management contractor is to begin
managing, the gaming operation; and
(b) Within ten (10) days of any proposed change in financial
interest.
Sec. 537.3 Fees for background investigations.
(a) A management contractor shall pay to the Commission or the
contractor(s) designated by the Commission the cost of all background
investigations conducted under this part.
(b) The management contractor shall post a bond, letter of credit,
or deposit with the Commission to cover the cost of the background
investigations as follows:
(1) Management contractor (party to the contract)--$10,000
(2) Each individual and entity with a financial interest in the
contract--$5,000
(c) The management contractor shall be billed for the costs of the
investigation as it proceeds; the investigation shall be suspended if
the unpaid costs exceed the amount of the bond, letter of credit, or
deposit available.
(1) An investigation will be terminated if any bills remain unpaid
for more than thirty (30) days.
(2) A terminated investigation will preclude the Chairman from
making the necessary determinations and result in a disapproval of a
management contract.
[[Page 797]]
(d) The bond, letter of credit or deposit will be returned to the
management contractor when all bills have been paid and the
investigations have been completed or terminated.
Sec. 537.4 Determinations.
The Chairman shall determine whether the results of a background
investigation preclude the Chairman from approving a management contract
because of the individual disqualifying factors contained in Sec.
533.6(b)(1) of this chapter. The Chairman shall promptly notify the
tribe and management contractor if any findings preclude the Chairman
from approving a management contract or a change in financial interest.
PART 538 [RESERVED]
PART 539_APPEALS--Table of Contents
Sec.
539.1 Scope of this part.
539.2 Appeals.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 81, 2706(b)(10), 2710(d)(9), 2711.
Source: 58 FR 5832, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 539.1 Scope of this part.
This part applies to appeals from the Chairman's decision to approve
or disapprove a management contract under this subchapter, except that
appeals from the Chairman's decision to require modification of or to
void a management contract subsequent to his or her initial approval are
addressed in part 577 of this chapter.
[58 FR 16494, Mar. 29, 1993]
Sec. 539.2 Appeals.
A party may appeal the Chairman's disapproval of a management
contract or modification under parts 533 or 535 of this chapter to the
Commission. Such an appeal shall be filed with the Commission within
thirty (30) days after the Chairman serves his or her determination
pursuant to part 519 of this chapter. Failure to file an appeal within
the time provided by this section shall result in a waiver of the
opportunity for an appeal. An appeal under this section shall specify
the reasons why the person believes the Chairman's determination to be
erroneous, and shall include supporting documentation, if any. Within
thirty (30) days after receipt of the appeal, the Commission shall
render a decision unless the appellant elects to provide the Commission
additional time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, to render
a decision. In the absence of a decision within the time provided, the
Chairman's decision shall constitute the final decision of the
Commission.
[[Page 798]]
SUBCHAPTER D_HUMAN SERVICES
PARTS 540 541 [RESERVED]
PART 542_MINIMUM INTERNAL CONTROL STANDARDS--Table of Contents
Sec.
542.1 What does this part cover?
542.2 What are the definitions for this part?
542.3 How do I comply with this part?
542.4 How do these regulations affect minimum internal control standards
establish in a Tribal-State compact?
542.5 How do these regulations affect state jurisdiction?
542.6 Does this part apply to small and charitable gaming operations?
542.7 What are the minimum internal control standards for bingo?
542.8 What are the minimum internal control standards for pull tabs?
542.9 What are the minimum internal control standards for card games?
542.10 What are the minimum internal control standards for keno?
542.11 What are the minimum internal control standards for pari-mutuel
wagering?
542.12 What are the minimum internal control standards for table games?
542.13 What are the minimum internal control standards for gaming
machines?
542.14 What are the minimum internal control standards for the cage?
542.15 What are the minimum internal control standards for credit?
542.16 What are the minimum internal control standards for information
technology?
542.17 What are the minimum internal control standards for complimentary
services or items?
542.18 How does a gaming operation apply for a variance from the
standards of this part?
542.20 What is a Tier A gaming operation?
542.21 What are the minimum internal control standards for drop and
count for Tier A gaming operations?
542.22 What are the minimum internal control standards for internal
audit for Tier A gaming operations?
542.23 What are the minimum internal control standards for surveillance
for Tier A gaming operations?
542.30 What is a Tier B gaming operation?
542.31 What are the minimum internal control standards for drop and
count for Tier B gaming operations?
542.32 What are the minimum internal control standards for internal
audit for Tier B gaming operations?
542.33 What are the minimum internal control standards for surveillance
for Tier B gaming operations?
542.40 What is a Tier C gaming operation?
542.41 What are the minimum internal control standards for drop and
count for Tier C gaming operations?
542.42 What are the minimum internal control standards for internal
audit for Tier C gaming operations?
542.43 What are the minimum internal control standards for surveillance
for a Tier C gaming operation?
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2702(c), 2706(b)(10).
Source: 67 FR 43400, June 27, 2002, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 542.1 What does this part cover?
This part establishes the minimum internal control standards for
gaming operations on Indian land.
Sec. 542.2 What are the definitions for this part?
The definitions in this section shall apply to all sections of this
part unless otherwise noted.
Account access card means an instrument used to access customer
accounts for wagering at a gaming machine. Account access cards are used
in connection with a computerized account database.
Accountability means all items of cash, chips, coins, tokens,
plaques, receivables, and customer deposits constituting the total
amount for which the bankroll custodian is responsible at a given time.
Accumulated credit payout means credit earned in a gaming machine
that is paid to a customer manually in lieu of a machine payout.
Actual hold percentage means the percentage calculated by dividing
the win by the drop or coin-in (number of credits wagered). Can be
calculated for individual tables or gaming machines, type of table
games, or gaming machines on a per day or cumulative basis.
Ante means a player's initial wager or predetermined contribution to
the pot before the dealing of the first hand.
Betting station means the area designated in a pari-mutuel area that
accepts wagers and pays winning bets.
[[Page 799]]
Betting ticket means a printed, serially numbered form used to
record the event upon which a wager is made, the amount and date of the
wager, and sometimes the line or spread (odds).
Bill acceptor means the device that accepts and reads cash by
denomination in order to accurately register customer credits.
Bill acceptor canister means the box attached to the bill acceptor
used to contain cash received by bill acceptors.
Bill acceptor canister release key means the key used to release the
bill acceptor canister from the bill acceptor device.
Bill acceptor canister storage rack key means the key used to access
the storage rack where bill acceptor canisters are secured.
Bill acceptor drop means cash contained in bill acceptor canisters.
Bill-in meter means a meter included on a gaming machine accepting
cash that tracks the number of bills put in the machine.
Boxperson means the first-level supervisor who is responsible for
directly participating in and supervising the operation and conduct of a
craps game.
Breakage means the difference between actual bet amounts paid out by
a racetrack to bettors and amounts won due to bet payments being rounded
up or down. For example, a winning bet that should pay $4.25 may be
actually paid at $4.20 due to rounding.
Cage means a secure work area within the gaming operation for
cashiers and a storage area for the gaming operation bankroll.
Cage accountability form means an itemized list of the components
that make up the cage accountability.
Cage credit means advances in the form of cash or gaming chips made
to customers at the cage. Documented by the players signing an IOU or a
marker similar to a counter check.
Cage marker form means a document, signed by the customer,
evidencing an extension of credit at the cage to the customer by the
gaming operation.
Calibration module means the section of a weigh scale used to set
the scale to a specific amount or number of coins to be counted.
Call bets means a wager made without cash or chips, reserved for a
known customer and includes marked bets (which are supplemental bets
made during a hand of play). For the purpose of settling a call bet, a
hand of play in craps is defined as a natural winner (e.g., seven or
eleven on the come-out roll), a natural loser (e.g., a two, three or
twelve on the come-out roll), a seven-out, or the player making his
point, whichever comes first.
Card game means a game in which the gaming operation is not party to
wagers and from which the gaming operation receives compensation in the
form of a rake, a time buy-in, or other fee or payment from a player for
the privilege of playing.
Card room bank means the operating fund assigned to the card room or
main card room bank.
Cash-out ticket means an instrument of value generated by a gaming
machine representing a cash amount owed to a customer at a specific
gaming machine. This instrument may be wagered at other machines by
depositing the cash-out ticket in the machine bill acceptor.
Chips means cash substitutes, in various denominations, issued by a
gaming operation and used for wagering.
Coin-in meter means the meter that displays the total amount wagered
in a gaming machine that includes coins-in and credits played.
Coin meter count machine means a device used in a coin room to count
coin.
Coin room means an area where coins and tokens are stored.
Coin room inventory means coins and tokens stored in the coin room
that are generally used for gaming machine department operation.
Commission means the National Indian Gaming Commission.
Complimentary means a service or item provided at no cost, or at a
reduced cost, to a customer.
Count means the total funds counted for a particular game, gaming
machine, shift, or other period.
Count room means a room where the coin and cash drop from gaming
machines, table games, or other games are transported to and counted.
Count team means personnel that perform either the count of the
gaming machine drop and/or the table game drop.
[[Page 800]]
Counter check means a form provided by the gaming operation for the
customer to use in lieu of a personal check.
Credit means the right granted by a gaming operation to a customer
to defer payment of debt or to incur debt and defer its payment.
Credit limit means the maximum dollar amount of credit assigned to a
customer by the gaming operation.
Credit slip means a form used to record either:
(1) The return of chips from a gaming table to the cage; or
(2) The transfer of IOUs, markers, or negotiable checks from a
gaming table to a cage or bankroll.
Customer deposits means the amounts placed with a cage cashier by
customers for the customers' use at a future time.
Deal means a specific pull tab game that has a specific serial
number associated with each game.
Dealer means an employee who operates a game, individually or as a
part of a crew, administering house rules and making payoffs.
Dedicated camera means a video camera required to continuously
record a specific activity.
Deskman means a person who authorizes payment of winning tickets and
verifies payouts for keno games.
Draw ticket means a blank keno ticket whose numbers are punched out
when balls are drawn for the game. Used to verify winning tickets.
Drop (for gaming machines) means the total amount of cash, cash-out
tickets, coupons, coins, and tokens removed from drop buckets and/or
bill acceptor canisters.
Drop (for table games) means the total amount of cash, chips, and
tokens removed from drop boxes, plus the amount of credit issued at the
tables.
Drop box means a locked container affixed to the gaming table into
which the drop is placed. The game type, table number, and shift are
indicated on the box.
Drop box contents keys means the key used to open drop boxes.
Drop box release keys means the key used to release drop boxes from
tables.
Drop box storage rack keys means the key used to access the storage
rack where drop boxes are secured.
Drop bucket means a container located in the drop cabinet (or in a
secured portion of the gaming machine in coinless/cashless
configurations) for the purpose of collecting coins, tokens, cash-out
tickets, and coupons from the gaming machine.
Drop cabinet means the wooden or metal base of the gaming machine
that contains the gaming machine drop bucket.
Earned and unearned take means race bets taken on present and future
race events. Earned take means bets received on current or present
events. Unearned take means bets taken on future race events.
EPROM means erasable programmable read-only memory or other
equivalent game software media.
Fill means a transaction whereby a supply of chips, coins, or tokens
is transferred from a bankroll to a table game or gaming machine.
Fill slip means a document evidencing a fill.
Flare means the information sheet provided by the manufacturer that
sets forth the rules of a particular pull tab game and that is
associated with a specific deal of pull tabs. The flare shall contain
the following information:
(1) Name of the game;
(2) Manufacturer name or manufacturer's logo;
(3) Ticket count; and
(4) Prize structure, which shall include the number of winning pull
tabs by denomination, with their respective winning symbols, numbers, or
both.
Future wagers means bets on races to be run in the future (e.g.,
Kentucky Derby).
Game server means an electronic selection device, utilizing a random
number generator.
Gaming machine means an electronic or electromechanical machine
which contains a microprocessor with random number generator capability
which allows a player to play games of chance, some of which may be
affected by skill, which machine is activated by the insertion of a
coin, token or cash, or by the use of a credit, and which awards game
credits, cash, tokens, or replays,
[[Page 801]]
or a written statement of the player's accumulated credits, which
written statements be redeemable for cash.
Gaming machine analysis report means a report prepared that compares
theoretical to actual hold by a gaming machine on a monthly or other
periodic basis.
Gaming machine booths and change banks means a booth or small cage
in the gaming machine area used to provide change to players, store
change aprons and extra coin, and account for jackpot and other payouts.
Gaming machine count means the total amount of coins, tokens, and
cash removed from a gaming machine. The amount counted is entered on the
Gaming Machine Count Sheet and is considered the drop. Also, the
procedure of counting the coins, tokens, and cash or the process of
verifying gaming machine coin and token inventory.
Gaming machine pay table means the reel strip combinations
illustrated on the face of the gaming machine that can identify payouts
of designated coin amounts.
Gaming operation accounts receivable (for gaming operation credit)
means credit extended to gaming operation customers in the form of
markers, returned checks, or other credit instruments that have not been
repaid.
Gross gaming revenue means annual total amount of cash wagered on
class II and class III games and admission fees (including table or card
fees), less any amounts paid out as prizes or paid for prizes awarded.
Hold means the relationship of win to coin-in for gaming machines
and win to drop for table games.
Hub means the person or entity that is licensed to provide the
operator of a pari-mutuel wagering operation information related to
horse racing that is used to determine winners of races or payoffs on
wagers accepted by the pari-mutuel wagering operation.
Internal audit means persons who perform an audit function of a
gaming operation that are independent of the department subject to
audit. Independence is obtained through the organizational reporting
relationship, as the internal audit department shall not report to
management of the gaming operation. Internal audit activities should be
conducted in a manner that permits objective evaluation of areas
examined. Internal audit personnel may provide audit coverage to more
than one operation within a Tribe's gaming operation holdings.
Issue slip means a copy of a credit instrument that is retained for
numerical sequence control purposes.
Jackpot payout means the portion of a jackpot paid by gaming machine
personnel. The amount is usually determined as the difference between
the total posted jackpot amount and the coins paid out by the machine.
May also be the total amount of the jackpot.
Lammer button means a type of chip that is placed on a gaming table
to indicate that the amount of chips designated thereon has been given
to the customer for wagering on credit before completion of the credit
instrument. Lammer button may also mean a type of chip used to evidence
transfers between table banks and card room banks.
Linked electronic game means any game linked to two (2) or more
gaming operations that are physically separate and not regulated by the
same Tribal gaming regulatory authority.
Main card room bank means a fund of cash, coin, and chips used
primarily for poker and pan card game areas. Used to make even cash
transfers between various games as needed. May be used similarly in
other areas of the gaming operation.
Marker means a document, signed by the customer, evidencing an
extension of credit to him by the gaming operation.
Marker credit play means that players are allowed to purchase chips
using credit in the form of a marker.
Marker inventory form means a form maintained at table games or in
the gaming operation pit that are used to track marker inventories at
the individual table or pit.
Marker transfer form means a form used to document transfers of
markers from the pit to the cage.
Master credit record means a form to record the date, time, shift,
game, table, amount of credit given, and the signatures or initials of
the persons extending the credit.
[[Page 802]]
Master game program number means the game program number listed on a
gaming machine EPROM.
Master game sheet means a form used to record, by shift and day,
each table game's winnings and losses. This form reflects the opening
and closing table inventories, the fills and credits, and the drop and
win.
Mechanical coin counter means a device used to count coins that may
be used in addition to or in lieu of a coin weigh scale.
Meter means an electronic (soft) or mechanical (hard) apparatus in a
gaming machine. May record the number of coins wagered, the number of
coins dropped, the number of times the handle was pulled, or the number
of coins paid out to winning players.
MICS means minimum internal control standards in this part 542.
Motion activated dedicated camera means a video camera that, upon
its detection of activity or motion in a specific area, begins to record
the activity or area.
Multi-game machine means a gaming machine that includes more than
one type of game option.
Multi-race ticket means a keno ticket that is played in multiple
games.
On-line gaming machine monitoring system means a system used by a
gaming operation to monitor gaming machine meter readings and/or other
activities on an on-line basis.
Order for credit means a form that is used to request the transfer
of chips or markers from a table to the cage. The order precedes the
actual transfer transaction that is documented on a credit slip.
Outstation means areas other than the main keno area where bets may
be placed and tickets paid.
Par percentage means the percentage of each dollar wagered that the
house wins (i.e., gaming operation advantage).
Par sheet means a specification sheet for a gaming machine that
provides machine hold percentage, model number, hit frequency, reel
combination, number of reels, number of coins that can be accepted, and
reel strip listing.
Pari-mutuel wagering means a system of wagering on horse races, jai-
alai, greyhound, and harness racing, where the winners divide the total
amount wagered, net of commissions and operating expenses, proportionate
to the individual amount wagered.
Payment slip means that part of a marker form on which customer
payments are recorded.
Payout means a transaction associated with a winning event.
PIN means the personal identification number used to access a
player's account.
Pit podium means a stand located in the middle of the tables used by
gaming operation supervisory personnel as a workspace and a record
storage area.
Pit supervisor means the employee who supervises all games in a pit.
Player tracking system means a system typically used in gaming
machine departments that can record the gaming machine play of
individual customers.
Post time means the time when a pari-mutuel track stops accepting
bets in accordance with rules and regulations of the applicable
jurisdiction.
Primary and secondary jackpots means promotional pools offered at
certain card games that can be won in addition to the primary pot.
Progressive gaming machine means a gaming machine, with a payoff
indicator, in which the payoff increases as it is played (i.e., deferred
payout). The payoff amount is accumulated, displayed on a machine, and
will remain until a player lines up the jackpot symbols that result in
the progressive amount being paid.
Progressive jackpot means deferred payout from a progressive gaming
machine.
Progressive table game means table games that offer progressive
jackpots.
Promotional payout means merchandise or awards given to players by
the gaming operation based on a wagering activity.
Promotional progressive pots and/or pools means funds contributed to
a table game by and for the benefit of players. Funds are distributed to
players based on a predetermined event.
Rabbit ears means a device, generally V-shaped, that holds the
numbered balls selected during a keno or bingo game so that the numbers
are visible to players and employees.
[[Page 803]]
Rake means a commission charged by the house for maintaining or
dealing a game such as poker.
Rake circle means the area of a table where rake is placed.
Random number generator means a device that generates numbers in the
absence of a pattern. May be used to determine numbers selected in
various games such as keno and bingo. Also commonly used in gaming
machines to generate game outcome.
Reel symbols means symbols listed on reel strips of gaming machines.
Rim credit means extensions of credit that are not evidenced by the
immediate preparation of a marker and does not include call bets.
Runner means a gaming employee who transports chips/cash to or from
a gaming table and a cashier.
SAM means a screen-automated machine used to accept pari-mutuel
wagers. SAM's also pay winning tickets in the form of a voucher, which
is redeemable for cash.
Shift means an eight-hour period, unless otherwise approved by the
Tribal gaming regulatory authority, not to exceed twenty-four (24)
hours.
Shill means an employee financed by the house and acting as a player
for the purpose of starting or maintaining a sufficient number of
players in a game.
Short pay means a payoff from a gaming machine that is less than the
listed amount.
Soft count means the count of the contents in a drop box or a bill
acceptor canister.
Sufficient clarity means use of monitoring and recording at a
minimum of twenty (20) frames per second. Multiplexer tape recordings
are insufficient to satisfy the requirement of sufficient clarity.
Surveillance room means a secure location(s) in a gaming operation
used primarily for casino surveillance.
Surveillance system means a system of video cameras, monitors,
recorders, video printers, switches, selectors, and other ancillary
equipment used for casino surveillance.
Table games means games that are banked by the house or a pool
whereby the house or the pool pays all winning bets and collects from
all losing bets.
Table inventory means the total coins, chips, and markers at a
table.
Table inventory form means the form used by gaming operation
supervisory personnel to document the inventory of chips, coins, and
tokens on a table at the beginning and ending of a shift.
Table tray means the container located on gaming tables where chips,
coins, or cash are stored that are used in the game.
Take means the same as earned and unearned take.
Theoretical hold means the intended hold percentage or win of an
individual gaming machine as computed by reference to its payout
schedule and reel strip settings or EPROM.
Theoretical hold worksheet means a worksheet provided by the
manufacturer for all gaming machines that indicate the theoretical
percentages that the gaming machine should hold based on adequate levels
of coin-in. The worksheet also indicates the reel strip settings, number
of credits that may be played, the payout schedule, the number of reels
and other information descriptive of the particular type of gaming
machine.
Tier A means gaming operations with annual gross gaming revenues of
more than $1 million but not more than $5 million.
Tier B means gaming operations with annual gross gaming revenues of
more than $5 million but not more than $15 million.
Tier C means gaming operations with annual gross gaming revenues of
more than $15 million.
Tokens means a coin-like cash substitute, in various denominations,
used for gambling transactions.
Tribal gaming regulatory authority means the tribally designated
entity responsible for gaming regulation.
Vault means a secure area within the gaming operation where tokens,
checks, cash, coins, and chips are stored.
Weigh/count means the value of coins and tokens counted by a weigh
machine.
Weigh scale calibration module means the device used to adjust a
coin weigh scale.
Weigh scale interface means a communication device between the weigh
[[Page 804]]
scale used to calculate the amount of funds included in drop buckets and
the computer system used to record the weigh data.
Weigh tape means the tape where weighed coin is recorded.
Wide area progressive gaming machine means a progressive gaming
machine that is linked to machines in other operations and play on the
machines affect the progressive amount. As wagers are placed, the
progressive meters on all of the linked machines increase.
Win means the net win resulting from all gaming activities. Net win
results from deducting all gaming losses from all wins prior to
considering associated operating expenses.
Win-to-write hold percentage means win divided by write to determine
hold percentage.
Wrap means the method of storing coins after the count process has
been completed, including, but not limited to, wrapping, racking, or
bagging. May also refer to the total amount or value of the counted and
stored coins.
Write means the total amount wagered in keno, bingo, pull tabs, and
pari-mutuel operations.
Writer means an employee who writes keno, bingo, pull tabs, or pari-
mutuel tickets. A keno writer usually also makes payouts.
Sec. 542.3 How do I comply with this part?
(a) Compliance based upon tier. (1) Tier A gaming operations must
comply with Sec. Sec. 542.1 through 542.18, and Sec. Sec. 542.20
through 542.23.
(2) Tier B gaming operations must comply with Sec. Sec. 542.1
through 542.18, and Sec. Sec. 542.30 through 542.33.
(3) Tier C gaming operations must comply with Sec. Sec. 542.1
through 542.18, and Sec. Sec. 542.40 through 542.43.
(b) Determination of tier. (1) The determination of tier level shall
be made based upon the annual gross gaming revenues indicated within the
gaming operation's audited financial statements. Gaming operations
moving from one tier to another shall have nine (9) months from the date
of the independent certified public accountant's audit report to achieve
compliance with the requirements of the new tier.
(2) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority may extend the deadline
by an additional six (6) months if written notice is provided to the
Commission no later than two weeks before the expiration of the nine (9)
month period.
(c) Tribal internal control standards. Within six (6) months of June
27, 2002, each Tribal gaming regulatory authority shall, in accordance
with the Tribal gaming ordinance, establish and implement tribal
internal control standards that shall:
(1) Provide a level of control that equals or exceeds those set
forth in this part;
(2) Contain standards for currency transaction reporting that comply
with 31 CFR part 103;
(3) Establish standards for games that are not addressed in this
part; and
(4) Establish a deadline, which shall not exceed nine (9) months
from June 27, 2002, by which a gaming operation must come into
compliance with the tribal internal control standards. However, the
Tribal gaming regulatory authority may extend the deadline by an
additional six (6) months if written notice is provided to the
Commission no later than two weeks before the expiration of the nine (9)
month period.
(d) Gaming operations. Each gaming operation shall develop and
implement an internal control system that, at a minimum, complies with
the tribal internal control standards.
(1) Existing gaming operations. All gaming operations that are
operating on or before June 27, 2002, shall comply with this part within
the time requirements established in paragraph (c) of this section. In
the interim, such operations shall continue to comply with existing
tribal internal control standards.
(2) New gaming operations. All gaming operations that commence
operations after August 26, 2002, shall comply with this part before
commencement of operations.
(e) Submission to Commission. Tribal regulations promulgated
pursuant to this part shall not be required to be submitted to the
Commission pursuant to 25 CFR 522.3(b).
(f) CPA testing. (1) An independent certified public accountant
(CPA) shall be engaged to perform procedures to
[[Page 805]]
verify, on a test basis, that the gaming operation is in material
compliance with the tribal internal control standards or a tribally
approved variance that has received Commission concurrence. The
procedures may be performed in conjunction with the annual audit. The
CPA shall report its findings to the Tribe, Tribal gaming regulatory
authority, and management. The Tribe shall submit a copy of the report
to the Commission within 120 days of the gaming operation's fiscal year
end.
(2) CPA Guidelines. In connection with the CPA testing pursuant to
paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the Commission shall develop
recommended CPA Guidelines available upon request.
(g) Enforcement of Commission Minimum Internal Control Standards.
(1) Each Tribal gaming regulatory authority is required to establish and
implement internal control standards pursuant to paragraph (c) of this
section. Each gaming operation is then required, pursuant to paragraph
(d) of this section, to develop and implement an internal control system
that complies with the Tribal internal control standards. Failure to do
so may subject the Tribal operator of the gaming operation, and/or the
management contractor, to penalties under 25 U.S.C. 2713.
(2) Recognizing that Tribes are the primary regulator of their
gaming operation(s), enforcement action by the Commission will not be
initiated under this part without first informing the Tribe and Tribal
gaming regulatory authority of deficiencies in the internal controls of
its gaming operation and allowing a reasonable period of time to address
such deficiencies. Such prior notice and opportunity for corrective
action is not required where the threat to the integrity of the gaming
operation is immediate and severe.
Sec. 542.4 How do these regulations affect minimum internal control
standards established in a Tribal-State compact?
(a) If there is a direct conflict between an internal control
standard established in a Tribal-State compact and a standard or
requirement set forth in this part, then the internal control standard
established in a Tribal-State compact shall prevail.
(b) If an internal control standard in a Tribal-State compact
provides a level of control that equals or exceeds the level of control
under an internal control standard or requirement set forth in this
part, then the Tribal-State compact standard shall prevail.
(c) If an internal control standard or a requirement set forth in
this part provides a level of control that exceeds the level of control
under an internal control standard established in a Tribal-State
compact, then the internal control standard or requirement set forth in
this part shall prevail.
Sec. 542.5 How do these regulations affect state jurisdiction?
Nothing in this part shall be construed to grant to a state
jurisdiction in class II gaming or extend a state's jurisdiction in
class III gaming.
Sec. 542.6 Does this part apply to small and charitable gaming operations?
(a) Small gaming operations. This part shall not apply to small
gaming operations provided that:
(1) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority permits the operation to
be exempt from this part;
(2) The annual gross gaming revenue of the operation does not exceed
$1 million; and
(3) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority develops and the
operation complies with alternate procedures that:
(i) Protect the integrity of games offered; and
(ii) Safeguard the assets used in connection with the operation.
(b) Charitable gaming operations. This part shall not apply to
charitable gaming operations provided that:
(1) All proceeds are for the benefit of a charitable organization;
(2) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority permits the charitable
organization to be exempt from this part;
(3) The charitable gaming operation is operated wholly by the
charitable organization's employees or volunteers;
(4) The annual gross gaming revenue of the charitable gaming
operation does not exceed $100,000;
[[Page 806]]
(i) Where the annual gross gaming revenues of the charitable gaming
operation exceed $100,000, but are less than $1 million, paragraph (a)
of this section shall also apply; and
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority develops and the
charitable gaming operation complies with alternate procedures that:
(i) Protect the integrity of the games offered; and
(ii) Safeguard the assets used in connection with the gaming
operation.
(c) Independent operators. Nothing in this section shall exempt
gaming operations conducted by independent operators for the benefit of
a charitable organization.
Sec. 542.7 What are the minimum internal control standards for bingo?
(a) Computer applications. For any computer applications utilized,
alternate documentation and/or procedures that provide at least the
level of control described by the standards in this section, as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, will be acceptable.
(b) Game play standards. (1) The functions of seller and payout
verifier shall be segregated. Employees who sell cards on the floor
shall not verify payouts with cards in their possession. Floor clerks
who sell cards on the floor are permitted to announce the serial numbers
of winning cards.
(2) All sales of bingo cards shall be documented by recording at
least the following:
(i) Date;
(ii) Shift (if applicable);
(iii) Session (if applicable);
(iv) Dollar amount;
(v) Signature, initials, or identification number of at least one
seller (if manually documented); and
(vi) Signature, initials, or identification number of a person
independent of the seller who has randomly verified the card sales (this
requirement is not applicable to locations with $1 million or less in
annual write).
(3) The total win and write shall be computed and recorded by shift
(or session, if applicable).
(4) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation
as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish
and the gaming operation shall comply with procedures that ensure the
correct calling of numbers selected in the bingo game.
(5) Each ball shall be shown to a camera immediately before it is
called so that it is individually displayed to all customers. For speed
bingo games not verified by camera equipment, each ball drawn shall be
verified by a person independent of the bingo caller responsible for
calling the speed bingo game.
(6) For all coverall games and other games offering a payout of
$1,200 or more, as the balls are called the numbers shall be immediately
recorded by the caller and maintained for a minimum of twenty-four (24)
hours.
(7) Controls shall be present to assure that the numbered balls are
placed back into the selection device prior to calling the next game.
(8) The authenticity of each payout shall be verified by at least
two persons. A computerized card verifying system may function as the
second person verifying the payout if the card with the winning numbers
is displayed on a reader board.
(9) Payouts in excess of $1,200 shall require written approval, by
personnel independent of the transaction, that the bingo card has been
examined and verified with the bingo card record to ensure that the
ticket has not been altered.
(10) Total payout shall be computed and recorded by shift or
session, if applicable.
(c) Promotional payouts or awards. (1) If the gaming operation
offers promotional payouts or awards, the payout form/documentation
shall include the following information:
(i) Date and time;
(ii) Dollar amount of payout or description of personal property
(e.g., jacket, toaster, car, etc.), including fair market value;
(iii) Type of promotion; and
(iv) Signature of at least one employee authorizing and completing
the transaction.
(2) [Reserved]
(d) Accountability form. (1) All funds used to operate the bingo
department
[[Page 807]]
shall be recorded on an accountability form.
(2) All funds used to operate the bingo department shall be counted
independently by at least two persons and reconciled to the recorded
amounts at the end of each shift or session.
(e) Bingo equipment. (1) Access to controlled bingo equipment (e.g.,
blower, balls in play, and back-up balls) shall be restricted to
authorized persons.
(2) The procedures established by the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority, or the gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, shall include standards relating to the inspection
of new bingo balls put into play as well as for those in use.
(3) Bingo equipment shall be maintained and checked for accuracy on
a periodic basis.
(4) The bingo card inventory shall be controlled so as to assure the
integrity of the cards being used as follows:
(i) Purchased paper shall be inventoried and secured by a person or
persons independent of the bingo sales;
(ii) The issue of paper to the cashiers shall be documented and
signed for by the person responsible for inventory control and a
cashier. The document log shall include the series number of the bingo
paper;
(iii) A copy of the bingo paper control log shall be given to the
bingo ball caller for purposes of determining if the winner purchased
the paper that was issued for sale that day (electronic verification
satisfies this standard);
(iv) At the end of each month, a person or persons independent of
bingo sales and inventory control shall verify the accuracy of the
ending balance in the bingo paper control by reconciling the paper on-
hand;
(v) A monthly comparison for reasonableness shall be made of the
amount of paper sold from the bingo paper control log to the amount of
revenue recognized.
(f) Standards for statistical reports. (1) Records shall be
maintained, which include win, write (card sales), and a win-to-write
hold percentage, for:
(i) Each shift or each session;
(ii) Each day;
(iii) Month-to-date; and
(iv) Year-to-date or fiscal year-to-date.
(2) A manager independent of the bingo department shall review bingo
statistical information on at least a monthly basis and investigate any
large or unusual statistical fluctuations.
(3) Investigations shall be documented, maintained for inspection,
and provided to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority upon request.
(g) Electronic equipment. (1) If the gaming operation utilizes
electronic equipment in connection with the play of bingo, then the
following standards shall also apply.
(i) If the electronic equipment contains a bill acceptor, then Sec.
542.21(d) and (e), Sec. 542.31(d) and (e), or Sec. 542.41(d) and (e)
(as applicable) shall apply.
(ii) If the electronic equipment uses a bar code or microchip
reader, the reader shall be tested periodically by a person or persons
independent of the bingo department to determine that it is correctly
reading the bar code or the microchip.
(iii) If the electronic equipment returns a voucher or a payment
slip to the player, then Sec. 542.13(n) (as applicable) shall apply.
(2) [Reserved]
(h) Standards for linked electronic games. Management shall ensure
that all agreements/contracts entered into after June 27, 2002 to
provide linked electronic games shall contain language requiring the
vendor to comply with the standards in this section applicable to the
goods or services the vendor is providing.
(i) Host requirements/game information (for linked electronic
games). (1) Providers of any linked electronic game(s) shall maintain
complete records of game data for a period of one (1) year from the date
the games are played (or a time frame established by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority). This data may be kept in an archived manner,
provided the information can be produced within twenty-four (24) hours
upon request. In any event, game data for the preceding seventy-two (72)
hours shall be immediately accessible.
(2) Data required to be maintained for each game played includes:
(i) Date and time game start and game end;
(ii) Sales information by location;
[[Page 808]]
(iii) Cash distribution by location;
(iv) Refund totals by location;
(v) Cards-in-play count by location;
(vi) Identification number of winning card(s);
(vii) Ordered list of bingo balls drawn; and
(viii) Prize amounts at start and end of game.
(j) Host requirements/sales information (for linked electronic
games). (1) Providers of any linked electronic game(s) shall maintain
complete records of sales data for a period of one (1) year from the
date the games are played (or a time frame established by the Tribal
gaming regulatory authority). This data may be kept in an archived
manner, provided the information can be produced within twenty-four (24)
hours upon request. In any event, sales data for the preceding ten (10)
days shall be immediately accessible. Summary information must be
accessible for at least 120 days.
(2) Sales information required shall include:
(i) Daily sales totals by location;
(ii) Commissions distribution summary by location;
(iii) Game-by-game sales, prizes, refunds, by location; and
(iv) Daily network summary, by game by location.
(k) Remote host requirements (for linked electronic games). (1)
Linked electronic game providers shall maintain on-line records at the
remote host site for any game played. These records shall remain on-line
until the conclusion of the session of which the game is a part.
Following the conclusion of the session, records may be archived, but in
any event, must be retrievable in a timely manner for at least seventy-
two (72) hours following the close of the session. Records shall be
accessible through some archived media for at least ninety (90) days
from the date of the game.
(2) Game information required includes date and time of game start
and game end, sales totals, cash distribution (prizes) totals, and
refund totals.
(3) Sales information required includes cash register
reconciliations, detail and summary records for purchases, prizes,
refunds, credits, and game/sales balance for each session.
(l) Standards for player accounts (for proxy play and linked
electronic games). (1) Prior to participating in any game, players shall
be issued a unique player account number. The player account number can
be issued through the following means:
(i) Through the use of a point-of-sale (cash register device);
(ii) By assignment through an individual play station; or
(iii) Through the incorporation of a ``player tracking'' media.
(2) Printed receipts issued in conjunction with any player account
should include a time/date stamp.
(3) All player transactions shall be maintained, chronologically by
account number, through electronic means on a data storage device. These
transaction records shall be maintained on-line throughout the active
game and for at least twenty-four (24) hours before they can be stored
on an ``off-line'' data storage media.
(4) The game software shall provide the ability to, upon request,
produce a printed account history, including all transactions, and a
printed game summary (total purchases, deposits, wins, debits, for any
account that has been active in the game during the preceding twenty-
four (24) hours).
(5) The game software shall provide a ``player account summary'' at
the end of every game. This summary shall list all accounts for which
there were any transactions during that game day and include total
purchases, total deposits, total credits (wins), total debits (cash-
outs) and an ending balance.
Sec. 542.8 What are the minimum internal control standards for pull tabs?
(a) Computer applications. For any computer application utilized,
alternate documentation and/or procedures that provide at least the
level of control described by the standards in this section, as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, will be acceptable.
(b) Pull tab inventory. (1) Pull tab inventory (including unused
tickets) shall be controlled to assure the integrity of the pull tabs.
(2) Purchased pull tabs shall be inventoried and secured by a person
or
[[Page 809]]
persons independent of the pull tab sales.
(3) The issue of pull tabs to the cashier or sales location shall be
documented and signed for by the person responsible for inventory
control and the cashier. The document log shall include the serial
number of the pull tabs issued.
(4) Appropriate documentation shall be given to the redemption booth
for purposes of determining if the winner purchased the pull tab from
the pull tabs issued by the gaming operation. Electronic verification
satisfies this requirement.
(5) At the end of each month, a person or persons independent of
pull tab sales and inventory control shall verify the accuracy of the
ending balance in the pull tab control by reconciling the pull tabs on
hand.
(6) A monthly comparison for reasonableness shall be made of the
amount of pull tabs sold from the pull tab control log to the amount of
revenue recognized.
(c) Access. Access to pull tabs shall be restricted to authorized
persons.
(d) Transfers. Transfers of pull tabs from storage to the sale
location shall be secured and independently controlled.
(e) Winning pull tabs. (1) Winning pull tabs shall be verified and
paid as follows:
(i) Payouts in excess of a dollar amount determined by the gaming
operation, as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall
be verified by at least two employees.
(ii) Total payout shall be computed and recorded by shift.
(iii) The winning pull tabs shall be voided so that they cannot be
presented for payment again.
(2) Personnel independent of pull tab operations shall verify the
amount of winning pull tabs redeemed each day.
(f) Accountability form. (1) All funds used to operate the pull tab
game shall be recorded on an accountability form.
(2) All funds used to operate the pull tab game shall be counted
independently by at least two persons and reconciled to the recorded
amounts at the end of each shift or session.
(g) Standards for statistical reports. (1) Records shall be
maintained, which include win, write (sales), and a win-to-write hold
percentage as compared to the theoretical hold percentage derived from
the flare, for each deal or type of game, for:
(i) Each shift;
(ii) Each day;
(iii) Month-to-date; and
(iv) Year-to-date or fiscal year-to-date as applicable.
(2) A manager independent of the pull tab operations shall review
statistical information at least on a monthly basis and shall
investigate any large or unusual statistical fluctuations. These
investigations shall be documented, maintained for inspection, and
provided to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority upon request.
(3) Each month, the actual hold percentage shall be compared to the
theoretical hold percentage. Any significant variations (3%) shall be
investigated.
(h) Electronic equipment. (1) If the gaming operation utilizes
electronic equipment in connection with the play of pull tabs, then the
following standards shall also apply.
(i) If the electronic equipment contains a bill acceptor, then Sec.
542.21(d) and (e), Sec. 542.31(d) and (e), or Sec. 542.41(d) and
(e)(as applicable) shall apply.
(ii) If the electronic equipment uses a bar code or microchip
reader, the reader shall be tested periodically to determine that it is
correctly reading the bar code or microchip.
(iii) If the electronic equipment returns a voucher or a payment
slip to the player, then Sec. 542.13(n)(as applicable) shall apply.
(2) [Reserved]
Sec. 542.9 What are the minimum internal control standards for card games?
(a) Computer applications. For any computer applications utilized,
alternate documentation and/or procedures that provide at least the
level of control described by the standards in this section, as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, will be acceptable.
(b) Standards for drop and count. The procedures for the collection
of the card game drop and the count thereof shall comply with Sec.
542.21, Sec. 542.31, or Sec. 542.41 (as applicable).
[[Page 810]]
(c) Standards for supervision. (1) Supervision shall be provided at
all times the card room is in operation by personnel with authority
equal to or greater than those being supervised.
(2) Exchanges between table banks and the main card room bank (or
cage, if a main card room bank is not used) in excess of $100.00 shall
be authorized by a supervisor. All exchanges shall be evidenced by the
use of a lammer unless the exchange of chips, tokens, and/or cash takes
place at the table.
(3) Exchanges from the main card room bank (or cage, if a main card
room bank is not used) to the table banks shall be verified by the card
room dealer and the runner.
(4) If applicable, transfers between the main card room bank and the
cage shall be properly authorized and documented.
(5) A rake collected or ante placed shall be done in accordance with
the posted rules.
(d) Standards for playing cards. (1) Playing cards shall be
maintained in a secure location to prevent unauthorized access and to
reduce the possibility of tampering.
(2) Used cards shall be maintained in a secure location until
marked, scored, or destroyed, in a manner approved by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, to prevent unauthorized access and reduce the
possibility of tampering.
(3) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation
as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish
and the gaming operation shall comply with a reasonable time period,
which shall not exceed seven (7) days, within which to mark, cancel, or
destroy cards from play.
(i) This standard shall not apply where playing cards are retained
for an investigation.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) A card control log shall be maintained that documents when cards
and dice are received on site, distributed to and returned from tables
and removed from play by the gaming operation.
(e) Plastic cards. Notwithstanding paragraph (d) of this section, if
a gaming operation uses plastic cards (not plastic-coated cards), the
cards may be used for up to three (3) months if the plastic cards are
routinely inspected, and washed or cleaned in a manner and time frame
approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority.
(f) Standards for shills. (1) Issuance of shill funds shall have the
written approval of the supervisor.
(2) Shill returns shall be recorded and verified on the shill sign-
out form.
(3) The replenishment of shill funds shall be documented.
(g) Standards for reconciliation of card room bank. (1) The amount
of the main card room bank shall be counted, recorded, and reconciled on
at least a per shift basis.
(2) At least once per shift, the table banks that were opened during
that shift shall be counted, recorded, and reconciled by a dealer or
other person, and a supervisor, and shall be attested to by their
signatures on the check-out form.
(h) Standards for promotional progressive pots and pools. (1) All
funds contributed by players into the pools shall be returned when won
in accordance with the posted rules with no commission or administrative
fee withheld.
(2) Rules governing promotional pools shall be conspicuously posted
and designate:
(i) The amount of funds to be contributed from each pot;
(ii) What type of hand it takes to win the pool (e.g., what
constitutes a ``bad beat'');
(iii) How the promotional funds will be paid out;
(iv) How/when the contributed funds are added to the jackpots; and
(v) Amount/percentage of funds allocated to primary and secondary
jackpots, if applicable.
(3) Promotional pool contributions shall not be placed in or near
the rake circle, in the drop box, or commingled with gaming revenue from
card games or any other gambling game.
(4) The amount of the jackpot shall be conspicuously displayed in
the card room.
(5) At least once a day, the posted pool amount shall be updated to
reflect the current pool amount.
(6) At least once a day, increases to the posted pool amount shall
be reconciled to the cash previously counted
[[Page 811]]
or received by the cage by personnel independent of the card room.
(7) All decreases to the pool must be properly documented, including
a reason for the decrease.
(i) Promotional progressive pots and pools where funds are displayed
in the card room. (1) Promotional funds displayed in the card room shall
be placed in a locked container in plain view of the public.
(2) Persons authorized to transport the locked container shall be
precluded from having access to the contents keys.
(3) The contents key shall be maintained by personnel independent of
the card room.
(4) At least once a day, the locked container shall be removed by
two persons, one of whom is independent of the card games department,
and transported directly to the cage or other secure room to be counted,
recorded, and verified.
(5) The locked container shall then be returned to the card room
where the posted pool amount shall be updated to reflect the current
pool amount.
(j) Promotional progressive pots and pools where funds are
maintained in the cage. (1) Promotional funds removed from the card game
shall be placed in a locked container.
(2) Persons authorized to transport the locked container shall be
precluded from having access to the contents keys.
(3) The contents key shall be maintained by personnel independent of
the card room.
(4) At least once a day, the locked container shall be removed by
two persons, one of whom is independent of the card games department,
and transported directly to the cage or other secure room to be counted,
recorded, and verified, prior to accepting the funds into cage
accountability.
(5) The posted pool amount shall then be updated to reflect the
current pool amount.
Sec. 542.10 What are the minimum internal control standards for keno?
(a) Computer applications. For any computer applications utilized,
alternate documentation and/or procedures that provide at least the
level of control described by the standards in this section, as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, will be acceptable.
(b) Game play standards. (1) The computerized customer ticket shall
include the date, game number, ticket sequence number, station number,
and conditioning (including multi-race if applicable).
(2) The information on the ticket shall be recorded on a restricted
transaction log or computer storage media concurrently with the
generation of the ticket.
(3) Keno personnel shall be precluded from having access to the
restricted transaction log or computer storage media.
(4) When it is necessary to void a ticket, the void information
shall be inputted in the computer and the computer shall document the
appropriate information pertaining to the voided wager (e.g., void slip
is issued or equivalent documentation is generated).
(5) Controls shall exist to prevent the writing and voiding of
tickets after a game has been closed and after the number selection
process for that game has begun.
(6) The controls in effect for tickets prepared in outstations (if
applicable) shall be identical to those in effect for the primary keno
game.
(c) Rabbit ear or wheel system. (1) The following standards shall
apply if a rabbit ear or wheel system is utilized:
(i) A dedicated camera shall be utilized to monitor the following
both prior to, and subsequent to, the calling of a game:
(A) Empty rabbit ears or wheel;
(B) Date and time;
(C) Game number; and
(D) Full rabbit ears or wheel.
(ii) The film of the rabbit ears or wheel shall provide a legible
identification of the numbers on the balls drawn.
(iii) Keno personnel shall immediately input the selected numbers in
the computer and the computer shall document the date, the game number,
the time the game was closed, and the numbers drawn.
(iv) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation
as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish
and
[[Page 812]]
the gaming operation shall comply with procedures that prevent
unauthorized access to keno balls in play.
(v) Back-up keno ball inventories shall be secured in a manner to
prevent unauthorized access.
(vi) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation
as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish
and the gaming operation shall comply with procedures for inspecting new
keno balls put into play as well as for those in use.
(2) [Reserved]
(d) Random number generator. (1) The following standards shall apply
if a random number generator is utilized:
(i) The random number generator shall be linked to the computer
system and shall directly relay the numbers selected into the computer
without manual input.
(ii) Keno personnel shall be precluded from access to the random
number generator.
(2) [Reserved]
(e) Winning tickets. Winning tickets shall be verified and paid as
follows:
(1) The sequence number of tickets presented for payment shall be
inputted into the computer, and the payment amount generated by the
computer shall be given to the customer.
(2) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation
as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish
and the gaming operation shall comply with procedures that preclude
payment on tickets previously presented for payment, unclaimed winning
tickets (sleepers) after a specified period of time, voided tickets, and
tickets that have not been issued yet.
(3) All payouts shall be supported by the customer (computer-
generated) copy of the winning ticket (payout amount is indicated on the
customer ticket or a payment slip is issued).
(4) A manual report or other documentation shall be produced and
maintained documenting any payments made on tickets that are not
authorized by the computer.
(5) Winning tickets over a specified dollar amount (not to exceed
$10,000 for locations with more than $5 million annual keno write and
$3,000 for all other locations) shall also require the following:
(i) Approval of management personnel independent of the keno
department, evidenced by their signature;
(ii) Review of the video recording and/or digital record of the
rabbit ears or wheel to verify the legitimacy of the draw and the
accuracy of the draw ticket (for rabbit ear or wheel systems only);
(iii) Comparison of the winning customer copy to the computer
reports;
(iv) Regrading of the customer copy using the payout schedule and
draw information; and
(v) Documentation and maintenance of the procedures in this
paragraph.
(6) When the keno game is operated by one person, all winning
tickets in excess of an amount to be determined by management (not to
exceed $1,500) shall be reviewed and authorized by a person independent
of the keno department.
(f) Check out standards at the end of each keno shift. (1) For each
writer station, a cash summary report (count sheet) shall be prepared
that includes:
(i) Computation of net cash proceeds for the shift and the cash
turned in; and
(ii) Signatures of two employees who have verified the net cash
proceeds for the shift and the cash turned in.
(2) [Reserved]
(g) Promotional payouts or awards. (1) If a gaming operation offers
promotional payouts or awards, the payout form/documentation shall
include the following information:
(i) Date and time;
(ii) Dollar amount of payout or description of personal property
(e.g., jacket, toaster, car, etc.), including fair market value;
(iii) Type of promotion; and
(iv) Signature of at least one employee authorizing and completing
the transaction.
(2) [Reserved]
(h) Standards for statistical reports. (1) Records shall be
maintained that include win and write by individual writer for each day.
(2) Records shall be maintained that include win, write, and win-to-
write hold percentage for:
[[Page 813]]
(i) Each shift;
(ii) Each day;
(iii) Month-to-date; and
(iv) Year-to-date or fiscal year-to-date as applicable.
(3) A manager independent of the keno department shall review keno
statistical data at least on a monthly basis and investigate any large
or unusual statistical variances.
(4) At a minimum, investigations shall be performed for statistical
percentage fluctuations from the base level for a month in excess of
3%. The base level shall be defined as the gaming
operation's win percentage for the previous business year or the
previous twelve (12) months.
(5) Such investigations shall be documented, maintained for
inspection, and provided to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority upon
request.
(i) System security standards. (1) All keys (including duplicates)
to sensitive computer hardware in the keno area shall be maintained by a
department independent of the keno function.
(2) Personnel independent of the keno department shall be required
to accompany such keys to the keno area and shall observe changes or
repairs each time the sensitive areas are accessed.
(j) Documentation standards. (1) Adequate documentation of all
pertinent keno information shall be generated by the computer system.
(2) This documentation shall be restricted to authorized personnel.
(3) The documentation shall include, at a minimum:
(i) Ticket information (as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this
section);
(ii) Payout information (date, time, ticket number, amount, etc.);
(iii) Game information (number, ball draw, time, etc.);
(iv) Daily recap information, including:
(A) Write;
(B) Payouts; and
(C) Gross revenue (win);
(v) System exception information, including:
(A) Voids;
(B) Late pays; and
(C) Appropriate system parameter information (e.g., changes in pay
tables, ball draws, payouts over a predetermined amount, etc.); and
(vi) Personnel access listing, including:
(A) Employee name or employee identification number; and
(B) Listing of functions employee can perform or equivalent means of
identifying same.
(k) Keno audit standards. (1) The keno audit function shall be
independent of the keno department.
(2) At least annually, keno audit shall foot the write on the
restricted copy of the keno transaction report for a minimum of one
shift and compare the total to the total as documented by the computer.
(3) For at least one shift every other month, keno audit shall
perform the following:
(i) Foot the customer copy of the payouts and trace the total to the
payout report; and
(ii) Regrade at least 1% of the winning tickets using the payout
schedule and draw ticket.
(4) Keno audit shall perform the following:
(i) For a minimum of five games per week, compare the video
recording and/or digital record of the rabbit ears or wheel to the
computer transaction summary;
(ii) Compare net cash proceeds to the audited win/loss by shift and
investigate any large cash overages or shortages (i.e., in excess of
$25.00);
(iii) Review and regrade all winning tickets greater than or equal
to $1,500, including all forms that document that proper authorizations
and verifications were obtained and performed;
(iv) Review the documentation for payout adjustments made outside
the computer and investigate large and frequent payments;
(v) Review personnel access listing for inappropriate functions an
employee can perform;
(vi) Review system exception information on a daily basis for
propriety of transactions and unusual occurrences including changes to
the personnel access listing;
(vii) If a random number generator is used, then at least weekly
review the numerical frequency distribution for potential patterns; and
[[Page 814]]
(viii) Investigate and document results of all noted improper
transactions or unusual occurrences.
(5) When the keno game is operated by one person:
(i) The customer copies of all winning tickets in excess of $100 and
at least 5% of all other winning tickets shall be regraded and traced to
the computer payout report;
(ii) The video recording and/or digital record of rabbit ears or
wheel shall be randomly compared to the computer game information report
for at least 10% of the games during the shift; and
(iii) Keno audit personnel shall review winning tickets for proper
authorization pursuant to paragraph (e)(6) of this section.
(6) In the event any person performs the writer and deskman
functions on the same shift, the procedures described in paragraphs
(k)(5)(i) and (ii) of this section (using the sample sizes indicated)
shall be performed on tickets written by that person.
(7) Documentation (e.g., a log, checklist, etc.) that evidences the
performance of all keno audit procedures shall be maintained.
(8) A manager independent of the keno department shall review keno
audit exceptions, and perform and document investigations into
unresolved exceptions. These investigations shall be documented,
maintained for inspection, and provided to the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority upon request.
(9) When a multi-game ticket is part of the sample in paragraphs
(k)(3)(ii), (k)(5)(i) and (k)(6) of this section, the procedures may be
performed for ten (10) games or ten percent (10%) of the games won,
whichever is greater.
(l) Access. Access to the computer system shall be adequately
restricted (i.e., passwords are changed at least quarterly, access to
computer hardware is physically restricted, etc.).
(m) Equipment standards. (1) There shall be effective maintenance
planned to service keno equipment, including computer program updates,
hardware servicing, and keno ball selection equipment (e.g., service
contract with lessor).
(2) Keno equipment maintenance (excluding keno balls) shall be
independent of the operation of the keno game.
(3) Keno maintenance personnel shall report irregularities to
management personnel independent of the keno department.
(4) If the gaming operation utilizes a barcode or microchip reader
in connection with the play of keno, the reader shall be tested at least
annually by personnel independent of the keno department to determine
that it is correctly reading the barcode or microchip.
(n) Document retention. (1) All documents (including computer
storage media) discussed in this section shall be retained for five (5)
years, except for the following, which shall be retained for at least
seven (7) days:
(i) Video recordings and/or digital records of rabbit ears or wheel;
(ii) All copies of winning keno tickets of less than $1,500.00.
(2) [Reserved]
(o) Multi-race tickets. (1) Procedures shall be established to
notify keno personnel immediately of large multi-race winners to ensure
compliance with standards in paragraph (e)(5) of this section.
(2) Procedures shall be established to ensure that keno personnel
are aware of multi-race tickets still in process at the end of a shift.
(p) Manual keno. For gaming operations that conduct manual keno
games, alternate procedures that provide at least the level of control
described by the standards in this section shall be developed and
implemented.
Sec. 542.11 What are the minimum internal control standards for pari-mutuel
wagering?
(a) Exemptions. (1) The requirements of this section shall not apply
to gaming operations who house pari-mutuel wagering operations conducted
entirely by a state licensed simulcast service provider pursuant to an
approved tribal-state compact if:
(i) The simulcast service provider utilizes its own employees for
all aspects of the pari-mutuel wagering operation;
(ii) The gaming operation posts, in a location visible to the
public, that the
[[Page 815]]
simulcast service provider and its employees are wholly responsible for
the conduct of pari-mutuel wagering offered at that location;
(iii) The gaming operation receives a predetermined fee from the
simulcast service provider; and
(iv) In addition, the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the
gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority,
shall establish and the gaming operation shall comply with standards
that ensure that the gaming operation receives, from the racetrack, its
contractually guaranteed percentage of the handle.
(2) Gaming operations that contract directly with a state regulated
racetrack as a simulcast service provider, but whose on-site pari-mutuel
operations are conducted wholly or in part by tribal gaming operation
employees, shall not be required to comply with paragraphs (h)(5) thru
(h)(9) of this section.
(i) If any standard contained within this section conflicts with
state law, a tribal-state compact, or a contract, then the gaming
operation shall document the basis for noncompliance and shall maintain
such documentation for inspection by the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority and the Commission.
(ii) In addition, the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the
gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority,
shall establish and the gaming operation shall comply with standards
that ensure that the gaming operation receives, from the racetrack, its
contractually guaranteed percentage of the handle.
(b) Computer applications. For any computer applications utilized,
alternate documentation and/or procedures that provide at least the
level of control described by the standards in this section, as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, will be acceptable.
(c) Betting ticket and equipment standards. (1) All pari-mutuel
wagers shall be transacted through the pari-mutuel satellite system. In
case of computer failure between the pari-mutuel book and the hub, no
tickets shall be manually written.
(2) Whenever a betting station is opened for wagering or turned over
to a new writer/cashier, the writer/cashier shall sign on and the
computer shall document gaming operation name (or identification
number), station number, the writer/cashier identifier, and the date and
time.
(3) A betting ticket shall consist of at least two parts:
(i) An original, which shall be transacted and issued through a
printer and given to the customer; and
(ii) A copy that shall be recorded concurrently with the generation
of the original ticket either on paper or other storage media (e.g.,
tape or diskette).
(4) Upon accepting a wager, the betting ticket that is created shall
contain the following:
(i) A unique transaction identifier;
(ii) Gaming operation name (or identification number) and station
number;
(iii) Race track, race number, horse identification or event
identification, as applicable;
(iv) Type of bet(s), each bet amount, total number of bets, and
total take; and
(v) Date and time.
(5) All tickets shall be considered final at post time.
(6) If a gaming operation voids a betting ticket written prior to
post time, it shall be immediately entered into the system.
(7) Future wagers shall be accepted and processed in the same manner
as regular wagers.
(d) Payout standards. (1) Prior to making payment on a ticket, the
writer/cashier shall input the ticket for verification and payment
authorization.
(2) The computer shall be incapable of authorizing payment on a
ticket that has been previously paid, a voided ticket, a losing ticket,
or an unissued ticket.
(e) Checkout standards. (1) Whenever the betting station is closed
or the writer/cashier is replaced, the writer/cashier shall sign off and
the computer shall document the gaming operation name (or identification
number), station number, the writer/cashier identifier, the date and
time, and cash balance.
(2) For each writer/cashier station a summary report shall be
completed at the conclusion of each shift including:
[[Page 816]]
(i) Computation of cash turned in for the shift; and
(ii) Signatures of two employees who have verified the cash turned
in for the shift.
(f) Employee wagering. Pari-mutuel employees shall be prohibited
from wagering on race events while on duty, including during break
periods.
(g) Computer reports standards. (1) Adequate documentation of all
pertinent pari-mutuel information shall be generated by the computer
system.
(2) This documentation shall be restricted to authorized personnel.
(3) The documentation shall be created for each day's operation and
shall include, but is not limited to:
(i) Unique transaction identifier;
(ii) Date/time of transaction;
(iii) Type of wager;
(iv) Animal identification or event identification;
(v) Amount of wagers (by ticket, writer/SAM, track/event, and
total);
(vi) Amount of payouts (by ticket, writer/SAM, track/event, and
total);
(vii) Tickets refunded (by ticket, writer, track/event, and total);
(viii) Unpaid winners/vouchers (``outs'') (by ticket/voucher, track/
event, and total);
(ix) Voucher sales/payments (by ticket, writer/SAM, and track/
event);
(x) Voids (by ticket, writer, and total);
(xi) Future wagers (by ticket, date of event, total by day, and
total at the time of revenue recognition);
(xii) Results (winners and payout data);
(xiii) Breakage data (by race and track/event);
(xiv) Commission data (by race and track/event); and
(xv) Purged data (by ticket and total).
(4) The system shall generate the following reports:
(i) A reconciliation report that summarizes totals by track/event,
including write, the day's winning ticket total, total commission and
breakage due the gaming operation, and net funds transferred to or from
the gaming operation's bank account;
(ii) An exception report that contains a listing of all system
functions and overrides not involved in the actual writing or cashing of
tickets, including sign-on/off, voids, and manually input paid tickets;
and
(iii) A purged ticket report that contains a listing of the unique
transaction identifier(s), description, ticket cost and value, and date
purged.
(h) Accounting and auditing functions. A gaming operation shall
perform the following accounting and auditing functions:
(1) The parimutuel audit shall be conducted by personnel independent
of the parimutuel operation.
(2) Documentation shall be maintained evidencing the performance of
all parimutuel accounting and auditing procedures.
(3) An accounting employee shall review handle, commission, and
breakage for each day's play and recalculate the net amount due to or
from the systems operator on a weekly basis.
(4) The accounting employee shall verify actual cash/cash
equivalents turned in to the system's summary report for each cashier's
drawer (Beginning balance, (+) fills (draws), (+) net write (sold less
voids), (-) payouts (net of IRS withholding), (-) cashbacks (paids), (=)
cash turn-in).
(5) An accounting employee shall produce a gross revenue recap
report to calculate gross revenue for each day's play and for a month-
to-date basis, including the following totals:
(i) Commission;
(ii) Positive breakage;
(iii) Negative breakage;
(iv) Track/event fees;
(v) Track/event fee rebates; and
(vi) Purged tickets.
(6) All winning tickets and vouchers shall be physically removed
from the SAM's for each day's play.
(7) In the event a SAM does not balance for a day's play, the
auditor shall perform the following procedures:
(i) Foot the winning tickets and vouchers deposited and trace to the
totals of SAM activity produced by the system;
(ii) Foot the listing of cashed vouchers and trace to the totals
produced by the system;
(iii) Review all exceptions for propriety of transactions and
unusual occurrences;
(iv) Review all voids for propriety;
[[Page 817]]
(v) Verify the results as produced by the system to the results
provided by an independent source;
(vi) Regrade 1% of paid (cashed) tickets to ensure accuracy and
propriety; and
(vii) When applicable, reconcile the totals of future tickets
written to the totals produced by the system for both earned and
unearned take, and review the reports to ascertain that future wagers
are properly included on the day of the event.
(8) At least annually, the auditor shall foot the wagers for one day
and trace to the total produced by the system.
(9) At least one day per quarter, the auditor shall recalculate and
verify the change in the unpaid winners to the total purged tickets.
Sec. 542.12 What are the minimum internal control standards for table
games?
(a) Computer applications. For any computer applications utilized,
alternate documentation and/or procedures that provide at least the
level of control described by the standards in this section, as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, will be acceptable.
(b) Standards for drop and count. The procedures for the collection
of the table game drop and the count thereof shall comply with Sec.
542.21, Sec. 542.31, or Sec. 542.41 (as applicable).
(c) Fill and credit standards. (1) Fill slips and credit slips shall
be in at least triplicate form, and in a continuous, prenumbered series.
Such slips shall be concurrently numbered in a form utilizing the
alphabet and only in one series at a time. The alphabet need not be used
if the numerical series is not repeated during the business year.
(2) Unissued and issued fill/credit slips shall be safeguarded and
adequate procedures shall be employed in their distribution, use, and
control. Personnel from the cashier or pit departments shall have no
access to the secured (control) copies of the fill/credit slips.
(3) When a fill/credit slip is voided, the cashier shall clearly
mark ``void'' across the face of the original and first copy, the
cashier and one other person independent of the transactions shall sign
both the original and first copy, and shall submit them to the
accounting department for retention and accountability.
(4) Fill transactions shall be authorized by pit supervisory
personnel before the issuance of fill slips and transfer of chips,
tokens, or cash equivalents. The fill request shall be communicated to
the cage where the fill slip is prepared.
(5) At least three parts of each fill slip shall be utilized as
follows:
(i) One part shall be transported to the pit with the fill and,
after the appropriate signatures are obtained, deposited in the table
game drop box;
(ii) One part shall be retained in the cage for reconciliation of
the cashier bank; and
(iii) For computer systems, one part shall be retained in a secure
manner to insure that only authorized persons may gain access to it. For
manual systems, one part shall be retained in a secure manner in a
continuous unbroken form.
(6) For Tier C gaming operations, the part of the fill slip that is
placed in the table game drop box shall be of a different color for
fills than for credits, unless the type of transaction is clearly
distinguishable in another manner (the checking of a box on the form
shall not be a clearly distinguishable indicator).
(7) The table number, shift, and amount of fill by denomination and
in total shall be noted on all copies of the fill slip. The correct date
and time shall be indicated on at least two copies.
(8) All fills shall be carried from the cashier's cage by a person
who is independent of the cage or pit.
(9) The fill slip shall be signed by at least the following persons
(as an indication that each has counted the amount of the fill and the
amount agrees with the fill slip):
(i) Cashier who prepared the fill slip and issued the chips, tokens,
or cash equivalent;
(ii) Runner who carried the chips, tokens, or cash equivalents from
the cage to the pit;
(iii) Dealer or boxperson who received the chips, tokens, or cash
equivalents at the gaming table; and
[[Page 818]]
(iv) Pit supervisory personnel who supervised the fill transaction.
(10) Fills shall be broken down and verified by the dealer or
boxperson in public view before the dealer or boxperson places the fill
in the table tray.
(11) A copy of the fill slip shall then be deposited into the drop
box on the table by the dealer, where it shall appear in the soft count
room with the cash receipts for the shift.
(12) Table credit transactions shall be authorized by a pit
supervisor before the issuance of credit slips and transfer of chips,
tokens, or other cash equivalent. The credit request shall be
communicated to the cage where the credit slip is prepared.
(13) At least three parts of each credit slip shall be utilized as
follows:
(i) Two parts of the credit slip shall be transported by the runner
to the pit. After signatures of the runner, dealer, and pit supervisor
are obtained, one copy shall be deposited in the table game drop box and
the original shall accompany transport of the chips, tokens, markers, or
cash equivalents from the pit to the cage for verification and signature
of the cashier.
(ii) For computer systems, one part shall be retained in a secure
manner to insure that only authorized persons may gain access to it. For
manual systems, one part shall be retained in a secure manner in a
continuous unbroken form.
(14) The table number, shift, and the amount of credit by
denomination and in total shall be noted on all copies of the credit
slip. The correct date and time shall be indicated on at least two
copies.
(15) Chips, tokens, and/or cash equivalents shall be removed from
the table tray by the dealer or boxperson and shall be broken down and
verified by the dealer or boxperson in public view prior to placing them
in racks for transfer to the cage.
(16) All chips, tokens, and cash equivalents removed from the tables
and markers removed from the pit shall be carried to the cashier's cage
by a person who is independent of the cage or pit.
(17) The credit slip shall be signed by at least the following
persons (as an indication that each has counted or, in the case of
markers, reviewed the items transferred):
(i) Cashier who received the items transferred from the pit and
prepared the credit slip;
(ii) Runner who carried the items transferred from the pit to the
cage;
(iii) Dealer who had custody of the items prior to transfer to the
cage; and
(iv) Pit supervisory personnel who supervised the credit
transaction.
(18) The credit slip shall be inserted in the drop box by the
dealer.
(19) Chips, tokens, or other cash equivalents shall be deposited on
or removed from gaming tables only when accompanied by the appropriate
fill/credit or marker transfer forms.
(20) Cross fills (the transfer of chips between table games) and
even cash exchanges are prohibited in the pit.
(d) Table inventory forms. (1) At the close of each shift, for those
table banks that were opened during that shift:
(i) The table's chip, token, coin, and marker inventory shall be
counted and recorded on a table inventory form; or
(ii) If the table banks are maintained on an imprest basis, a final
fill or credit shall be made to bring the bank back to par.
(2) If final fills are not made, beginning and ending inventories
shall be recorded on the master game sheet for shift win calculation
purposes.
(3) The accuracy of inventory forms prepared at shift end shall be
verified by the outgoing pit supervisor and the dealer. Alternatively,
if the dealer is not available, such verification may be provided by
another pit supervisor or another supervisor from another gaming
department. Verifications shall be evidenced by signature on the
inventory form.
(4) If inventory forms are placed in the drop box, such action shall
be performed by a person other than a pit supervisor.
(e) Table games computer generated documentation standards. (1) The
computer system shall be capable of generating adequate documentation of
all information recorded on the source documents and transaction detail
(e.g., fill/credit slips, markers, etc.).
[[Page 819]]
(2) This documentation shall be restricted to authorized personnel.
(3) The documentation shall include, at a minimum:
(i) System exception information (e.g., appropriate system parameter
information, corrections, voids, etc.); and
(ii) Personnel access listing, which includes, at a minimum:
(A) Employee name or employee identification number (if applicable);
and
(B) Listing of functions employees can perform or equivalent means
of identifying the same.
(f) Standards for playing cards and dice. (1) Playing cards and dice
shall be maintained in a secure location to prevent unauthorized access
and to reduce the possibility of tampering.
(2) Used cards and dice shall be maintained in a secure location
until marked, scored, or destroyed, in a manner as approved by the
Tribal gaming regulatory authority, to prevent unauthorized access and
reduce the possibility of tampering.
(3) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation
as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish
and the gaming operation shall comply with a reasonable time period,
which shall not exceed seven (7) days, within which to mark, cancel, or
destroy cards and dice from play.
(i) This standard shall not apply where playing cards or dice are
retained for an investigation.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) A card control log shall be maintained that documents when cards
and dice are received on site, distributed to and returned from tables
and removed from play by the gaming operation.
(g) Plastic cards. Notwithstanding paragraph (f) of this section, if
a gaming operation uses plastic cards (not plastic-coated cards), the
cards may be used for up to three (3) months if the plastic cards are
routinely inspected, and washed or cleaned in a manner and time frame
approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority.
(h) Standards for supervision. Pit supervisory personnel (with
authority equal to or greater than those being supervised) shall provide
supervision of all table games.
(i) Analysis of table game performance standards. (1) Records shall
be maintained by day and shift indicating any single-deck blackjack
games that were dealt for an entire shift.
(2) Records reflecting hold percentage by table and type of game
shall be maintained by shift, by day, cumulative month-to-date, and
cumulative year-to-date.
(3) This information shall be presented to and reviewed by
management independent of the pit department on at least a monthly
basis.
(4) The management in paragraph (h)(3) of this section shall
investigate any unusual fluctuations in hold percentage with pit
supervisory personnel.
(5) The results of such investigations shall be documented,
maintained for inspection, and provided to the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority upon request.
(j) Accounting/auditing standards. (1) The accounting and auditing
procedures shall be performed by personnel who are independent of the
transactions being audited/accounted for.
(2) If a table game has the capability to determine drop (e.g.,
bill-in/coin-drop meters, bill acceptor, computerized record, etc.) the
dollar amount of the drop shall be reconciled to the actual drop by
shift.
(3) Accounting/auditing employees shall review exception reports for
all computerized table games systems at least monthly for propriety of
transactions and unusual occurrences.
(4) All noted improper transactions or unusual occurrences shall be
investigated with the results documented.
(5) Evidence of table games auditing procedures and any follow-up
performed shall be documented, maintained for inspection, and provided
to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority upon request.
(6) A daily recap shall be prepared for the day and month-to-date,
which shall include the following information:
(i) Drop;
(ii) Win; and
(iii) Gross revenue.
(k) Marker credit play. (1) If a gaming operation allows marker
credit play (exclusive of rim credit and call bets), the following
standards shall apply:
[[Page 820]]
(i) A marker system shall allow for credit to be both issued and
repaid in the pit.
(ii) Prior to the issuance of gaming credit to a player, the
employee extending the credit shall contact the cashier or other
independent source to determine if the player's credit limit has been
properly established and there is sufficient remaining credit available
for the advance.
(iii) Proper authorization of credit extension in excess of the
previously established limit shall be documented.
(iv) The amount of credit extended shall be communicated to the cage
or another independent source and the amount documented within a
reasonable time subsequent to each issuance.
(v) The marker form shall be prepared in at least triplicate form
(triplicate form being defined as three parts performing the functions
delineated in the standard in paragraph (j)(1)(vi) of this section),
with a preprinted or concurrently-printed marker number, and utilized in
numerical sequence. (This requirement shall not preclude the
distribution of batches of markers to various pits.)
(vi) At least three parts of each separately numbered marker form
shall be utilized as follows:
(A) Original shall be maintained in the pit until settled or
transferred to the cage;
(B) Payment slip shall be maintained in the pit until the marker is
settled or transferred to the cage. If paid in the pit, the slip shall
be inserted in the table game drop box. If not paid in the pit, the slip
shall be transferred to the cage with the original;
(C) Issue slip shall be inserted into the appropriate table game
drop box when credit is extended or when the player has signed the
original.
(vii) When marker documentation (e.g., issue slip and payment slip)
is inserted in the drop box, such action shall be performed by the
dealer or boxperson at the table.
(viii) A record shall be maintained that details the following
(e.g., master credit record retained at the pit podium):
(A) The signature or initials of the person(s) approving the
extension of credit (unless such information is contained elsewhere for
each issuance);
(B) The legible name of the person receiving the credit;
(C) The date and shift of granting the credit;
(D) The table on which the credit was extended;
(E) The amount of credit issued;
(F) The marker number;
(G) The amount of credit remaining after each issuance or the total
credit available for all issuances;
(H) The amount of payment received and nature of settlement (e.g.,
credit slip number, cash, chips, etc.); and
(I) The signature or initials of the person receiving payment/
settlement.
(ix) The forms required in paragraphs (j)(1)(v), (vi), and (viii) of
this section shall be safeguarded, and adequate procedures shall be
employed to control the distribution, use, and access to these forms.
(x) All credit extensions shall be initially evidenced by lammer
buttons, which shall be displayed on the table in public view and placed
there by supervisory personnel.
(xi) Marker preparation shall be initiated and other records updated
within approximately one hand of play following the initial issuance of
credit to the player.
(xii) Lammer buttons shall be removed only by the dealer or
boxperson employed at the table upon completion of a marker transaction.
(xiii) The original marker shall contain at least the following
information:
(A) Marker number;
(B) Player's name and signature;
(C) Date; and
(D) Amount of credit issued.
(xiv) The issue slip or stub shall include the same marker number as
the original, the table number, date and time of issuance, and amount of
credit issued. The issue slip or stub shall also include the signature
of the person extending the credit, and the signature or initials of the
dealer or boxperson at the applicable table, unless this information is
included on another document verifying the issued marker.
(xv) The payment slip shall include the same marker number as the
original. When the marker is paid in full in the pit, it shall also
include the table
[[Page 821]]
number where paid, date and time of payment, nature of settlement (cash,
chips, etc.), and amount of payment. The payment slip shall also include
the signature of pit supervisory personnel acknowledging payment, and
the signature or initials of the dealer or boxperson receiving payment,
unless this information is included on another document verifying the
payment of the marker.
(xvi) When partial payments are made in the pit, a new marker shall
be completed reflecting the remaining balance and the marker number of
the marker originally issued.
(xvii) When partial payments are made in the pit, the payment slip
of the marker that was originally issued shall be properly cross-
referenced to the new marker number, completed with all information
required by paragraph (j)(1)(xv) of this section, and inserted into the
drop box.
(xviii) The cashier's cage or another independent source shall be
notified when payments (full or partial) are made in the pit so that
cage records can be updated for such transactions. Notification shall be
made no later than when the customer's play is completed or at shift
end, whichever is earlier.
(xix) All portions of markers, both issued and unissued, shall be
safeguarded and procedures shall be employed to control the
distribution, use and access to the forms.
(xx) An investigation shall be performed to determine the cause and
responsibility for loss whenever marker forms, or any part thereof, are
missing. These investigations shall be documented, maintained for
inspection, and provided to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority upon
request.
(xxi) When markers are transferred to the cage, marker transfer
forms or marker credit slips (or similar documentation) shall be
utilized and such documents shall include, at a minimum, the date, time,
shift, marker number(s), table number(s), amount of each marker, the
total amount transferred, signature of pit supervisory personnel
releasing instruments from the pit, and the signature of cashier
verifying receipt of instruments at the cage.
(xxii) All markers shall be transferred to the cage within twenty-
four (24) hours of issuance.
(xxiii) Markers shall be transported to the cashier's cage by a
person who is independent of the marker issuance and payment functions
(pit clerks may perform this function).
(2) [Reserved]
(l) Name credit instruments accepted in the pit. (1) For the
purposes of this paragraph, name credit instruments means personal
checks, payroll checks, counter checks, hold checks, traveler's checks,
or other similar instruments that are accepted in the pit as a form of
credit issuance to a player with an approved credit limit.
(2) The following standards shall apply if name credit instruments
are accepted in the pit:
(i) A name credit system shall allow for the issuance of credit
without using markers;
(ii) Prior to accepting a name credit instrument, the employee
extending the credit shall contact the cashier or another independent
source to determine if the player's credit limit has been properly
established and the remaining credit available is sufficient for the
advance;
(iii) All name credit instruments shall be transferred to the
cashier's cage (utilizing a two-part order for credit) immediately
following the acceptance of the instrument and issuance of chips (if
name credit instruments are transported accompanied by a credit slip, an
order for credit is not required);
(iv) The order for credit (if applicable) and the credit slip shall
include the customer's name, amount of the credit instrument, the date,
time, shift, table number, signature of pit supervisory personnel
releasing instrument from pit, and the signature of the cashier
verifying receipt of instrument at the cage;
(v) The procedures for transacting table credits at standards in
paragraphs (c)(12) through (19) of this section shall be strictly
adhered to; and
(vi) The acceptance of payments in the pit for name credit
instruments shall be prohibited.
[[Page 822]]
(m) Call bets. (1) The following standards shall apply if call bets
are accepted in the pit:
(i) A call bet shall be evidenced by the placement of a lammer
button, chips, or other identifiable designation in an amount equal to
that of the wager in a specific location on the table;
(ii) The placement of the lammer button, chips, or other
identifiable designation shall be performed by supervisory/boxperson
personnel. The placement may be performed by a dealer only if the
supervisor physically observes and gives specific authorization;
(iii) The call bet shall be settled at the end of each hand of play
by the preparation of a marker, repayment of the credit extended, or the
payoff of the winning wager. Call bets extending beyond one hand of play
shall be prohibited; and
(iv) The removal of the lammer button, chips, or other identifiable
designation shall be performed by the dealer/ boxperson upon completion
of the call bet transaction.
(2) [Reserved]
(n) Rim credit. (1) The following standards shall apply if rim
credit is extended in the pit:
(i) Rim credit shall be evidenced by the issuance of chips to be
placed in a neutral zone on the table and then extended to the customer
for the customer to wager, or to the dealer to wager for the customer,
and by the placement of a lammer button or other identifiable
designation in an amount equal to that of the chips extended; and
(ii) Rim credit shall be recorded on player cards, or similarly used
documents, which shall be:
(A) Prenumbered or concurrently numbered and accounted for by a
department independent of the pit;
(B) For all extensions and subsequent repayments, evidenced by the
initials or signatures of a supervisor and the dealer attesting to the
validity of each credit extension and repayment;
(C) An indication of the settlement method (e.g., serial number of
marker issued, chips, cash);
(D) Settled no later than when the customer leaves the table at
which the card is prepared;
(E) Transferred to the accounting department on a daily basis; and
(F) Reconciled with other forms utilized to control the issuance of
pit credit (e.g., master credit records, table cards).
(2) [Reserved]
(o) Foreign currency. (l) The following standards shall apply if
foreign currency is accepted in the pit:
(i) Foreign currency transactions shall be authorized by a pit
supervisor/ boxperson who completes a foreign currency exchange form
before the exchange for chips or tokens;
(ii) Foreign currency exchange forms include the country of origin,
total face value, amount of chips/token extended (i.e., conversion
amount), signature of supervisor/boxperson, and the dealer completing
the transaction;
(iii) Foreign currency exchange forms and the foreign currency shall
be inserted in the drop box by the dealer; and
(iv) Alternate procedures specific to the use of foreign valued
gaming chips shall be developed by the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority, or the gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority.
(2) [Reserved]
Sec. 542.13 What are the minimum internal control standards for
gaming machines?
(a) Standards for gaming machines.
(1) For this section only, credit or customer credit means a unit of
value equivalent to cash or cash equivalents deposited, wagered, won,
lost, or redeemed by a customer.
(2) Coins shall include tokens.
(3) For all computerized gaming machine systems, a personnel access
listing shall be maintained, which includes at a minimum:
(i) Employee name or employee identification number (or equivalent);
and
(ii) Listing of functions employee can perform or equivalent means
of identifying same.
(b) Computer applications. For any computer applications utilized,
alternate documentation and/or procedures that provide at least the
level of control described by the standards in this
[[Page 823]]
section, as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, will be
acceptable.
(c) Standards for drop and count. The procedures for the collection
of the gaming machine drop and the count thereof shall comply with Sec.
542.21, Sec. 542.31, or Sec. 542.41 (as applicable).
(d) Jackpot payouts, gaming machines fills, short pays and
accumulated credit payouts standards. (1) For jackpot payouts and gaming
machine fills, documentation shall include the following information:
(i) Date and time;
(ii) Machine number;
(iii) Dollar amount of cash payout or gaming machine fill (both
alpha and numeric) or description of personal property awarded,
including fair market value. Alpha is optional if another unalterable
method is used for evidencing the amount of the payout;
(iv) Game outcome (including reel symbols, card values, suits, etc.)
for jackpot payouts. Game outcome is not required if a computerized
jackpot/fill system is used;
(v) Preprinted or concurrently printed sequential number; and
(vi) Signatures of at least two employees verifying and witnessing
the payout or gaming machine fill (except as otherwise provided in
paragraphs (d)(1)(vi)(A), (B), and (C) of this section).
(A) Jackpot payouts over a predetermined amount shall require the
signature and verification of a supervisory or management employee
independent of the gaming machine department (in addition to the two
signatures required in paragraph (d)(1)(vi) of this section).
Alternatively, if an on-line accounting system is utilized, only two
signatures are required: one employee and one supervisory or management
employee independent of the gaming machine department. This
predetermined amount shall be authorized by management (as approved by
the Tribal gaming regulatory authority), documented, and maintained.
(B) With regard to jackpot payouts and hopper fills, the signature
of one employee is sufficient if an on-line accounting system is
utilized and the jackpot or fill is less than $1,200.
(C) On graveyard shifts (eight-hour maximum) payouts/fills less than
$100 can be made without the payout/fill being witnessed by a second
person.
(2) For short pays of $10.00 or more, and payouts required for
accumulated credits, the payout form shall include the following
information:
(i) Date and time;
(ii) Machine number;
(iii) Dollar amount of payout (both alpha and numeric); and
(iv) The signature of at least one (1) employee verifying and
witnessing the payout.
(A) Where the payout amount is $50 or more, signatures of at least
two (2) employees verifying and witnessing the payout. Alternatively,
the signature of one (1) employee is sufficient if an on-line accounting
system is utilized and the payout amount is less than $3,000.
(B) [Reserved]
(3) Computerized jackpot/fill systems shall be restricted so as to
prevent unauthorized access and fraudulent payouts by one person as
required by Sec. 542.16(a).
(4) Payout forms shall be controlled and routed in a manner that
precludes any one person from producing a fraudulent payout by forging
signatures or by altering the amount paid out subsequent to the payout
and misappropriating the funds.
(e) Promotional payouts or awards. (1) If a gaming operation offers
promotional payouts or awards that are not reflected on the gaming
machine pay table, then the payout form/documentation shall include:
(i) Date and time;
(ii) Machine number and denomination;
(iii) Dollar amount of payout or description of personal property
(e.g., jacket, toaster, car, etc.), including fair market value;
(iv) Type of promotion (e.g., double jackpots, four-of-a-kind bonus,
etc.); and
(v) Signature of at least one employee authorizing and completing
the transaction.
(2) [Reserved]
(f) Gaming machine department funds standards. (1) The gaming
machine booths and change banks that are active during the shift, shall
be counted
[[Page 824]]
down and reconciled each shift utilizing appropriate accountability
documentation.
(2) The wrapping of loose gaming machine booth and cage cashier coin
shall be performed at a time or location that does not interfere with
the hard count/wrap process or the accountability of that process.
(3) A record shall be maintained evidencing the transfers of wrapped
and unwrapped coins and retained for seven (7) days.
(g) EPROM control standards. (1) At least annually, procedures shall
be performed to insure the integrity of a sample of gaming machine game
program EPROMs, or other equivalent game software media, by personnel
independent of the gaming machine department or the machines being
tested.
(2) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation
subject to the approval of the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall
develop and implement procedures for the following:
(i) Removal of EPROMs, or other equivalent game software media, from
devices, the verification of the existence of errors as applicable, and
the correction via duplication from the master game program EPROM, or
other equivalent game software media;
(ii) Copying one gaming device program to another approved program;
(iii) Verification of duplicated EPROMs before being offered for
play;
(iv) Receipt and destruction of EPROMs, or other equivalent game
software media; and
(v) Securing the EPROM, or other equivalent game software media,
duplicator, and master game EPROMs, or other equivalent game software
media, from unrestricted access.
(3) The master game program number, par percentage, and the pay
table shall be verified to the par sheet when initially received from
the manufacturer.
(4) Gaming machines with potential jackpots in excess of $100,000
shall have the game software circuit boards locked or physically sealed.
The lock or seal shall necessitate the presence of a person independent
of the gaming machine department to access the device game program
EPROM, or other equivalent game software media. If a seal is used to
secure the board to the frame of the gaming device, it shall be pre-
numbered.
(5) Records that document the procedures in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of
this section shall include the following information:
(i) Date;
(ii) Machine number (source and destination);
(iii) Manufacturer;
(iv) Program number;
(v) Personnel involved;
(vi) Reason for duplication;
(vii) Disposition of any permanently removed EPROM, or other
equivalent game software media;
(viii) Seal numbers, if applicable; and
(ix) Approved testing lab approval numbers, if available.
(6) EPROMS, or other equivalent game software media, returned to
gaming devices shall be labeled with the program number. Supporting
documentation shall include the date, program number, information
identical to that shown on the manufacturer's label, and initials of the
person replacing the EPROM, or other equivalent game software media.
(h) Standards for evaluating theoretical and actual hold
percentages. (1) Accurate and current theoretical hold worksheets shall
be maintained for each gaming machine.
(2) For those gaming machines or groups of identical machines
(excluding multi-game machines) with differences in theoretical payback
percentage exceeding a 4% spread between the minimum and maximum
theoretical payback, an employee or department independent from the
gaming machine department shall perform a weighted average calculation
to periodically adjust theoretical as follows:
(i) On a quarterly basis, record the meters that contain the number
of plays by wager (i.e., one coin, two coins, etc.);
(ii) On an annual basis, calculate the theoretical hold percentage
based on the distribution of plays by wager type;
(iii) On an annual basis, adjust the machine(s) theoretical hold
percentage in the gaming machine statistical report to reflect this
revised percentage; and
[[Page 825]]
(iv) The adjusted theoretical hold percentage shall be within the
spread between the minimum and maximum theoretical payback percentages.
(3) For those gaming operations that are unable to perform the
weighted average calculation as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this
section, the following procedures shall apply:
(i) On at least an annual basis, calculate the actual hold
percentage for each aming machine;
(ii) On at least an annual basis, adjust the theoretical hold
percentage in the gaming machine statistical report for each gaming
machine to the previously calculated actual hold percentage; and
(iii) The adjusted theoretical hold percentage shall be within the
spread between the minimum and maximum theoretical payback percentages.
(4) For multi-game machines with a four percent (4%) or greater
spread between minimum and maximum theoretical payback percentages, an
employee or department independent of the gaming machine department
shall:
(i) Weekly, record the total coin-in meter;
(ii) Quarterly, record the coin-in meters for each game contained in
the machine; and
(iii) On an annual basis, adjust the theoretical hold percentage in
the gaming machine statistical report to a weighted average based upon
the ratio of coin-in for each game.
(5) The adjusted theoretical hold percentage for multi-game machines
may be combined for machines with exactly the same game mix throughout
the year.
(6) The theoretical hold percentages used in the gaming machine
analysis reports should be within the performance standards set by the
manufacturer.
(7) Records shall be maintained for each machine indicating the
dates and type of changes made and the recalculation of theoretical hold
as a result of the changes.
(8) Records shall be maintained for each machine that indicate the
date the machine was placed into service, the date the machine was
removed from operation, the date the machine was placed back into
operation, and any changes in machine numbers and designations.
(9) All of the gaming machines shall contain functioning meters that
shall record coin-in or credit-in, or on-line gaming machine monitoring
system that captures similar data.
(10) All gaming machines with bill acceptors shall contain
functioning bill-in meters that record the dollar amounts or number of
bills accepted by denomination.
(11) Gaming machine in-meter readings shall be recorded at least
weekly (monthly for Tier A and Tier B gaming operations) immediately
prior to or subsequent to a gaming machine drop. On-line gaming machine
monitoring systems can satisfy this requirement. However, the time
between readings may extend beyond one week in order for a reading to
coincide with the end of an accounting period only if such extension is
for no longer than six (6) days.
(12) The employee who records the in-meter reading shall either be
independent of the hard count team or shall be assigned on a rotating
basis, unless the in-meter readings are randomly verified quarterly for
all gaming machines and bill acceptors by a person other than the
regular in-meter reader.
(13) Upon receipt of the meter reading summary, the accounting
department shall review all meter readings for reasonableness using pre-
established parameters.
(14) Prior to final preparation of statistical reports, meter
readings that do not appear reasonable shall be reviewed with gaming
machine department employees or other appropriate designees, and
exceptions documented, so that meters can be repaired or clerical errors
in the recording of meter readings can be corrected.
(15) A report shall be produced at least monthly showing month-to-
date, year-to-date (previous twelve (12) months data preferred), and if
practicable, life-to-date actual hold percentage computations for
individual machines and a comparison to each machine's theoretical hold
percentage previously discussed.
[[Page 826]]
(16) Each change to a gaming machine's theoretical hold percentage,
including progressive percentage contributions, shall result in that
machine being treated as a new machine in the statistical reports (i.e.,
not commingling various hold percentages), except for adjustments made
in accordance with paragraph (h)(2) of this section.
(17) If promotional payouts or awards are included on the gaming
machine statistical reports, it shall be in a manner that prevents
distorting the actual hold percentages of the affected machines.
(18) The statistical reports shall be reviewed by both gaming
machine department management and management employees independent of
the gaming machine department on at least a monthly basis.
(19) For those machines in play for more than six (6) months, large
variances (three percent (3%) recommended) between theoretical hold and
actual hold shall be investigated and resolved by a department
independent of the gaming machine department with the findings
documented and provided to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority upon
request in a timely manner.
(20) Maintenance of the on-line gaming machine monitoring system
data files shall be performed by a department independent of the gaming
machine department. Alternatively, maintenance may be performed by
gaming machine supervisory employees if sufficient documentation is
generated and it is randomly verified on a monthly basis by employees
independent of the gaming machine department.
(21) Updates to the on-line gaming machine monitoring system to
reflect additions, deletions, or movements of gaming machines shall be
made at least weekly prior to in-meter readings and the weigh process.
(i) Gaming machine hopper contents standards. (1) When machines are
temporarily removed from the floor, gaming machine drop and hopper
contents shall be protected to preclude the misappropriation of stored
funds.
(2) When machines are permanently removed from the floor, the gaming
machine drop and hopper contents shall be counted and recorded by at
least two employees with appropriate documentation being routed to the
accounting department for proper recording and accounting for initial
hopper loads.
(j) Player tracking system. (1) The following standards apply if a
player tracking system is utilized:
(i) The player tracking system shall be secured so as to prevent
unauthorized access (e.g., changing passwords at least quarterly and
physical access to computer hardware, etc.).
(ii) The addition of points to members' accounts other than through
actual gaming machine play shall be sufficiently documented (including
substantiation of reasons for increases) and shall be authorized by a
department independent of the player tracking and gaming machines.
Alternatively, addition of points to members' accounts may be authorized
by gaming machine supervisory employees if sufficient documentation is
generated and it is randomly verified by employees independent of the
gaming machine department on a quarterly basis.
(iii) Booth employees who redeem points for members shall be allowed
to receive lost players club cards, provided that they are immediately
deposited into a secured container for retrieval by independent
personnel.
(iv) Changes to the player tracking system parameters, such as point
structures and employee access, shall be performed by supervisory
employees independent of the gaming machine department. Alternatively,
changes to player tracking system parameters may be performed by gaming
machine supervisory employees if sufficient documentation is generated
and it is randomly verified by supervisory employees independent of the
gaming machine department on a monthly basis.
(v) All other changes to the player tracking system shall be
appropriately documented.
(2) [Reserved]
(k) In-house progressive gaming machine standards. (1) A meter that
shows the amount of the progressive jackpot shall be conspicuously
displayed at or near the machines to which the jackpot applies.
[[Page 827]]
(2) At least once each day, each gaming operation shall record the
amount shown on each progressive jackpot meter at the gaming operation
except for those jackpots that can be paid directly from the machine's
hopper;
(3) Explanations for meter reading decreases shall be maintained
with the progressive meter reading sheets, and where the payment of a
jackpot is the explanation for a decrease, the gaming operation shall
record the jackpot payout number on the sheet or have the number
reasonably available; and
(4) Each gaming operation shall record the base amount of each
progressive jackpot the gaming operation offers.
(5) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority shall approve procedures
specific to the transfer of progressive amounts in excess of the base
amount to other gaming machines. Such procedures may also include other
methods of distribution that accrue to the benefit of the gaming public
via an award or prize.
(l) Wide area progressive gaming machine standards. (1) A meter that
shows the amount of the progressive jackpot shall be conspicuously
displayed at or near the machines to which the jackpot applies.
(2) As applicable to participating gaming operations, the wide area
progressive gaming machine system shall be adequately restricted to
prevent unauthorized access (e.g., changing passwords at least
quarterly, restrict access to EPROMs or other equivalent game software
media, and restrict physical access to computer hardware, etc.).
(3) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority shall approve procedures
for the wide area progressive system that:
(i) Reconcile meters and jackpot payouts;
(ii) Collect/drop gaming machine funds;
(iii) Verify jackpot, payment, and billing to gaming operations on
pro-rata basis;
(iv) System maintenance;
(v) System accuracy; and
(vi) System security.
(4) Reports, where applicable, adequately documenting the procedures
required in paragraph (1)(3) of this section shall be generated and
retained.
(m) Accounting/auditing standards. (1) Gaming machine accounting/
auditing procedures shall be performed by employees who are independent
of the transactions being reviewed.
(2) For on-line gaming machine monitoring systems, procedures shall
be performed at least monthly to verify that the system is transmitting
and receiving data from the gaming machines properly and to verify the
continuing accuracy of the coin-in meter readings as recorded in the
gaming machine statistical report.
(3) For weigh scale and currency interface systems, for at least one
drop period per month accounting/auditing employees shall make such
comparisons as necessary to the system generated count as recorded in
the gaming machine statistical report. Discrepancies shall be resolved
prior to generation/distribution of gaming machine reports.
(4) For each drop period, accounting/auditing personnel shall
compare the coin-to-drop meter reading to the actual drop amount.
Discrepancies should be resolved prior to generation/distribution of on-
line gaming machine monitoring system statistical reports.
(5) Follow-up shall be performed for any one machine having an
unresolved variance between actual coin drop and coin-to-drop meter
reading in excess of three percent (3%) and over $25.00. The follow-up
performed and results of the investigation shall be documented,
maintained for inspection, and provided to the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority upon request.
(6) At least weekly, accounting/auditing employees shall compare the
bill-in meter reading to the total bill acceptor drop amount for the
week. Discrepancies shall be resolved before the generation/distribution
of gaming machine statistical reports.
(7) Follow-up shall be performed for any one machine having an
unresolved variance between actual currency drop and bill-in meter
reading in excess of $200.00. The follow-up performed and results of the
investigation shall be documented, maintained for inspection, and
provided to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority upon request.
[[Page 828]]
(8) At least annually, accounting/auditing personnel shall randomly
verify that EPROM or other equivalent game software media changes are
properly reflected in the gaming machine analysis reports.
(9) Accounting/auditing employees shall review exception reports for
all computerized gaming machine systems on a daily basis for propriety
of transactions and unusual occurrences.
(10) All gaming machine auditing procedures and any follow-up
performed shall be documented, maintained for inspection, and provided
to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority upon request.
(n) Cash-out tickets. For gaming machines that utilize cash-out
tickets, the following standards apply. This standard is not applicable
to Tiers A and B. Tier A and B gaming operations shall develop adequate
standards governing the security over the issuance of the cash-out paper
to the gaming machines and the redemption of cash-out slips.
(1) In addition to the applicable auditing and accounting standards
in paragraph (m) of this section, on a quarterly basis, the gaming
operation shall foot all jackpot cash-out tickets equal to or greater
than $1,200 and trace totals to those produced by the host validation
computer system.
(2) The customer may request a cash-out ticket from the gaming
machine that reflects all remaining credits. The cash-out ticket shall
be printed at the gaming machine by an internal document printer. The
cash-out ticket shall be valid for a time period specified by the Tribal
gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation as approved by the
Tribal gaming regulatory authority. Cash-out tickets may be redeemed for
payment or inserted in another gaming machine and wagered, if
applicable, during the specified time period.
(3) The customer shall redeem the cash-out ticket at a change booth
or cashiers' cage. Alternatively, if a gaming operation utilizes a
remote computer validation system, the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority, or the gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, shall develop alternate standards for the maximum
amount that can be redeemed, which shall not exceed $2,999.99 per cash-
out transaction.
(4) Upon presentation of the cash-out ticket(s) for redemption, the
following shall occur:
(i) Scan the bar code via an optical reader or its equivalent; or
(ii) Input the cash-out ticket validation number into the computer.
(5) The information contained in paragraph (n)(4) of this section
shall be communicated to the host computer. The host computer shall
verify the authenticity of the cash-out ticket and communicate directly
to the redeemer of the cash-out ticket.
(6) If valid, the cashier (redeemer of the cash-out ticket) pays the
customer the appropriate amount and the cash-out ticket is
electronically noted ``paid'' in the system. The ``paid'' cash-out
ticket shall remain in the cashiers'' bank for reconciliation purposes.
The host validation computer system shall electronically reconcile the
cashier's banks for the paid cashed-out tickets.
(7) If invalid, the host computer shall notify the cashier (redeemer
of the cash-out ticket). The cashier (redeemer of the cash-out ticket)
shall refuse payment to the customer and notify a supervisor of the
invalid condition. The supervisor shall resolve the dispute.
(8) If the host validation computer system temporarily goes down,
cashiers may redeem cash-out tickets at a change booth or cashier's cage
after recording the following:
(i) Serial number of the cash-out ticket;
(ii) Date and time;
(iii) Dollar amount;
(iv) Issuing gaming machine number;
(v) Marking ticket ``paid''; and
(vi) Ticket shall remain in cashier's bank for reconciliation
purposes.
(9) Cash-out tickets shall be validated as expeditiously as possible
when the host validation computer system is restored.
(10) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation
as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish
and the gaming operation shall comply with procedures to control cash-
out
[[Page 829]]
ticket paper, which shall include procedures that:
(i) Mitigate the risk of counterfeiting of cash-out ticket paper;
(ii) Adequately control the inventory of the cash-out ticket paper;
and
(iii) Provide for the destruction of all unused cash-out ticket
paper.
(iv) Alternatively, if the gaming operation utilizes a computer
validation system, this standard shall not apply.
(11) If the host validation computer system is down for more than
four (4) hours, the gaming operation shall promptly notify the Tribal
gaming regulatory authority or its designated representative.
(12) These gaming machine systems shall comply with all other
standards (as applicable) in this part including:
(i) Standards for bill acceptor drop and count;
(ii) Standards for coin drop and count; and
(iii) Standards concerning EPROMS or other equivalent game software
media.
(o) Account access cards. For gaming machines that utilize account
access cards to activate play of the machine, the following standards
shall apply:
(1) Equipment. (i) A central computer, with supporting hardware and
software, to coordinate network activities, provide system interface,
and store and manage a player/account database;
(ii) A network of contiguous player terminals with touch-screen or
button-controlled video monitors connected to an electronic selection
device and the central computer via a communications network;
(iii) One or more electronic selection devices, utilizing random
number generators, each of which selects any combination or combinations
of numbers, colors, and/or symbols for a network of player terminals.
(2) Player terminals standards. (i) The player terminals are
connected to a game server;
(ii) The game server shall generate and transmit to the bank of
player terminals a set of random numbers, colors, and/or symbols at
regular intervals. The subsequent game results are determined at the
player terminal and the resulting information is transmitted to the
account server;
(iii) The game server shall be housed in a game server room or a
secure locked cabinet.
(3) Customer account maintenance standards. (i) A central computer
acting as an account server shall provide customer account maintenance
and the deposit/withdrawal function of those account balances;
(ii) Customers may access their accounts on the computer system by
means of an account access card at the player terminal. Each player
terminal may be equipped with a card reader and personal identification
number (PIN) pad or touch screen array for this purpose;
(iii) All communications between the player terminal, or bank of
player terminals, and the account server shall be encrypted for security
reasons.
(4) Customer account generation standards. (i) A computer file for
each customer shall be prepared by a clerk, with no incompatible
functions, prior to the customer being issued an account access card to
be utilized for machine play. The customer may select his/her PIN to be
used in conjunction with the account access card.
(ii) The clerk shall sign-on with a unique password to a terminal
equipped with peripherals required to establish a customer account.
Passwords are issued and can only be changed by information technology
personnel at the discretion of the department director.
(iii) After entering a specified number of incorrect PIN entries at
the cage or player terminal, the customer shall be directed to proceed
to the Gaming Machine Information Center to obtain a new PIN. If a
customer forgets, misplaces or requests a change to their PIN, the
customer shall proceed to the Gaming Machine Information Center.
(5) Deposit of credits standards. (i) The cashier shall sign-on with
a unique password to a cashier terminal equipped with peripherals
required to complete the credit transactions. Passwords are issued and
can only be changed by information technology personnel at the
discretion of the department director.
(ii) The customer shall present cash, chips, coin or coupons along
with their
[[Page 830]]
account access card to a cashier to deposit credits.
(iii) The cashier shall complete the transaction by utilizing a card
scanner that the cashier shall slide the customer's account access card
through.
(iv) The cashier shall accept the funds from the customer and enter
the appropriate amount on the cashier terminal.
(v) A multi-part deposit slip shall be generated by the point of
sale receipt printer. The cashier shall direct the customer to sign the
deposit slip receipt. One copy of the deposit slip shall be given to the
customer. The other copy of the deposit slip shall be secured in the
cashier's cash drawer.
(vi) The cashier shall verify the customer's balance before
completing the transaction. The cashier shall secure the funds in their
cash drawer and return the account access card to the customer.
(vii) Alternatively, if a kiosk is utilized to accept a deposit of
credits, the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation
as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish
and the gaming operation shall comply with procedures that safeguard the
integrity of the kiosk system.
(6) Prize standards. (i) Winners at the gaming machines may receive
cash, prizes redeemable for cash or merchandise.
(ii) If merchandise prizes are to be awarded, the specific type of
prize or prizes that may be won shall be disclosed to the player before
the game begins.
(iii) The redemption period of account access cards, as approved by
the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall be conspicuously posted in
the gaming operation.
(7) Credit withdrawal. The customer shall present their account
access card to a cashier to withdraw their credits. The cashier shall
perform the following:
(i) Scan the account access card;
(ii) Request the customer to enter their PIN, if the PIN was
selected by the customer;
(iii) The cashier shall ascertain the amount the customer wishes to
withdraw and enter the amount into the computer;
(iv) A multi-part withdrawal slip shall be generated by the point of
sale receipt printer. The cashier shall direct the customer to sign the
withdrawal slip;
(v) The cashier shall verify that the account access card and the
customer match by:
(A) Comparing the customer to image on the computer screen;
(B) Comparing the customer to image on customer's picture ID; or
(C) Comparing the customer signature on the withdrawal slip to
signature on the computer screen.
(vi) The cashier shall verify the customer's balance before
completing the transaction. The cashier shall pay the customer the
appropriate amount, issue the customer the original withdrawal slip and
return the account access card to the customer;
(vii) The copy of the withdrawal slip shall be placed in the cash
drawer. All account transactions shall be accurately tracked by the
account server computer system. The copy of the withdrawal slip shall be
forwarded to the accounting department at the end of the gaming day; and
(viii) In the event the imaging function is temporarily disabled,
customers shall be required to provide positive ID for cash withdrawal
transactions at the cashier stations.
(p) Smart cards. All smart cards (i.e., cards that possess the means
to electronically store and retrieve data) that maintain the only source
of account data are prohibited.
Sec. 542.14 What are the minimum internal control standards for the cage?
(a) Computer applications. For any computer applications utilized,
alternate documentation and/or procedures that provide at least the
level of control described by the standards in this section, as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, will be acceptable.
(b) Personal checks, cashier's checks, payroll checks, and counter
checks. (1) If personal checks, cashier's checks, payroll checks, or
counter checks are cashed at the cage, the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority, or the gaming
[[Page 831]]
operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall
establish and the gaming operation shall comply with appropriate
controls for purposes of security and integrity.
(2) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation
as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish
and the gaming operation shall comply with procedures for the acceptance
of personal checks, collecting and recording checks returned to the
gaming operation after deposit, re-deposit, and write-off authorization.
(3) When counter checks are issued, the following shall be included
on the check:
(i) The customer's name and signature;
(ii) The dollar amount of the counter check (both alpha and
numeric);
(iii) Customer's bank name and bank account number;
(iv) Date of issuance; and
(v) Signature or initials of the person approving the counter check
transaction.
(4) When traveler's checks or other guaranteed drafts such as
cashier's checks are presented, the cashier shall comply with the
examination and documentation procedures as required by the issuer.
(c) Customer deposited funds. If a gaming operation permits a
customer to deposit funds with the gaming operation at the cage, the
following standards shall apply.
(1) The receipt or withdrawal of a customer deposit shall be
evidenced by at least a two-part document with one copy going to the
customer and one copy remaining in the cage file.
(2) The multi-part receipt shall contain the following information:
(i) Same receipt number on all copies;
(ii) Customer's name and signature;
(iii) Date of receipt and withdrawal;
(iv) Dollar amount of deposit/withdrawal; and
(v) Nature of deposit (cash, check, chips); however,
(vi) Provided all of the information in paragraph (c)(2)(i) through
(v) is available, the only required information for all copies of the
receipt is the receipt number.
(3) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation
as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish
and the gaming operation shall comply with procedures that:
(i) Maintain a detailed record by customer name and date of all
funds on deposit;
(ii) Maintain a current balance of all customer cash deposits that
are in the cage/vault inventory or accountability; and
(iii) Reconcile this current balance with the deposits and
withdrawals at least daily.
(4) The gaming operation, as approved by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, shall describe the sequence of the required
signatures attesting to the accuracy of the information contained on the
customer deposit or withdrawal form ensuring that the form is signed by
the cashier.
(5) All customer deposits and withdrawal transactions at the cage
shall be recorded on a cage accountability form on a per-shift basis.
(6) Only cash, cash equivalents, chips, and tokens shall be accepted
from customers for the purpose of a customer deposit.
(7) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation
as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish
and the gaming operation shall comply with procedures that verify the
customer's identity, including photo identification.
(8) A file for customers shall be prepared prior to acceptance of a
deposit.
(d) Cage and vault accountability standards. (1) All transactions
that flow through the cage shall be summarized on a cage accountability
form on a per shift basis and shall be supported by documentation.
(2) The cage and vault (including coin room) inventories shall be
counted by the oncoming and outgoing cashiers. These employees shall
make individual counts for comparison of accuracy and maintenance of
individual accountability. Such counts shall be recorded at the end of
each shift during which activity took place. All discrepancies shall be
noted and investigated.
[[Page 832]]
(3) The gaming operation cash-on-hand shall include, but is not
limited to, the following components:
(i) Currency and coins;
(ii) House chips, including reserve chips;
(iii) Personal checks, cashier's checks, counter checks, and
traveler's checks for deposit;
(iv) Customer deposits;
(v) Chips on tables;
(vi) Hopper loads (coins put into machines when they are placed in
service); and
(vii) Fills and credits (these documents shall be treated as assets
and liabilities, respectively, of the cage during a business day. When
win or loss is recorded at the end of the business day, they are removed
from the accountability).
(4) The Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation
as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish
and the gaming operation shall comply with a minimum bankroll formula to
ensure the gaming operation maintains cash or cash equivalents (on hand
and in the bank, if readily accessible) in an amount sufficient to
satisfy obligations to the gaming operation's customers as they are
incurred. A suggested bankroll formula will be provided by the
Commission upon request.
(e) Chip and token standards. The Tribal gaming regulatory
authority, or the gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, shall establish and the gaming operation shall
comply with procedures for the receipt, inventory, storage, and
destruction of gaming chips and tokens.
(f) Coupon standards. Any program for the exchange of coupons for
chips, tokens, and/or another coupon program shall be approved by the
Tribal gaming regulatory authority prior to implementation. If approved,
the gaming operation shall establish and comply with procedures that
account for and control such programs.
(g) Accounting/auditing standards. (1) The cage accountability shall
be reconciled to the general ledger at least monthly.
(2) A trial balance of gaming operation accounts receivable,
including the name of the customer and current balance, shall be
prepared at least monthly for active, inactive, settled or written-off
accounts.
(3) The trial balance of gaming operation accounts receivable shall
be reconciled to the general ledger each month. The reconciliation and
any follow-up performed shall be documented, maintained for inspection,
and provided to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority upon request.
(4) On a monthly basis an evaluation of the collection percentage of
credit issued to identify unusual trends shall be performed.
(5) All cage and credit accounting procedures and any follow-up
performed shall be documented, maintained for inspection, and provided
to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority upon request.
(h) Extraneous items. The Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the
gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority,
shall establish and the gaming operation shall comply with procedures to
address the transporting of extraneous items, such as coats, purses,
and/or boxes, into and out of the cage, coin room, count room, and/or
vault.
Sec. 542.15 What are the minimum internal control standards for credit?
(a) Computer applications. For any computer applications utilized,
alternate documentation and/or procedures that provide at least the
level of control described by the standards in this section, as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, will be acceptable.
(b) Credit standards. The following standards shall apply if the
gaming operation authorizes and extends credit to customers:
(1) At least the following information shall be recorded for
customers that have credit limits or are issued credit (excluding
personal checks, payroll checks, cashier's checks, and traveler's
checks):
(i) Customer's name, current address, and signature;
(ii) Identification verifications;
(iii) Authorized credit limit;
[[Page 833]]
(iv) Documentation of authorization by a person designated by
management to approve credit limits; and
(v) Credit issuances and payments.
(2) Prior to extending credit, the customer's gaming operation
credit record and/or other documentation shall be examined to determine
the following:
(i) Properly authorized credit limit;
(ii) Whether remaining credit is sufficient to cover the credit
issuance; and
(iii) Identity of the customer (except for known customers).
(3) Credit extensions over a specified dollar amount shall be
approved by personnel designated by management.
(4) Proper approval of credit extensions over ten percent (10%) of
the previously established limit shall be documented.
(5) The job functions of credit approval (i.e., establishing the
customer's credit worthiness) and credit extension (i.e., advancing
customer's credit) shall be segregated for credit extensions to a single
customer of $10,000 or more per day (applies whether the credit is
extended in the pit or the cage).
(6) If cage credit is extended to a single customer in an amount
exceeding $2,500, appropriate gaming personnel shall be notified on a
timely basis of the customers playing on cage credit, the applicable
amount of credit issued, and the available balance.
(7) Cage marker forms shall be at least two parts (the original
marker and a payment slip), prenumbered by the printer or concurrently
numbered by the computerized system, and utilized in numerical sequence.
(8) The completed original cage marker shall contain at least the
following information:
(i) Marker number;
(ii) Player's name and signature; and
(iii) Amount of credit issued (both alpha and numeric).
(9) The completed payment slip shall include the same marker number
as the original, date and time of payment, amount of payment, nature of
settlement (cash, chips, etc.), and signature of cashier receiving the
payment.
(c) Payment standards. (1) All payments received on outstanding
credit instruments shall be recorded in ink or other permanent form of
recordation in the gaming operation's records.
(2) When partial payments are made on credit instruments, they shall
be evidenced by a multi-part receipt (or another equivalent document)
that contains:
(i) The same preprinted number on all copies;
(ii) Customer's name;
(iii) Date of payment;
(iv) Dollar amount of payment (or remaining balance if a new marker
is issued), and nature of settlement (cash, chips, etc.);
(v) Signature of employee receiving payment; and
(vi) Number of credit instrument on which partial payment is being
made.
(3) Unless account balances are routinely confirmed on a random
basis by the accounting or internal audit departments, or statements are
mailed by a person independent of the credit transactions and
collections thereon, and the department receiving payments cannot access
cash, then the following standards shall apply:
(i) The routing procedures for payments by mail require that they be
received by a department independent of credit instrument custody and
collection;
(ii) Such receipts by mail shall be documented on a listing
indicating the customer's name, amount of payment, nature of payment (if
other than a check), and date payment received; and
(iii) The total amount of the listing of mail receipts shall be
reconciled with the total mail receipts recorded on the appropriate
accountability form by the accounting department on a random basis (for
at least three (3) days per month).
(d) Access to credit documentation. (1) Access to credit
documentation shall be restricted as follows:
(i) The credit information shall be restricted to those positions
that require access and are so authorized by management;
(ii) Outstanding credit instruments shall be restricted to persons
authorized by management; and
(iii) Written-off credit instruments shall be further restricted to
persons specified by management.
(2) [Reserved]
(e) Maintenance of credit documentation. (1) All extensions of cage
credit,
[[Page 834]]
pit credit transferred to the cage, and subsequent payments shall be
documented on a credit instrument control form.
(2) Records of all correspondence, transfers to and from outside
agencies, and other documents related to issued credit instruments shall
be maintained.
(f) Write-off and settlement standards. (1) Written-off or settled
credit instruments shall be authorized in writing.
(2) Such authorizations shall be made by at least two management
officials who are from departments independent of the credit
transaction.
(g) Collection agency standards. (1) If credit instruments are
transferred to collection agencies or other collection representatives,
a copy of the credit instrument and a receipt from the collection
representative shall be obtained and maintained until the original
credit instrument is returned or payment is received.
(2) A person independent of credit transactions and collections
shall periodically review the documents in paragraph (g)(1) of this
section.
(h) Accounting/auditing standards. (1) A person independent of the
cage, credit, and collection functions shall perform all of the
following at least three (3) times per year:
(i) Ascertain compliance with credit limits and other established
credit issuance procedures;
(ii) Randomly reconcile outstanding balances of both active and
inactive accounts on the accounts receivable listing to individual
credit records and physical instruments;
(iii) Examine credit records to determine that appropriate
collection efforts are being made and payments are being properly
recorded; and
(iv) For a minimum of five (5) days per month, partial payment
receipts shall be subsequently reconciled to the total payments recorded
by the cage for the day and shall be numerically accounted for.
(2) [Reserved]
Sec. 542.16 What are the minimum internal control standards for
information technology?
(a) General controls for gaming hardware and software. (1)
Management shall take an active role in making sure that physical and
logical security measures are implemented, maintained, and adhered to by
personnel to prevent unauthorized access that could cause errors or
compromise data or processing integrity.
(i) Management shall ensure that all new gaming vendor hardware and
software agreements/contracts contain language requiring the vendor to
adhere to tribal internal control standards applicable to the goods and
services the vendor is providing.
(ii) Physical security measures shall exist over computer, computer
terminals, and storage media to prevent unauthorized access and loss of
integrity of data and processing.
(iii) Access to systems software and application programs shall be
limited to authorized personnel.
(iv) Access to computer data shall be limited to authorized
personnel.
(v) Access to computer communications facilities, or the computer
system, and information transmissions shall be limited to authorized
personnel.
(vi) Standards in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall apply to
each applicable department within the gaming operation.
(2) The main computers (i.e., hardware, software, and data files)
for each gaming application (e.g., keno, race and sports, gaming
machines, etc.) shall be in a secured area with access restricted to
authorized persons, including vendors.
(3) Access to computer operations shall be restricted to authorized
personnel to reduce the risk of loss of integrity of data or processing.
(4) Incompatible duties shall be adequately segregated and monitored
to prevent error in general information technology procedures to go
undetected or fraud to be concealed.
(5) Non-information technology personnel shall be precluded from
having unrestricted access to the secured computer areas.
(6) The computer systems, including application software, shall be
secured through the use of passwords or other
[[Page 835]]
approved means where applicable. Management personnel or persons
independent of the department being controlled shall assign and control
access to system functions.
(7) Passwords shall be controlled as follows unless otherwise
addressed in the standards in this section.
(i) Each user shall have their own individual password;
(ii) Passwords shall be changed at least quarterly with changes
documented; and
(iii) For computer systems that automatically force a password
change on a quarterly basis, documentation shall be maintained listing
the systems and the date the user was given access.
(8) Adequate backup and recovery procedures shall be in place that
include:
(i) Frequent backup of data files;
(ii) Backup of all programs;
(iii) Secured off-site storage of all backup data files and
programs, or other adequate protection; and
(iv) Recovery procedures, which are tested on a sample basis at
least annually with documentation of results.
(9) Adequate information technology system documentation shall be
maintained, including descriptions of hardware and software, operator
manuals, etc.
(b) Independence of information technology personnel. (1) The
information technology personnel shall be independent of the gaming
areas (e.g., cage, pit, count rooms, etc.). Information technology
personnel procedures and controls should be documented and
responsibilities communicated.
(2) Information technology personnel shall be precluded from
unauthorized access to:
(i) Computers and terminals located in gaming areas;
(ii) Source documents; and
(iii) Live data files (not test data).
(3) Information technology personnel shall be restricted from:
(i) Having unauthorized access to cash or other liquid assets; and
(ii) Initiating general or subsidiary ledger entries.
(c) Gaming program changes. (1) Program changes for in-house
developed systems should be documented as follows:
(i) Requests for new programs or program changes shall be reviewed
by the information technology supervisor. Approvals to begin work on the
program shall be documented;
(ii) A written plan of implementation for new and modified programs
shall be maintained, and shall include, at a minimum, the date the
program is to be placed into service, the nature of the change, a
description of procedures required in order to bring the new or modified
program into service (conversion or input of data, installation
procedures, etc.), and an indication of who is to perform all such
procedures;
(iii) Testing of new and modified programs shall be performed and
documented prior to implementation; and
(iv) A record of the final program or program changes, including
evidence of user acceptance, date in service, programmer, and reason for
changes, shall be documented and maintained.
(2) [Reserved]
(d) Security logs. (1) If computer security logs are generated by
the system, they shall be reviewed by information technology supervisory
personnel for evidence of:
(i) Multiple attempts to log-on, or alternatively, the system shall
deny user access after three attempts to log-on;
(ii) Unauthorized changes to live data files; and
(iii) Any other unusual transactions.
(2) This paragraph shall not apply to personal computers.
(e) Remote dial-up. (1) If remote dial-up to any associated
equipment is allowed for software support, the gaming operation shall
maintain an access log that includes:
(i) Name of employee authorizing modem access;
(ii) Name of authorized programmer or manufacturer representative;
(iii) Reason for modem access;
(iv) Description of work performed; and
(v) Date, time, and duration of access.
(2) [Reserved]
(f) Document storage. (1) Documents may be scanned or directly
stored to an unalterable storage medium under the following conditions.
[[Page 836]]
(i) The storage medium shall contain the exact duplicate of the
original document.
(ii) All documents stored on the storage medium shall be maintained
with a detailed index containing the gaming operation department and
date. This index shall be available upon request by the Commission.
(iii) Upon request and adequate notice by the Commission, hardware
(terminal, printer, etc.) shall be made available in order to perform
auditing procedures.
(iv) Controls shall exist to ensure the accurate reproduction of
records up to and including the printing of stored documents used for
auditing purposes.
(v) The storage medium shall be retained for a minimum of five
years.
(vi) Original documents must be retained until the books and records
have been audited by an independent certified public accountant.
(2) [Reserved]
Sec. 542.17 What are the minimum internal control standards for
complimentary services or items?
(a) Each Tribal gaming regulatory authority or gaming operation
shall establish and the gaming operation shall comply with procedures
for the authorization, issuance, and tracking of complimentary services
and items, including cash and non-cash gifts. Such procedures must be
approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority and shall include,
but shall not be limited to, the procedures by which the gaming
operation delegates to its employees the authority to approve the
issuance of complimentary services and items, and the procedures by
which conditions or limits, if any, which may apply to such authority
are established and modified (including limits based on relationships
between the authorizer and recipient), and shall further include
effective provisions for audit purposes.
(b) At least monthly, accounting, information technology, or audit
personnel that cannot grant or receive complimentary privileges shall
prepare reports that include the following information:
(1) Name of customer who received the complimentary service or item;
(2) Name(s) of authorized issuer of the complimentary service or
item;
(3) The actual cash value of the complimentary service or item;
(4) The type of complimentary service or item (i.e., food, beverage,
etc.); and
(5) Date the complimentary service or item was issued.
(c) The report required by paragraph (b) of this section shall not
be required to include complimentary services or items below a
reasonable amount to be established by the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority, or the gaming operation as approved by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority.
(d) The internal audit or accounting departments shall review the
reports required in paragraph (b) of this section at least monthly.
These reports shall be made available to the Tribe, Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, audit committee, other entity designated by the
Tribe, and the Commission upon request.
Sec. 542.18 How does a gaming operation apply for a variance from
the standards of this part?
(a) Tribal gaming regulatory authority approval. (1) A Tribal gaming
regulatory authority may approve a variance for a gaming operation if it
has determined that the variance will achieve a level of control
sufficient to accomplish the purpose of the standard it is to replace.
(2) For each enumerated standard for which the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority approves a variance, it shall submit to the
Commission, within thirty (30) days, a detailed report, which shall
include the following:
(i) A detailed description of the variance;
(ii) An explanation of how the variance achieves a level of control
sufficient to accomplish the purpose of the standard it is to replace;
and
(iii) Evidence that the Tribal gaming regulatory authority has
approved the variance.
(3) In the event that the Tribal gaming regulatory authority or the
Tribe chooses to submit a variance request directly to the Commission,
it may do so without the approval requirement
[[Page 837]]
set forth in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section.
(b) Commission concurrence. (1) Following receipt of the variance
approval, the Commission shall have sixty (60) days to concur with or
object to the approval of the variance.
(2) Any objection raised by the Commission shall be in the form of a
written explanation based upon the following criteria:
(i) There is no valid explanation of why the gaming operation should
have received a variance approval from the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority on the enumerated standard; or
(ii) The variance as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority does not provide a level of control sufficient to accomplish
the purpose of the standard it is to replace.
(3) If the Commission fails to object in writing within sixty (60)
days after the date of receipt of a complete submission, the variance
shall be considered concurred with by the Commission.
(4) The 60-day deadline may be extended, provided such extension is
mutually agreed upon by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority and the
Commission.
(c) Curing Commission objections. (1) Following an objection by the
Commission to the issuance of a variance, the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority shall have the opportunity to cure any objections noted by the
Commission.
(2) A Tribal gaming regulatory authority may cure the objections
raised by the Commission by:
(i) Rescinding its initial approval of the variance; or
(ii) Amending its initial approval and re-submitting it to the
Commission.
(3) Upon any re-submission of a variance approval, the Commission
shall have thirty (30) days to concur with or object to the re-submitted
variance.
(4) If the Commission fails to object in writing within thirty (30)
days after the date of receipt of the re-submitted variance, the re-
submitted variance shall be considered concurred with by the Commission.
(d) Appeals. (1) Upon receipt of objections to a re-submission of a
variance, the Tribal gaming regulatory authority shall be entitled to an
appeal to the full Commission in accordance with the following process:
(i) Within thirty (30) days of receiving an objection to a re-
submission, the Tribal gaming regulatory authority shall file its notice
of appeal.
(ii) Failure to file an appeal within the time provided by this
section shall result in a waiver of the opportunity for an appeal.
(iii) An appeal under this section shall specify the reasons why the
Tribal gaming regulatory authority believes the Commission's objections
should be reviewed, and shall include supporting documentation, if any.
(iv) Within thirty (30) days after receipt of the appeal, the
Commission shall render a decision based upon the criteria contained
within paragraph (b)(2) of this section unless the appellant elects to
provide the Commission additional time, not to exceed an additional
thirty (30) days, to render a decision.
(v) In the absence of a decision within the time provided, the
Tribal gaming regulatory authority's re-submission shall be considered
concurred with by the Commission and become effective.
(2) [Reserved]
(e) Effective date of variance. The gaming operation shall comply
with standards that achieve a level of control sufficient to accomplish
the purpose of the standard it is to replace until such time as the
Commission objects to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority's approval
of a variance as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
Sec. 542.20 What is a Tier A gaming operation?
A Tier A gaming operation is one with annual gross gaming revenues
of more than $1 million but not more than $5 million.
Sec. 542.21 What are the minimum internal control standards for drop
and count for Tier A gaming operations?
(a) Computer applications. For any computer applications utilized,
alternate documentation and/or procedures that provide at least the
level of control described by the standards in this
[[Page 838]]
section, as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, will be
acceptable.
(b) Table game drop standards. (1) The setting out of empty table
game drop boxes and the drop shall be a continuous process.
(2) At the end of each shift:
(i) All locked table game drop boxes shall be removed from the
tables by a person independent of the pit shift being dropped;
(ii) A separate drop box shall be placed on each table opened at any
time during each shift or a gaming operation may utilize a single drop
box with separate openings and compartments for each shift; and
(iii) Upon removal from the tables, table game drop boxes shall be
transported directly to the count room or other equivalently secure area
with comparable controls and locked in a secure manner until the count
takes place.
(3) If drop boxes are not placed on all tables, then the pit
department shall document which tables were open during the shift.
(4) The transporting of table game drop boxes shall be performed by
a minimum of two persons, at least one of whom is independent of the pit
shift being dropped.
(5) All table game drop boxes shall be posted with a number
corresponding to a permanent number on the gaming table and marked to
indicate game, table number, and shift.
(c) Soft count room personnel. (1) The table game soft count and the
gaming machine bill acceptor count shall be performed by a minimum of
two employees.
(2) Count room personnel shall not be allowed to exit or enter the
count room during the count except for emergencies or scheduled breaks.
At no time during the count, shall there be fewer than two employees in
the count room until the drop proceeds have been accepted into cage/
vault accountability.
(3) Count team members shall be rotated on a routine basis such that
the count team is not consistently the same two persons more than four
(4) days per week. This standard shall not apply to gaming operations
that utilize a count team of more than two persons.
(4) The count team shall be independent of transactions being
reviewed and counted. The count team shall be independent of the cage/
vault departments, however, a dealer or a cage cashier may be used if
this person is not allowed to perform the recording function. An
accounting representative may be used if there is an independent audit
of all soft count documentation.
(d) Table game soft count standards. (1) The table game soft count
shall be performed in a soft count room or other equivalently secure
area with comparable controls.
(2) Access to the count room during the count shall be restricted to
members of the drop and count teams, with the exception of authorized
observers, supervisors for resolution of problems, and authorized
maintenance personnel.
(3) If counts from various revenue centers occur simultaneously in
the count room, procedures shall be in effect that prevent the
commingling of funds from different revenue centers.
(4) The table game drop boxes shall be individually emptied and
counted in such a manner to prevent the commingling of funds between
boxes until the count of the box has been recorded.
(i) The count of each box shall be recorded in ink or other
permanent form of recordation.
(ii) A second count shall be performed by an employee on the count
team who did not perform the initial count.
(iii) Corrections to information originally recorded by the count
team on soft count documentation shall be made by drawing a single line
through the error, writing the correct figure above the original figure,
and then obtaining the initials of at least two count team members who
verified the change, unless the count team only has two (2) members in
which case the initials of only one (1) verifying member is required.
(5) If cash counters are utilized and the count room table is used
only to empty boxes and sort/stack contents, a count team member shall
be able to observe the loading and unloading of all cash at the cash
counter, including rejected cash.
[[Page 839]]
(6) Table game drop boxes, when empty, shall be shown to another
member of the count team, or to another person who is observing the
count, or to surveillance.
(7) Orders for fill/credit (if applicable) shall be matched to the
fill/credit slips. Fills and credits shall be traced to or recorded on
the count sheet.
(8) Pit marker issue and payment slips (if applicable) removed from
the table game drop boxes shall either be:
(i) Traced to or recorded on the count sheet by the count team; or
(ii) Totaled by shift and traced to the totals documented by the
computerized system. Accounting personnel shall verify the issue/payment
slip for each table is accurate.
(9) Foreign currency exchange forms (if applicable) removed from the
table game drop boxes shall be reviewed for the proper daily exchange
rate and the conversion amount shall be recomputed by the count team.
Alternatively, this may be performed by accounting/auditing employees.
(10) The opening/closing table and marker inventory forms (if
applicable) shall either be:
(i) Examined and traced to or recorded on the count sheet; or
(ii) If a computerized system is used, accounting personnel can
trace the opening/closing table and marker inventory forms to the count
sheet. Discrepancies shall be investigated with the findings documented
and maintained for inspection.
(11) The count sheet shall be reconciled to the total drop by a
count team member who shall not function as the sole recorder.
(12) All members of the count team shall sign the count document or
a summary report to attest to their participation in the count.
(13) All drop proceeds and cash equivalents that were counted shall
be turned over to the cage or vault cashier (who shall be independent of
the count team) or to an authorized person/employee independent of the
revenue generation and the count process for verification. Such person
shall certify by signature as to the accuracy of the drop proceeds
delivered and received.
(14) The count sheet, with all supporting documents, shall be
delivered to the accounting department by a count team member or a
person independent of the cashiers department. Alternatively, it may be
adequately secured (e.g., locked container to which only accounting
personnel can gain access) until retrieved by the accounting department.
(15) Access to stored, full table game drop boxes shall be
restricted to authorized members of the drop and count teams.
(e) Gaming machine bill acceptor drop standards. (1) A minimum of
two employees shall be involved in the removal of the gaming machine
drop, at least one of whom is independent of the gaming machine
department.
(2) All bill acceptor canisters shall be removed only at the time
previously designated by the gaming operation and reported to the Tribal
gaming regulatory authority, except for emergency drops.
(3) The bill acceptor canisters shall be removed by a person
independent of the gaming machine department then transported directly
to the count room or other equivalently secure area with comparable
controls and locked in a secure manner until the count takes place.
(i) Security shall be provided over the bill acceptor canisters
removed from the gaming machines and awaiting transport to the count
room.
(ii) The transporting of bill acceptor canisters shall be performed
by a minimum of two persons, at least one of whom is independent of the
gaming machine department.
(4) All bill acceptor canisters shall be posted with a number
corresponding to a permanent number on the gaming machine.
(f) Gaming machine bill acceptor count standards. (1) The gaming
machine bill acceptor count shall be performed in a soft count room or
other equivalently secure area with comparable controls.
(2) Access to the count room during the count shall be restricted to
members of the drop and count teams, with the exception of authorized
observers, supervisors for resolution of problems, and authorized
maintenance personnel.
(3) If counts from various revenue centers occur simultaneously in
the
[[Page 840]]
count room, procedures shall be in effect that prevent the commingling
of funds from different revenue centers.
(4) The bill acceptor canisters shall be individually emptied and
counted in such a manner to prevent the commingling of funds between
canisters until the count of the canister has been recorded.
(i) The count of each canister shall be recorded in ink or other
permanent form of recordation.
(ii) A second count shall be performed by an employee on the count
team who did not perform the initial count.
(iii) Corrections to information originally recorded by the count
team on soft count documentation shall be made by drawing a single line
through the error, writing the correct figure above the original figure,
and then obtaining the initials of at least two count team members who
verified the change.
(5) If cash counters are utilized and the count room table is used
only to empty canisters and sort/stack contents, a count team member
shall be able to observe the loading and unloading of all cash at the
cash counter, including rejected cash.
(6) Canisters, when empty, shall be shown to another member of the
count team, or to another person who is observing the count, or to
surveillance.
(7) The count sheet shall be reconciled to the total drop by a count
team member who shall not function as the sole recorder.
(8) All members of the count team shall sign the count document or a
summary report to attest to their participation in the count.
(9) All drop proceeds and cash equivalents that were counted shall
be turned over to the cage or vault cashier (who shall be independent of
the count team) or to an authorized person/employee independent of the
revenue generation and the count process for verification. Such person
shall certify by signature as to the accuracy of the drop proceeds
delivered and received.
(10) The count sheet, with all supporting documents, shall be
delivered to the accounting department by a count team member or a
person independent of the cashiers department. Alternatively, it may be
adequately secured (e.g., locked container to which only accounting
personnel can gain access) until retrieved by the accounting department.
(11) Access to stored bill acceptor canisters, full or empty, shall
be restricted to:
(i) Authorized members of the drop and count teams; and
(ii) Authorized personnel in an emergency for resolution of a
problem.
(12) All bill acceptor canisters shall be posted with a number
corresponding to a permanent number on the gaming machine.
(g) Gaming machine coin drop standards. (1) A minimum of two
employees shall be involved in the removal of the gaming machine drop,
at least one of whom is independent of the gaming machine department.
(2) All drop buckets shall be removed only at the time previously
designated by the gaming operation and reported to the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, except for emergency drops.
(3) Security shall be provided over the buckets removed from the
gaming machine drop cabinets and awaiting transport to the count room.
(4) As each machine is opened, the contents shall be tagged with its
respective machine number if the bucket is not permanently marked with
the machine number. The contents shall be transported directly to the
area designated for the counting of such drop proceeds. If more than one
trip is required to remove the contents of the machines, the filled
carts of coins shall be securely locked in the room designed for
counting or in another equivalently secure area with comparable
controls. There shall be a locked covering on any carts in which the
drop route includes passage out of doors.
(i) Alternatively, a smart bucket system that electronically
identifies and tracks the gaming machine number, and facilitates the
proper recognition of gaming revenue, shall satisfy the requirements of
this paragraph.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) Each drop bucket in use shall be:
(i) Housed in a locked compartment separate from any other
compartment
[[Page 841]]
of the gaming machine and keyed differently than other gaming machine
compartments; and
(ii) Identifiable to the gaming machine from which it is removed. If
the gaming machine is identified with a removable tag that is placed in
the bucket, the tag shall be placed on top of the bucket when it is
collected.
(6) Each gaming machine shall have drop buckets into which coins or
tokens that are retained by the gaming machine are collected. Drop
bucket contents shall not be used to make change or pay hand-paid
payouts.
(7) The collection procedures may include procedures for dropping
gaming machines that have trays instead of drop buckets.
(h) Hard count room personnel. (1) The weigh/count shall be
performed by a minimum of two employees.
(2) At no time during the weigh/count shall there be fewer than two
employees in the count room until the drop proceeds have been accepted
into cage/vault accountability.
(i) If the gaming machine count is conducted with a continuous
mechanical count meter that is not reset during the count and is
verified in writing by at least two employees at the start and end of
each denomination count, then one employee may perform the wrap.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) Count team members shall be rotated on a routine basis such that
the count team is not consistently the same two persons more than four
(4) days per week. This standard shall not apply to gaming operations
that utilize a count team of more than two persons.
(4) The count team shall be independent of transactions being
reviewed and counted. The count team shall be independent of the cage/
vault departments, unless they are non-supervisory gaming machine
employees and perform the laborer function only (A non-supervisory
gaming machine employee is defined as a person below the level of gaming
machine shift supervisor). A cage cashier may be used if this person is
not allowed to perform the recording function. An accounting
representative may be used if there is an independent audit of all count
documentation.
(i) Gaming machine coin count and wrap standards. (1) Coins shall
include tokens.
(2) The gaming machine coin count and wrap shall be performed in a
count room or other equivalently secure area with comparable controls.
(i) Alternatively, an on-the-floor drop system utilizing a mobile
scale shall satisfy the requirements of this paragraph, subject to the
following conditions:
(A) The gaming operation shall utilize and maintain an effective on-
line gaming machine monitoring system, as described in Sec.
542.13(m)(3);
(B) Components of the on-the-floor drop system shall include, but
not be limited to, a weigh scale, a laptop computer through which weigh/
count applications are operated, a security camera available for the
mobile scale system, and a VCR to be housed within the video compartment
of the mobile scale. The system may include a mule cart used for mobile
weigh scale system locomotion.
(C) The gaming operation must obtain the security camera available
with the system, and this camera must be added in such a way as to
eliminate tampering.
(D) Prior to the drop, the drop/count team shall ensure the scale
batteries are charged;
(E) Prior to the drop, a videotape shall be inserted into the VCR
used to record the drop in conjunction with the security camera system
and the VCR shall be activated;
(F) The weigh scale test shall be performed prior to removing the
unit from the hard count room for the start of the weigh/drop/count;
(G) Surveillance shall be notified when the weigh/drop/count begins
and shall be capable of monitoring the entire process;
(H) An observer independent of the weigh/drop/count teams
(independent observer) shall remain by the weigh scale at all times and
shall observe the entire weigh/drop/count process;
(I) Physical custody of the key(s) needed to access the laptop and
video compartment shall require the involvement of two persons, one of
whom is independent of the drop and count team;
[[Page 842]]
(J) The mule key (if applicable), the laptop and video compartment
keys, and the remote control for the VCR shall be maintained by a
department independent of the gaming machine department. The appropriate
personnel shall sign out these keys;
(K) A person independent of the weigh/drop/count teams shall be
required to accompany these keys while they are checked out, and observe
each time the laptop compartment is opened;
(L) The laptop access panel shall not be opened outside the hard
count room, except in instances when the laptop must be rebooted as a
result of a crash, lock up, or other situation requiring immediate
corrective action;
(M) User access to the system shall be limited to those employees
required to have full or limited access to complete the weigh/drop/
count; and
(N) When the weigh/drop/count is completed, the independent observer
shall access the laptop compartment, end the recording session, eject
the videotape, and deliver the videotape to surveillance.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) Access to the count room during the count shall be restricted to
members of the drop and count teams, with the exception of authorized
observers, supervisors for resolution of problems, and authorized
maintenance personnel.
(4) If counts from various revenue centers occur simultaneously in
the count room, procedures shall be in effect that prevent the
commingling of funds from different revenue centers.
(5) The following functions shall be performed in the counting of
the gaming machine drop:
(i) Recorder function, which involves the recording of the gaming
machine count; and
(ii) Count team supervisor function, which involves the control of
the gaming machine weigh and wrap process. The supervisor shall not
perform the initial recording of the weigh/count unless a weigh scale
with a printer is used.
(6) The gaming machine drop shall be counted, wrapped, and
reconciled in such a manner to prevent the commingling of gaming machine
drop coin with coin (for each denomination) from the next gaming machine
drop until the count of the gaming machine drop has been recorded. If
the coins are not wrapped immediately after being weighed or counted,
they shall be secured and not commingled with other coins.
(i) The amount of the gaming machine drop from each machine shall be
recorded in ink or other permanent form of recordation on a gaming
machine count document by the recorder or mechanically printed by the
weigh scale.
(ii) Corrections to information originally recorded by the count
team on gaming machine count documentation shall be made by drawing a
single line through the error, writing the correct figure above the
original figure, and then obtaining the initials of at least two count
team members who verified the change.
(A) If a weigh scale interface is used, corrections to gaming
machine count data shall be made using either of the following:
(1) Drawing a single line through the error on the gaming machine
document, writing the correct figure above the original figure, and then
obtaining the initials of at least two count team employees. If this
procedure is used, an employee independent of the gaming machine
department and count team shall enter the correct figure into the
computer system prior to the generation of related gaming machine
reports; or
(2) During the count process, correct the error in the computer
system and enter the passwords of at least two count team employees. If
this procedure is used, an exception report shall be generated by the
computer system identifying the gaming machine number, the error, the
correction, and the count team employees attesting to the correction.
(B) [Reserved]
(7) If applicable, the weight shall be converted to dollar amounts
prior to the reconciliation of the weigh to the wrap.
(8) If a coin meter is used, a count team member shall convert the
coin count for each denomination into dollars and shall enter the
results on a summary sheet.
[[Page 843]]
(9) The recorder and at least one other count team member shall sign
the weigh tape and the gaming machine count document attesting to the
accuracy of the weigh/count.
(10) All members of the count team shall sign the count document or
a summary report to attest to their participation in the count.
(11) All drop proceeds and cash equivalents that were counted shall
be turned over to the cage or vault cashier (who shall be independent of
the count team) or to an authorized person/employee independent of the
revenue generation and the count process for verification. Such person
shall certify by signature as to the accuracy of the drop proceeds
delivered and received.
(12) All gaming machine count and wrap documentation, including any
applicable computer storage media, shall be delivered to the accounting
department by a count team member or a person independent of the
cashier's department. Alternatively, it may be adequately secured (e.g.,
locked container to which only accounting personnel can gain access)
until retrieved by the accounting department.
(13) If the coins are transported off the property, a second
(alternative) count procedure shall be performed before the coins leave
the property. Any variances shall be documented.
(14) Variances. Large (by denomination, either $1,000 or 2% of the
drop, whichever is less) or unusual (e.g., zero for weigh/count or
patterned for all counts) variances between the weigh/count and wrap
shall be investigated by management personnel independent of the gaming
machine department, count team, and the cage/vault functions on a timely
basis. The results of such investigation shall be documented, maintained
for inspection, and provided to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority
upon request.
(j) Security of the coin room inventory during the gaming machine
coin count and wrap. (1) If the count room serves as a coin room and
coin room inventory is not secured so as to preclude access by the count
team, then the following standards shall apply:
(i) At the commencement of the gaming machine count the following
requirements shall be met:
(A) The coin room inventory shall be counted by at least two
employees, one of whom is a member of the count team and the other is
independent of the weigh/count and wrap procedures;
(B) The count in paragraph (j)(1)(i)(A) of this section shall be
recorded on an appropriate inventory form;
(ii) Upon completion of the wrap of the gaming machine drop:
(A) At least two members of the count team (wrap team),
independently from each other, shall count the ending coin room
inventory;
(B) The counts in paragraph (j)(1)(ii)(A) of this section shall be
recorded on a summary report(s) that evidences the calculation of the
final wrap by subtracting the beginning inventory from the sum of the
ending inventory and transfers in and out of the coin room;
(C) The same count team members shall compare the calculated wrap to
the weigh/count, recording the comparison and noting any variances on
the summary report;
(D) A member of the cage/vault department shall count the ending
coin room inventory by denomination and shall reconcile it to the
beginning inventory, wrap, transfers, and weigh/count; and
(E) At the conclusion of the reconciliation, at least two count/wrap
team members and the verifying employee shall sign the summary report(s)
attesting to its accuracy.
(iii) The functions described in paragraph (j)(1)(ii)(A) and (C) of
this section may be performed by only one count team member. That count
team member must then sign the summary report, along with the verifying
employee, as required under paragraph (j)(1)(ii)(E).
(2) If the count room is segregated from the coin room, or if the
coin room is used as a count room and the coin room inventory is secured
to preclude access by the count team, all of the following requirements
shall be completed, at the conclusion of the count:
(i) At least two members of the count/wrap team shall count the
final wrapped gaming machine drop independently from each other;
(ii) The counts shall be recorded on a summary report;
[[Page 844]]
(iii) The same count team members (or the accounting department)
shall compare the final wrap to the weigh/count, recording the
comparison, and noting any variances on the summary report;
(iv) A member of the cage/vault department shall count the wrapped
gaming machine drop by denomination and reconcile it to the weigh/count;
(v) At the conclusion of the reconciliation, at least two count team
members and the cage/vault employee shall sign the summary report
attesting to its accuracy; and
(vi) The wrapped coins (exclusive of proper transfers) shall be
transported to the cage, vault or coin vault after the reconciliation of
the weigh/count to the wrap.
(k) Transfers during the gaming machine coin count and wrap. (1)
Transfers may be permitted during the count and wrap only if permitted
under the internal control standards approved by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority.
(2) Each transfer shall be recorded on a separate multi-part form
with a preprinted or concurrently-printed form number (used solely for
gaming machine count transfers) that shall be subsequently reconciled by
the accounting department to ensure the accuracy of the reconciled
gaming machine drop.
(3) Each transfer must be counted and signed for by at least two
members of the count team and by a person independent of the count team
who is responsible for authorizing the transfer.
(l) Gaming machine drop key control standards. (1) Gaming machine
coin drop cabinet keys, including duplicates, shall be maintained by a
department independent of the gaming machine department.
(2) The physical custody of the keys needed to access gaming machine
coin drop cabinets, including duplicates, shall require the involvement
of two persons, one of whom is independent of the gaming machine
department.
(3) Two employees (separate from key custodian) shall be required to
accompany such keys while checked out and observe each time gaming
machine drop cabinets are accessed.
(m) Table game drop box key control standards. (1) Tier A gaming
operations shall be exempt from compliance with this paragraph if the
Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, establishes and the gaming
operation complies with procedures that maintain adequate key control
and restricts access to the keys.
(2) Procedures shall be developed and implemented to insure that
unauthorized access to empty table game drop boxes shall not occur from
the time the boxes leave the storage racks until they are placed on the
tables.
(3) The involvement of at least two persons independent of the cage
department shall be required to access stored empty table game drop
boxes.
(4) The release keys shall be separately keyed from the contents
keys.
(5) At least two count team members are required to be present at
the time count room and other count keys are issued for the count.
(6) All duplicate keys shall be maintained in a manner that provides
the same degree of control as is required for the original keys. Records
shall be maintained for each key duplicated that indicate the number of
keys made and destroyed.
(7) Logs shall be maintained by the custodian of sensitive keys to
document authorization of personnel accessing keys.
(n) Table game drop box release keys. (1) Tier A gaming operations
shall be exempt from compliance with this paragraph if the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, or the gaming operation as approved by the Tribal
gaming regulatory authority, establishes and the gaming operation
complies with procedures that maintain adequate key control and
restricts access to the keys.
(2) The table game drop box release keys shall be maintained by a
department independent of the pit department.
(3) Only the person(s) authorized to remove table game drop boxes
from the tables shall be allowed access to the table game drop box
release keys; however, the count team members may have access to the
release keys during the soft count in order to reset the table game drop
boxes.
[[Page 845]]
(4) Persons authorized to remove the table game drop boxes shall be
precluded from having simultaneous access to the table game drop box
contents keys and release keys.
(5) For situations requiring access to a table game drop box at a
time other than the scheduled drop, the date, time, and signature of
employee signing out/in the release key must be documented.
(o) Bill acceptor canister release keys. (1) Tier A gaming
operations shall be exempt from compliance with this paragraph if the
Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, establishes and the gaming
operation complies with procedures that maintain adequate key control
and restricts access to the keys.
(2) The bill acceptor canister release keys shall be maintained by a
department independent of the gaming machine department.
(3) Only the person(s) authorized to remove bill acceptor canisters
from the gaming machines shall be allowed access to the release keys.
(4) Persons authorized to remove the bill acceptor canisters shall
be precluded from having simultaneous access to the bill acceptor
canister contents keys and release keys.
(5) For situations requiring access to a bill acceptor canister at a
time other than the scheduled drop, the date, time, and signature of
employee signing out/in the release key must be documented.
(p) Table game drop box storage rack keys. (1) Tier A gaming
operations shall be exempt from compliance with this paragraph if the
Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, establishes and the gaming
operation complies with procedures that maintain adequate key control
and restricts access to the keys.
(2) Persons authorized to obtain table game drop box storage rack
keys shall be precluded from having simultaneous access to table game
drop box contents keys, with the exception of the count team.
(q) Bill acceptor canister storage rack keys. (1) Tier A gaming
operations shall be exempt from compliance with this paragraph if the
Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, establishes and the gaming
operation complies with procedures that maintain adequate key control
and restricts access to the keys.
(2) Persons authorized to obtain bill acceptor canister storage rack
keys shall be precluded from having simultaneous access to bill acceptor
canister contents keys, with the exception of the count team.
(r) Table game drop box contents keys. (1) Tier A gaming operations
shall be exempt from compliance with this paragraph if the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, or the gaming operation as approved by the Tribal
gaming regulatory authority, establishes and the gaming operation
complies with procedures that maintain adequate key control and
restricts access to the keys.
(2) The physical custody of the keys needed for accessing stored,
full table game drop box contents shall require the involvement of
persons from at least two separate departments, with the exception of
the count team.
(3) Access to the table game drop box contents key at other than
scheduled count times shall require the involvement of at least two
persons from separate departments, including management. The reason for
access shall be documented with the signatures of all participants and
observers.
(4) Only count team members shall be allowed access to table game
drop box contents keys during the count process.
(s) Bill acceptor canister contents keys. (1) Tier A gaming
operations shall be exempt from compliance with this paragraph if the
Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, establishes and the gaming
operation complies with procedures that maintain adequate key control
and restricts access to the keys.
[[Page 846]]
(2) The physical custody of the keys needed for accessing stored,
full bill acceptor canister contents shall require involvement of
persons from two separate departments, with the exception of the count
team.
(3) Access to the bill acceptor canister contents key at other than
scheduled count times shall require the involvement of at least two
persons from separate departments, one of whom must be a supervisor. The
reason for access shall be documented with the signatures of all
participants and observers.
(4) Only the count team members shall be allowed access to bill
acceptor canister contents keys during the count process.
(t) Emergency drop procedures. Emergency drop procedures shall be
developed by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming
operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority.
(u) Equipment standards for gaming machine count.
(1) A weigh scale calibration module shall be secured so as to
prevent unauthorized access (e.g., prenumbered seal, lock and key,
etc.).
(2) A person independent of the cage, vault, gaming machine, and
count team functions shall be required to be present whenever the
calibration module is accessed. Such access shall be documented and
maintained.
(3) If a weigh scale interface is used, it shall be adequately
restricted so as to prevent unauthorized access (passwords, keys, etc.).
(4) If the weigh scale has a zero adjustment mechanism, it shall be
physically limited to minor adjustments (e.g., weight of a bucket) or
physically situated such that any unnecessary adjustments to it during
the weigh process would be observed by other count team members.
(5) The weigh scale and weigh scale interface (if applicable) shall
be tested by a person or persons independent of the cage, vault, and
gaming machine departments and count team at least quarterly. At least
annually, this test shall be performed by internal audit in accordance
with the internal audit standards. The result of these tests shall be
documented and signed by the person or persons performing the test.
(6) Prior to the gaming machine count, at least two employees shall
verify the accuracy of the weigh scale with varying weights or with
varying amounts of previously counted coin for each denomination to
ensure the scale is properly calibrated (varying weights/coin from drop
to drop is acceptable).
(7) If a mechanical coin counter is used (instead of a weigh scale),
the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation as
approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish and
the gaming operation shall comply, with procedures that are equivalent
to those described in paragraphs (u)(4), (u)(5), and (u)(6) of this
section.
(8) If a coin meter count machine is used, the count team member
shall record the machine number denomination and number of coins in ink
on a source document, unless the meter machine automatically records
such information.
(i) A count team member shall test the coin meter count machine
prior to the actual count to ascertain if the metering device is
functioning properly with a predetermined number of coins for each
denomination.
(ii) [Reserved]
Sec. 542.22 What are the minimum internal control standards for
internal audit for Tier A gaming operations?
(a) Internal audit personnel. (1) For Tier A gaming operations, a
separate internal audit department must be maintained. Alternatively,
designating personnel (who are independent with respect to the
departments/procedures being examined) to perform internal audit work
satisfies the requirements of this paragraph.
(2) The internal audit personnel shall report directly to the Tribe,
Tribal gaming regulatory authority, audit committee, or other entity
designated by the Tribe in accordance with the definition of internal
audit in Sec. 542.2.
(b) Audits. (1) Internal audit personnel shall perform audits of all
major gaming areas of the gaming operation. The following shall be
reviewed at least annually:
[[Page 847]]
(i) Bingo, including but not limited to, bingo card control, payout
procedures, and cash reconciliation process;
(ii) Pull tabs, including but not limited to, statistical records,
winner verification, perpetual inventory, and accountability of sales
versus inventory;
(iii) Card games, including but not limited to, card games
operation, cash exchange procedures, shill transactions, and count
procedures;
(iv) Keno, including but not limited to, game write and payout
procedures, sensitive key location and control, and a review of keno
auditing procedures;
(v) Pari-mutual wagering, including write and payout procedures, and
pari-mutual auditing procedures;
(vi) Table games, including but not limited to, fill and credit
procedures, pit credit play procedures, rim credit procedures, soft
drop/count procedures and the subsequent transfer of funds, unannounced
testing of count room currency counters and/or currency interface,
location and control over sensitive keys, the tracing of source
documents to summarized documentation and accounting records, and
reconciliation to restricted copies;
(vii) Gaming machines, including but not limited to, jackpot payout
and gaming machine fill procedures, gaming machine drop/count and bill
acceptor drop/count and subsequent transfer of funds, unannounced
testing of weigh scale and weigh scale interface, unannounced testing of
count room currency counters and/or currency interface, gaming machine
drop cabinet access, tracing of source documents to summarized
documentation and accounting records, reconciliation to restricted
copies, location and control over sensitive keys, compliance with EPROM
duplication procedures, and compliance with MICS procedures for gaming
machines that accept currency or coin(s) and issue cash-out tickets or
gaming machines that do not accept currency or coin(s) and do not return
currency or coin(s);
(viii) Cage and credit procedures including all cage, credit, and
collection procedures, and the reconciliation of trial balances to
physical instruments on a sample basis. Cage accountability shall be
reconciled to the general ledger;
(ix) Information technology functions, including review for
compliance with information technology standards;
(x) Complimentary service or item, including but not limited to,
procedures whereby complimentary service items are issued, authorized,
and redeemed; and
(xi) Any other internal audits as required by the Tribe, Tribal
gaming regulatory authority, audit committee, or other entity designated
by the Tribe.
(2) In addition to the observation and examinations performed under
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, follow-up observations and
examinations shall be performed to verify that corrective action has
been taken regarding all instances of noncompliance cited by internal
audit, the independent accountant, and/or the Commission. The
verification shall be performed within six (6) months following the date
of notification.
(3) Whenever possible, internal audit observations shall be
performed on an unannounced basis (i.e., without the employees being
forewarned that their activities will be observed). Additionally, if the
independent accountant also performs the internal audit function, the
accountant shall perform separate observations of the table games/gaming
machine drops and counts to satisfy the internal audit observation
requirements and independent accountant tests of controls as required by
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants guide.
(c) Documentation. (1) Documentation (e.g., checklists, programs,
reports, etc.) shall be prepared to evidence all internal audit work
performed as it relates to the requirements in this section, including
all instances of noncompliance.
(2) The internal audit department shall operate with audit programs,
which, at a minimum, address the MICS. Additionally, the department
shall properly document the work performed, the conclusions reached, and
the resolution of all exceptions. Institute of Internal Auditors
standards are recommended but not required.
[[Page 848]]
(d) Reports. (1) Reports documenting audits performed shall be
maintained and made available to the Commission upon request.
(2) Such audit reports shall include the following information:
(i) Audit objectives;
(ii) Audit procedures and scope;
(iii) Findings and conclusions;
(iv) Recommendations, if applicable; and
(v) Management's response.
(e) Material exceptions. All material exceptions resulting from
internal audit work shall be investigated and resolved with the results
of such being documented and retained for five years.
(f) Role of management. (1) Internal audit findings shall be
reported to management.
(2) Management shall be required to respond to internal audit
findings stating corrective measures to be taken to avoid recurrence of
the audit exception.
(3) Such management responses shall be included in the internal
audit report that will be delivered to management, the Tribe, Tribal
gaming regulatory authority, audit committee, or other entity designated
by the Tribe.
Sec. 542.23 What are the minimum internal control standards for
surveillance for Tier A gaming operations?
(a) Tier A gaming operations must, at a minimum, maintain and
operate an unstaffed surveillance system in a secured location whereby
the areas under surveillance are continually recorded.
(b) The entrance to the secured location shall be located so that it
is not readily accessible by either gaming operation employees who work
primarily on the casino floor, or the general public.
(c) Access to the secured location shall be limited to surveillance
personnel, designated employees, and other persons authorized in
accordance with the surveillance department policy. Such policy shall be
approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority.
(d) The surveillance system shall include date and time generators
that possess the capability to display the date and time of recorded
events on video and/or digital recordings. The displayed date and time
shall not significantly obstruct the recorded view.
(e) The surveillance department shall strive to ensure staff is
trained in the use of the equipment, knowledge of the games, and house
rules.
(f) Each camera required by the standards in this section shall be
installed in a manner that will prevent it from being readily
obstructed, tampered with, or disabled by customers or employees.
(g) Each camera required by the standards in this section shall
possess the capability of having its picture recorded. The surveillance
system shall include sufficient numbers of recorders to simultaneously
record multiple gaming and count room activities, and record the views
of all dedicated cameras and motion activated dedicated cameras.
(h) Reasonable effort shall be made to repair each malfunction of
surveillance system equipment required by the standards in this section
within seventy-two (72) hours after the malfunction is discovered. The
Tribal gaming regulatory authority shall be notified of any camera(s)
that has malfunctioned for more than twenty-four (24) hours.
(1) In the event of a dedicated camera malfunction, the gaming
operation and/or the surveillance department shall, upon identification
of the malfunction, provide alternative camera coverage or other
security measures, such as additional supervisory or security personnel,
to protect the subject activity.
(2) [Reserved]
(i) Bingo. The surveillance system shall record the bingo ball
drawing device, the game board, and the activities of the employees
responsible for drawing, calling, and entering the balls drawn or
numbers selected.
(j) Card games. The surveillance system shall record the general
activities in each card room and be capable of identifying the employees
performing the different functions.
(k) Keno. The surveillance system shall record the keno ball-drawing
device, the general activities in each keno game area, and be capable of
[[Page 849]]
identifying the employees performing the different functions.
(l) Table games. (1) Operations with four (4) or more table games.
Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (l)(3), (l)(4), and (l)(5) of
this section, the surveillance system of gaming operations operating
four (4) or more table games shall provide at a minimum one (1) pan-
tilt-zoom camera per two (2) tables and surveillance must be capable of
taping:
(i) With sufficient clarity to identify customers and dealers; and
(ii) With sufficient coverage and clarity to simultaneously view the
table bank and determine the configuration of wagers, card values, and
game outcome.
(iii) One (1) dedicated camera per table and one (1) pan-tilt-zoom
camera per four (4) tables may be an acceptable alternative procedure to
satisfy the requirements of this paragraph.
(2) Operations with three (3) or fewer table games. The surveillance
system of gaming operations operating three (3) or fewer table games
shall:
(i) Comply with the requirements of paragraph (l)(1) of this
section; or
(ii) Have one (1) overhead camera at each table.
(3) Craps. All craps tables shall have two (2) dedicated cross view
cameras covering both ends of the table.
(4) Roulette. All roulette areas shall have one (1) overhead
dedicated camera covering the roulette wheel and shall also have one (1)
dedicated camera covering the play of the table.
(5) Big wheel. All big wheel games shall have one (1) dedicated
camera viewing the wheel.
(m) Progressive table games. (1) Progressive table games with a
progressive jackpot of $25,000 or more shall be recorded by dedicated
cameras that provide coverage of:
(i) The table surface, sufficient that the card values and card
suits can be clearly identified;
(ii) An overall view of the entire table with sufficient clarity to
identify customers and dealer; and
(iii) A view of the progressive meter jackpot amount. If several
tables are linked to the same progressive jackpot meter, only one meter
need be recorded.
(2) [Reserved]
(n) Gaming machines. (1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs
(n)(2) and (n)(3) of this section, gaming machines offering a payout of
more than $250,000 shall be recorded by a dedicated camera(s) to provide
coverage of:
(i) All customers and employees at the gaming machine; and
(ii) The face of the gaming machine, with sufficient clarity to
identify the payout line(s) of the gaming machine.
(2) In-house progressive machine. In-house progressive gaming
machines offering a base payout amount (jackpot reset amount) of more
than $100,000 shall be recorded by a dedicated camera(s) to provide
coverage of:
(i) All customers and employees at the gaming machine; and
(ii) The face of the gaming machine, with sufficient clarity to
identify the payout line(s) of the gaming machine.
(3) Wide-area progressive machine. Wide-area progressive gaming
machines offering a base payout amount of more than $1.5 million and
monitored by an independent vendor utilizing an on-line progressive
computer system shall be recorded by a dedicated camera(s) to provide
coverage of:
(i) All customers and employees at the gaming machine; and
(ii) The face of the gaming machine, with sufficient clarity to
identify the payout line(s) of the gaming machine.
(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (n)(1) of this section, if the gaming
machine is a multi-game machine, the Tribal gaming regulatory authority,
or the gaming operation subject to the approval of the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, may develop and implement alternative procedures
to verify payouts.
(o) Currency and coin. The surveillance system shall record a
general overview of all areas where currency or coin may be stored or
counted.
(p) Video recording and/or digital record retention. (1) All video
recordings and/or digital records of coverage provided by the dedicated
cameras or motion-activated dedicated cameras required by the standards
in this section shall be retained for a minimum of seven (7) days.
[[Page 850]]
(2) Recordings involving suspected or confirmed gaming crimes,
unlawful activity, or detentions by security personnel, must be retained
for a minimum of thirty (30) days.
(3) Duly authenticated copies of video recordings and/or digital
records shall be provided to the Commission upon request.
(q) Video library log. A video library log, or comparable
alternative procedure approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority, shall be maintained to demonstrate compliance with the
storage, identification, and retention standards required in this
section.
(r) Malfunction and repair log. (1) Surveillance personnel shall
maintain a log or alternative procedure approved by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority that documents each malfunction and repair of the
surveillance system as defined in this section.
(2) The log shall state the time, date, and nature of each
malfunction, the efforts expended to repair the malfunction, and the
date of each effort, the reasons for any delays in repairing the
malfunction, the date the malfunction is repaired, and where applicable,
any alternative security measures that were taken.
Sec. 542.30 What is a Tier B gaming operation?
A Tier B gaming operation is one with gross gaming revenues of more
than $5 million but not more than $15 million.
Sec. 542.31 What are the minimum internal control standards for drop
and count for Tier B gaming operations?
(a) Computer applications. For any computer applications utilized,
alternate documentation and/or procedures that provide at least the
level of control described by the standards in this section, as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, will be acceptable.
(b) Table game drop standards. (1) The setting out of empty table
game drop boxes and the drop shall be a continuous process.
(2) At the end of each shift:
(i) All locked table game drop boxes shall be removed from the
tables by a person independent of the pit shift being dropped;
(ii) A separate drop box shall be placed on each table opened at any
time during each shift or a gaming operation may utilize a single drop
box with separate openings and compartments for each shift; and
(iii) Upon removal from the tables, table game drop boxes shall be
transported directly to the count room or other equivalently secure area
with comparable controls and locked in a secure manner until the count
takes place.
(3) If drop boxes are not placed on all tables, then the pit
department shall document which tables were open during the shift.
(4) The transporting of table game drop boxes shall be performed by
a minimum of two persons, at least one of whom is independent of the pit
shift being dropped.
(5) All table game drop boxes shall be posted with a number
corresponding to a permanent number on the gaming table and marked to
indicate game, table number, and shift.
(6) Surveillance shall be notified when the drop is to begin so that
surveillance may monitor the activities.
(c) Soft count room personnel. (1) The table game soft count and the
gaming machine bill acceptor count shall be performed by a minimum of
two employees.
(i) The count shall be viewed live, or on video recording and/or
digital record, within seven (7) days by an employee independent of the
count.
(ii) [Reserved]
(2) Count room personnel shall not be allowed to exit or enter the
count room during the count except for emergencies or scheduled breaks.
At no time during the count, shall there be fewer than two employees in
the count room until the drop proceeds have been accepted into cage/
vault accountability. Surveillance shall be notified whenever count room
personnel exit or enter the count room during the count.
(3) Count team members shall be rotated on a routine basis such that
the count team is not consistently the same two persons more than four
(4) days per week. This standard shall not apply to gaming operations
that utilize
[[Page 851]]
a count team of more than two persons.
(4) The count team shall be independent of transactions being
reviewed and counted. The count team shall be independent of the cage/
vault departments, however, a dealer or a cage cashier may be used if
this person is not allowed to perform the recording function. An
accounting representative may be used if there is an independent audit
of all soft count documentation.
(d) Table game soft count standards. (1) The table game soft count
shall be performed in a soft count room or other equivalently secure
area with comparable controls.
(2) Access to the count room during the count shall be restricted to
members of the drop and count teams, with the exception of authorized
observers, supervisors for resolution of problems, and authorized
maintenance personnel.
(3) If counts from various revenue centers occur simultaneously in
the count room, procedures shall be in effect that prevent the
commingling of funds from different revenue centers.
(4) The table game drop boxes shall be individually emptied and
counted in such a manner to prevent the commingling of funds between
boxes until the count of the box has been recorded.
(i) The count of each box shall be recorded in ink or other
permanent form of recordation.
(ii) A second count shall be performed by an employee on the count
team who did not perform the initial count.
(iii) Corrections to information originally recorded by the count
team on soft count documentation shall be made by drawing a single line
through the error, writing the correct figure above the original figure,
and then obtaining the initials of at least two count team members who
verified the change, unless the count team only has two (2) members in
which case the initials of only one (1) verifying count team member is
required.
(5) If currency counters are utilized and the count room table is
used only to empty boxes and sort/stack contents, a count team member
shall be able to observe the loading and unloading of all currency at
the currency counter, including rejected currency.
(6) Table game drop boxes, when empty, shall be shown to another
member of the count team, or to another person who is observing the
count, or to surveillance, provided the count is monitored in its
entirety by a person independent of the count.
(7) Orders for fill/credit (if applicable) shall be matched to the
fill/credit slips. Fills and credits shall be traced to or recorded on
the count sheet.
(8) Pit marker issue and payment slips (if applicable) removed from
the table game drop boxes shall either be:
(i) Traced to or recorded on the count sheet by the count team; or
(ii) Totaled by shift and traced to the totals documented by the
computerized system. Accounting personnel shall verify the issue/payment
slip for each table is accurate.
(9) Foreign currency exchange forms (if applicable) removed from the
table game drop boxes shall be reviewed for the proper daily exchange
rate and the conversion amount shall be recomputed by the count team.
Alternatively, this may be performed by accounting/auditing employees.
(10) The opening/closing table and marker inventory forms (if
applicable) shall either be:
(i) Examined and traced to or recorded on the count sheet; or
(ii) If a computerized system is used, accounting personnel can
trace the opening/closing table and marker inventory forms to the count
sheet. Discrepancies shall be investigated with the findings documented
and maintained for inspection.
(11) The count sheet shall be reconciled to the total drop by a
count team member who shall not function as the sole recorder.
(12) All members of the count team shall sign the count document or
a summary report to attest to their participation in the count.
(13) All drop proceeds and cash equivalents that were counted shall
be turned over to the cage or vault cashier (who shall be independent of
the count team) or to an authorized person/employee independent of the
revenue generation and the count process for verification. Such person
shall certify by signature as to the accuracy of the drop proceeds
delivered and received.
[[Page 852]]
(14) The count sheet, with all supporting documents, shall be
delivered to the accounting department by a count team member or a
person independent of the cashiers department. Alternatively, it may be
adequately secured (e.g., locked container to which only accounting
personnel can gain access) until retrieved by the accounting department.
(15) Access to stored, full table game drop boxes shall be
restricted to authorized members of the drop and count teams.
(e) Gaming machine bill acceptor drop standards. (1) A minimum of
two employees shall be involved in the removal of the gaming machine
drop, at least one of who is independent of the gaming machine
department.
(2) All bill acceptor canisters shall be removed only at the time
previously designated by the gaming operation and reported to the Tribal
gaming regulatory authority, except for emergency drops.
(3) Surveillance shall be notified when the drop is to begin so that
surveillance may monitor the activities.
(4) The bill acceptor canisters shall be removed by a person
independent of the gaming machine department then transported directly
to the count room or other equivalently secure area with comparable
controls and locked in a secure manner until the count takes place.
(i) Security shall be provided over the bill acceptor canisters
removed from the gaming machines and awaiting transport to the count
room.
(ii) The transporting of bill acceptor canisters shall be performed
by a minimum of two persons, at least one of who is independent of the
gaming machine department.
(5) All bill acceptor canisters shall be posted with a number
corresponding to a permanent number on the gaming machine.
(f) Gaming machine bill acceptor count standards. (1) The gaming
machine bill acceptor count shall be performed in a soft count room or
other equivalently secure area with comparable controls.
(2) Access to the count room during the count shall be restricted to
members of the drop and count teams, with the exception of authorized
observers, supervisors for resolution of problems, and authorized
maintenance personnel.
(3) If counts from various revenue centers occur simultaneously in
the count room, procedures shall be in effect that prevent the
commingling of funds from different revenue centers.
(4) The bill acceptor canisters shall be individually emptied and
counted in such a manner to prevent the commingling of funds between
canisters until the count of the canister has been recorded.
(i) The count of each canister shall be recorded in ink or other
permanent form of recordation.
(ii) A second count shall be performed by an employee on the count
team who did not perform the initial count.
(iii) Corrections to information originally recorded by the count
team on soft count documentation shall be made by drawing a single line
through the error, writing the correct figure above the original figure,
and then obtaining the initials of at least two count team members who
verified the change.
(5) If currency counters are utilized and the count room table is
used only to empty canisters and sort/stack contents, a count team
member shall be able to observe the loading and unloading of all
currency at the currency counter, including rejected currency.
(6) Canisters, when empty, shall be shown to another member of the
count team, to another person who is observing the count, or to
surveillance, provided that the count is monitored in its entirety by a
person independent of the count.
(7) The count sheet shall be reconciled to the total drop by a count
team member who shall not function as the sole recorder.
(8) All members of the count team shall sign the count document or a
summary report to attest to their participation in the count.
(9) All drop proceeds and cash equivalents that were counted shall
be turned over to the cage or vault cashier (who shall be independent of
the count team) or to an authorized person/employee independent of the
revenue generation and the count process for verification. Such person
shall certify by signature
[[Page 853]]
as to the accuracy of the drop proceeds delivered and received.
(10) The count sheet, with all supporting documents, shall be
delivered to the accounting department by a count team member or a
person independent of the cashiers department. Alternatively, it may be
adequately secured (e.g., locked container to which only accounting
personnel can gain access) until retrieved by the accounting department.
(11) Access to stored bill acceptor canisters, full or empty, shall
be restricted to:
(i) Authorized members of the drop and count teams; and
(ii) Authorized personnel in an emergency for the resolution of a
problem.
(12) All bill acceptor canisters shall be posted with a number
corresponding to a permanent number on the gaming machine.
(g) Gaming machine coin drop standards. (1) A minimum of two
employees shall be involved in the removal of the gaming machine drop,
at least one of who is independent of the gaming machine department.
(2) All drop buckets shall be removed only at the time previously
designated by the gaming operation and reported to the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, except for emergency drops.
(3) Surveillance shall be notified when the drop is to begin in
order that surveillance may monitor the activities.
(4) Security shall be provided over the buckets removed from the
gaming machine drop cabinets and awaiting transport to the count room.
(5) As each machine is opened, the contents shall be tagged with its
respective machine number if the bucket is not permanently marked with
the machine number. The contents shall be transported directly to the
area designated for the counting of such drop proceeds. If more than one
trip is required to remove the contents of the machines, the filled
carts of coins shall be securely locked in the room designed for
counting or in another equivalently secure area with comparable
controls. There shall be a locked covering on any carts in which the
drop route includes passage out of doors.
(i) Alternatively, a smart bucket system that electronically
identifies and tracks the gaming machine number, and facilitates the
proper recognition of gaming revenue, shall satisfy the requirements of
this paragraph.
(ii) [Reserved]
(6) Each drop bucket in use shall be:
(i) Housed in a locked compartment separate from any other
compartment of the gaming machine and keyed differently than other
gaming machine compartments; and
(ii) Identifiable to the gaming machine from which it is removed. If
the gaming machine is identified with a removable tag that is placed in
the bucket, the tag shall be placed on top of the bucket when it is
collected.
(7) Each gaming machine shall have drop buckets into which coins or
tokens that are retained by the gaming machine are collected. Drop
bucket contents shall not be used to make change or pay hand-paid
payouts.
(8) The collection procedures may include procedures for dropping
gaming machines that have trays instead of drop buckets.
(h) Hard count room personnel. (1) The weigh/count shall be
performed by a minimum of two employees.
(i) The count shall be viewed either live, or on video recording
and/or digital record within seven (7) days by an employee independent
of the count.
(ii) [Reserved]
(2) At no time during the weigh/count shall there be fewer than two
employees in the count room until the drop proceeds have been accepted
into cage/vault accountability. Surveillance shall be notified whenever
count room personnel exit or enter the count room during the count.
(i) If the gaming machine count is conducted with a continuous
mechanical count meter that is not reset during the count and is
verified in writing by at least two employees at the start and end of
each denomination count, then one employee may perform the wrap.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) Count team members shall be rotated on a routine basis such that
the count team is not consistently the same two persons more than four
(4) days per week. This standard shall not
[[Page 854]]
apply to gaming operations that utilize a count team of more than two
persons.
(4) The count team shall be independent of transactions being
reviewed and counted. The count team shall be independent of the cage/
vault departments, unless they are non-supervisory gaming machine
employees and perform the laborer function only (A non-supervisory
gaming machine employee is defined as a person below the level of gaming
machine shift supervisor). A cage cashier may be used if this person is
not allowed to perform the recording function. An accounting
representative may be used if there is an independent audit of all count
documentation.
(i) Gaming machine coin count and wrap standards. (1) Coins shall
include tokens.
(2) The gaming machine coin count and wrap shall be performed in a
count room or other equivalently secure area with comparable controls.
(i) Alternatively, an on-the-floor drop system utilizing a mobile
scale shall satisfy the requirements of this paragraph, subject to the
following conditions:
(A) The gaming operation shall utilize and maintain an effective on-
line gaming machine monitoring system, as described in Sec.
542.13(m)(3);
(B) Components of the on-the-floor drop system shall include, but
not be limited to, a weigh scale, a laptop computer through which weigh/
count applications are operated, a security camera available for the
mobile scale system, and a VCR to be housed within the video compartment
of the mobile scale. The system may include a mule cart used for mobile
weigh scale system locomotion.
(C) The gaming operation must obtain the security camera available
with the system, and this camera must be added in such a way as to
eliminate tampering.
(D) Prior to the drop, the drop/count team shall ensure the scale
batteries are charged;
(E) Prior to the drop, a videotape shall be inserted into the VCR
used to record the drop in conjunction with the security camera system
and the VCR shall be activated;
(F) The weigh scale test shall be performed prior to removing the
unit from the hard count room for the start of the weigh/drop/count;
(G) Surveillance shall be notified when the weigh/drop/count begins
and shall be capable of monitoring the entire process;
(H) An observer independent of the weigh/drop/count teams
(independent observer) shall remain by the weigh scale at all times and
shall observe the entire weigh/drop/count process;
(I) Physical custody of the key(s) needed to access the laptop and
video compartment shall require the involvement of two persons, one of
whom is independent of the drop and count team;
(J) The mule key (if applicable), the laptop and video compartment
keys, and the remote control for the VCR shall be maintained by a
department independent of the gaming machine department. The appropriate
personnel shall sign out these keys;
(K) A person independent of the weigh/drop/count teams shall be
required to accompany these keys while they are checked out, and observe
each time the laptop compartment is opened;
(L) The laptop access panel shall not be opened outside the hard
count room, except in instances when the laptop must be rebooted as a
result of a crash, lock up, or other situation requiring immediate
corrective action;
(M) User access to the system shall be limited to those employees
required to have full or limited access to complete the weigh/drop/
count; and
(N) When the weigh/drop/count is completed, the independent observer
shall access the laptop compartment, end the recording session, eject
the videotape, and deliver the videotape to surveillance.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) Access to the count room during the count shall be restricted to
members of the drop and count teams, with the exception of authorized
observers, supervisors for resolution of problems, and authorized
maintenance personnel.
(4) If counts from various revenue centers occur simultaneously in
the
[[Page 855]]
count room, procedures shall be in effect that prevent the commingling
of funds from different revenue centers.
(5) The following functions shall be performed in the counting of
the gaming machine drop:
(i) Recorder function, which involves the recording of the gaming
machine count; and
(ii) Count team supervisor function, which involves the control of
the gaming machine weigh and wrap process. The supervisor shall not
perform the initial recording of the weigh/count unless a weigh scale
with a printer is used.
(6) The gaming machine drop shall be counted, wrapped, and
reconciled in such a manner to prevent the commingling of gaming machine
drop coin with coin (for each denomination) from the next gaming machine
drop until the count of the gaming machine drop has been recorded. If
the coins are not wrapped immediately after being weighed or counted,
they shall be secured and not commingled with other coin.
(i) The amount of the gaming machine drop from each machine shall be
recorded in ink or other permanent form of recordation on a gaming
machine count document by the recorder or mechanically printed by the
weigh scale.
(ii) Corrections to information originally recorded by the count
team on gaming machine count documentation shall be made by drawing a
single line through the error, writing the correct figure above the
original figure, and then obtaining the initials of at least two count
team members who verified the change.
(A) If a weigh scale interface is used, corrections to gaming
machine count data shall be made using either of the following:
(1) Drawing a single line through the error on the gaming machine
document, writing the correct figure above the original figure, and then
obtaining the initials of at least two count team employees. If this
procedure is used, an employee independent of the gaming machine
department and count team shall enter the correct figure into the
computer system prior to the generation of related gaming machine
reports; or
(2) During the count process, correct the error in the computer
system and enter the passwords of at least two count team employees. If
this procedure is used, an exception report shall be generated by the
computer system identifying the gaming machine number, the error, the
correction, and the count team employees attesting to the correction.
(B) [Reserved]
(7) If applicable, the weight shall be converted to dollar amounts
before the reconciliation of the weigh to the wrap.
(8) If a coin meter is used, a count team member shall convert the
coin count for each denomination into dollars and shall enter the
results on a summary sheet.
(9) The recorder and at least one other count team member shall sign
the weigh tape and the gaming machine count document attesting to the
accuracy of the weigh/count.
(10) All members of the count team shall sign the count document or
a summary report to attest to their participation in the count.
(11) All drop proceeds and cash equivalents that were counted shall
be turned over to the cage or vault cashier (who shall be independent of
the count team) or to an authorized person/employee independent of the
revenue generation and the count process for verification. Such person
shall certify by signature as to the accuracy of the drop proceeds
delivered and received.
(12) All gaming machine count and wrap documentation, including any
applicable computer storage media, shall be delivered to the accounting
department by a count team member or a person independent of the
cashier's department. Alternatively, it may be adequately secured (e.g.,
locked container to which only accounting personnel can gain access)
until retrieved by the accounting department.
(13) If the coins are transported off the property, a second
(alternative) count procedure shall be performed before the coins leave
the property. Any variances shall be documented.
(14) Variances. Large (by denomination, either $1,000 or 2% of the
drop, whichever is less) or unusual (e.g., zero
[[Page 856]]
for weigh/count or patterned for all counts) variances between the
weigh/count and wrap shall be investigated by management personnel
independent of the gaming machine department, count team, and the cage/
vault functions on a timely basis. The results of such investigation
shall be documented, maintained for inspection, and provided to the
Tribal gaming regulatory authority upon request.
(j) Security of the coin room inventory during the gaming machine
coin count and wrap. (1) If the count room serves as a coin room and
coin room inventory is not secured so as to preclude access by the count
team, then the following standards shall apply:
(i) At the commencement of the gaming machine count the following
requirements shall be met:
(A) The coin room inventory shall be counted by at least two
employees, one of whom is a member of the count team and the other is
independent of the weigh/count and wrap procedures;
(B) The count in paragraph (j)(1)(i)(A) of this section shall be
recorded on an appropriate inventory form;
(ii) Upon completion of the wrap of the gaming machine drop:
(A) At least two members of the count team (wrap team),
independently from each other, shall count the ending coin room
inventory;
(B) The counts in paragraph (j)(1)(ii)(A) of this section shall be
recorded on a summary report(s) that evidences the calculation of the
final wrap by subtracting the beginning inventory from the sum of the
ending inventory and transfers in and out of the coin room;
(C) The same count team members shall compare the calculated wrap to
the weigh/count, recording the comparison and noting any variances on
the summary report;
(D) A member of the cage/vault department shall count the ending
coin room inventory by denomination and shall reconcile it to the
beginning inventory, wrap, transfers and weigh/count; and
(E) At the conclusion of the reconciliation, at least two count/wrap
team members and the verifying employee shall sign the summary report(s)
attesting to its accuracy.
(iii) The functions described in paragraph (j)(1)(ii)(A) and (C) of
this section may be performed by only one count team member. That count
team member must then sign the summary report, along with the verifying
employee, as required under paragraph (j)(1)(ii)(E).
(2) If the count room is segregated from the coin room, or if the
coin room is used as a count room and the coin room inventory is secured
to preclude access by the count team, all of the following requirements
shall be completed, at the conclusion of the count:
(i) At least two members of the count/wrap team shall count the
final wrapped gaming machine drop independently from each other;
(ii) The counts shall be recorded on a summary report;
(iii) The same count team members (or the accounting department)
shall compare the final wrap to the weigh/count, recording the
comparison, and noting any variances on the summary report;
(iv) A member of the cage/vault department shall count the wrapped
gaming machine drop by denomination and reconcile it to the weigh/count;
(v) At the conclusion of the reconciliation, at least two count team
members and the cage/vault employee shall sign the summary report
attesting to its accuracy; and
(vi) The wrapped coins (exclusive of proper transfers) shall be
transported to the cage, vault or coin vault after the reconciliation of
the weigh/count to the wrap.
(k) Transfers during the gaming machine coin count and wrap. (1)
Transfers may be permitted during the count and wrap only if permitted
under the internal control standards approved by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority.
(2) Each transfer shall be recorded on a separate multi-part form
with a preprinted or concurrently-printed form number (used solely for
gaming machine count transfers) that shall be subsequently reconciled by
the accounting department to ensure the accuracy of the reconciled
gaming machine drop.
(3) Each transfer must be counted and signed for by at least two
members
[[Page 857]]
of the count team and by a person independent of the count team who is
responsible for authorizing the transfer.
(l) Gaming machine drop key control standards. (1) Gaming machine
coin drop cabinet keys, including duplicates, shall be maintained by a
department independent of the gaming machine department.
(2) The physical custody of the keys needed to access gaming machine
coin drop cabinets, including duplicates, shall require the involvement
of two persons, one of whom is independent of the gaming machine
department.
(3) Two employees (separate from key custodian) shall be required to
accompany such keys while checked out and observe each time gaming
machine drop cabinets are accessed, unless surveillance is notified each
time keys are checked out and surveillance observes the person
throughout the period the keys are checked out.
(m) Table game drop box key control standards. (1) Procedures shall
be developed and implemented to insure that unauthorized access to empty
table game drop boxes shall not occur from the time the boxes leave the
storage racks until they are placed on the tables.
(2) The involvement of at least two persons independent of the cage
department shall be required to access stored empty table game drop
boxes.
(3) The release keys shall be separately keyed from the contents
keys.
(4) At least two count team members are required to be present at
the time count room and other count keys are issued for the count.
(5) All duplicate keys shall be maintained in a manner that provides
the same degree of control as is required for the original keys. Records
shall be maintained for each key duplicated that indicate the number of
keys made and destroyed.
(6) Logs shall be maintained by the custodian of sensitive keys to
document authorization of personnel accessing keys.
(n) Table game drop box release keys. (1) The table game drop box
release keys shall be maintained by a department independent of the pit
department.
(2) Only the person(s) authorized to remove table game drop boxes
from the tables shall be allowed access to the table game drop box
release keys; however, the count team members may have access to the
release keys during the soft count in order to reset the table game drop
boxes.
(3) Persons authorized to remove the table game drop boxes shall be
precluded from having simultaneous access to the table game drop box
contents keys and release keys.
(4) For situations requiring access to a table game drop box at a
time other than the scheduled drop, the date, time, and signature of
employee signing out/in the release key must be documented.
(o) Bill acceptor canister release keys. (1) The bill acceptor
canister release keys shall be maintained by a department independent of
the gaming machine department.
(2) Only the person(s) authorized to remove bill acceptor canisters
from the gaming machines shall be allowed access to the release keys.
(3) Persons authorized to remove the bill acceptor canisters shall
be precluded from having simultaneous access to the bill acceptor
canister contents keys and release keys.
(4) For situations requiring access to a bill acceptor canister at a
time other than the scheduled drop, the date, time, and signature of
employee signing out/in the release key must be documented.
(p) Table game drop box storage rack keys. Persons authorized to
obtain table game drop box storage rack keys shall be precluded from
having simultaneous access to table game drop box contents keys with the
exception of the count team.
(q) Bill acceptor canister storage rack keys. Persons authorized to
obtain bill acceptor canister storage rack keys shall be precluded from
having simultaneous access to bill acceptor canister contents keys with
the exception of the count team.
(r) Table game drop box contents keys. (1) The physical custody of
the keys needed for accessing stored, full table game drop box contents
shall require the involvement of persons from at
[[Page 858]]
least two separate departments, with the exception of the count team.
(2) Access to the table game drop box contents key at other than
scheduled count times shall require the involvement of at least two
persons from separate departments, including management. The reason for
access shall be documented with the signatures of all participants and
observers.
(3) Only count team members shall be allowed access to table game
drop box contents keys during the count process.
(s) Bill acceptor canister contents keys. (1) The physical custody
of the keys needed for accessing stored, full bill acceptor canister
contents shall require involvement of persons from two separate
departments, with the exception of the count team.
(2) Access to the bill acceptor canister contents key at other than
scheduled count times shall require the involvement of at least two
persons from separate departments, one of whom must be a supervisor. The
reason for access shall be documented with the signatures of all
participants and observers.
(3) Only the count team members shall be allowed access to bill
acceptor canister contents keys during the count process.
(t) Emergency drop procedures. Emergency drop procedures shall be
developed by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming
operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority.
(u) Equipment standards for gaming machine count. (1) A weigh scale
calibration module shall be secured so as to prevent unauthorized access
(e.g., prenumbered seal, lock and key, etc.).
(2) A person independent of the cage, vault, gaming machine, and
count team functions shall be required to be present whenever the
calibration module is accessed. Such access shall be documented and
maintained.
(3) If a weigh scale interface is used, it shall be adequately
restricted so as to prevent unauthorized access (passwords, keys, etc.).
(4) If the weigh scale has a zero adjustment mechanism, it shall be
physically limited to minor adjustments (e.g., weight of a bucket) or
physically situated such that any unnecessary adjustments to it during
the weigh process would be observed by other count team members.
(5) The weigh scale and weigh scale interface (if applicable) shall
be tested by a person or persons independent of the cage, vault, and
gaming machine departments and count team at least quarterly. At least
annually, this test shall be performed by internal audit in accordance
with the internal audit standards. The result of these tests shall be
documented and signed by the person or persons performing the test.
(6) Prior to the gaming machine count, at least two employees shall
verify the accuracy of the weigh scale with varying weights or with
varying amounts of previously counted coin for each denomination to
ensure the scale is properly calibrated (varying weights/coin from drop
to drop is acceptable).
(7) If a mechanical coin counter is used (instead of a weigh scale),
the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation as
approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish and
the gaming operation shall comply with procedures that are equivalent to
those described in paragraphs (u)(4), (u)(5), and (u)(6) of this
section.
(8) If a coin meter count machine is used, the count team member
shall record the machine number denomination and number of coins in ink
on a source document, unless the meter machine automatically records
such information.
(i) A count team member shall test the coin meter count machine
before the actual count to ascertain if the metering device is
functioning properly with a predetermined number of coins for each
denomination.
(ii) [Reserved]
Sec. 542.32 What are the minimum internal control standards for
internal audit for Tier B gaming operations?
(a) Internal audit personnel. (1) For Tier B gaming operations, a
separate internal audit department must be maintained. Alternatively,
designating personnel (who are independent with respect to the
departments/procedures being examined) to perform internal
[[Page 859]]
audit work satisfies the requirements of this paragraph.
(2) The internal audit personnel shall report directly to the Tribe,
Tribal gaming regulatory authority, audit committee, or other entity
designated by the Tribe in accordance with the definition of internal
audit in Sec. 542.2.
(b) Audits. (1) Internal audit personnel shall perform audits of all
major gaming areas of the gaming operation. The following shall be
reviewed at least annually:
(i) Bingo, including but not limited to, bingo card control, payout
procedures, and cash reconciliation process;
(ii) Pull tabs, including but not limited to, statistical records,
winner verification, perpetual inventory, and accountability of sales
versus inventory;
(iii) Card games, including but not limited to, card games
operation, cash exchange procedures, shill transactions, and count
procedures;
(iv) Keno, including but not limited to, game write and payout
procedures, sensitive key location and control, and a review of keno
auditing procedures;
(v) Pari-mutual wagering, including write and payout procedures, and
pari-mutual auditing procedures;
(vi) Table games, including but not limited to, fill and credit
procedures, pit credit play procedures, rim credit procedures, soft
drop/count procedures and the subsequent transfer of funds, unannounced
testing of count room currency counters and/or currency interface,
location and control over sensitive keys, the tracing of source
documents to summarized documentation and accounting records, and
reconciliation to restricted copies;
(vii) Gaming machines, including but not limited to, jackpot payout
and gaming machine fill procedures, gaming machine drop/count and bill
acceptor drop/count and subsequent transfer of funds, unannounced
testing of weigh scale and weigh scale interface, unannounced testing of
count room currency counters and/or currency interface, gaming machine
drop cabinet access, tracing of source documents to summarized
documentation and accounting records, reconciliation to restricted
copies, location and control over sensitive keys, compliance with EPROM
duplication procedures, and compliance with MICS procedures for gaming
machines that accept currency or coin(s) and issue cash-out tickets or
gaming machines that do not accept currency or coin(s) and do not return
currency or coin(s);
(viii) Cage and credit procedures including all cage, credit, and
collection procedures, and the reconciliation of trial balances to
physical instruments on a sample basis. Cage accountability shall be
reconciled to the general ledger;
(ix) Information technology functions, including review for
compliance with information technology standards;
(x) Complimentary service or item, including but not limited to,
procedures whereby complimentary service items are issued, authorized,
and redeemed; and
(xi) Any other internal audits as required by the Tribe, Tribal
gaming regulatory authority, audit committee, or other entity designated
by the Tribe.
(2) In addition to the observation and examinations performed under
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, follow-up observations and
examinations shall be performed to verify that corrective action has
been taken regarding all instances of noncompliance cited by internal
audit, the independent accountant, and/or the Commission. The
verification shall be performed within six (6) months following the date
of notification.
(3) Whenever possible, internal audit observations shall be
performed on an unannounced basis (i.e., without the employees being
forewarned that their activities will be observed). Additionally, if the
independent accountant also performs the internal audit function, the
accountant shall perform separate observations of the table games/gaming
machine drops and counts to satisfy the internal audit observation
requirements and independent accountant tests of controls as required by
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants guide.
(c) Documentation. (1) Documentation (e.g., checklists, programs,
reports, etc.) shall be prepared to evidence all
[[Page 860]]
internal audit work performed as it relates to the requirements in this
section, including all instances of noncompliance.
(2) The internal audit department shall operate with audit programs,
which, at a minimum, address the MICS. Additionally, the department
shall properly document the work performed, the conclusions reached, and
the resolution of all exceptions. Institute of Internal Auditors
standards are recommended but not required.
(d) Reports. (1) Reports documenting audits performed shall be
maintained and made available to the Commission upon request.
(2) Such audit reports shall include the following information:
(i) Audit objectives;
(ii) Audit procedures and scope;
(iii) Findings and conclusions;
(iv) Recommendations, if applicable; and
(v) Management's response.
(e) Material exceptions. All material exceptions resulting from
internal audit work shall be investigated and resolved with the results
of such being documented and retained for five years.
(f) Role of management. (1) Internal audit findings shall be
reported to management.
(2) Management shall be required to respond to internal audit
findings stating corrective measures to be taken to avoid recurrence of
the audit exception.
(3) Such management responses shall be included in the internal
audit report that will be delivered to management, the Tribe, Tribal
gaming regulatory authority, audit committee, or other entity designated
by the Tribe.
Sec. 542.33 What are the minimum internal control standards for
surveillance for Tier B gaming operations?
(a) The surveillance system shall be maintained and operated from a
staffed surveillance room and shall provide surveillance over gaming
areas.
(b) The entrance to the surveillance room shall be located so that
it is not readily accessible by either gaming operation employees who
work primarily on the casino floor, or the general public.
(c) Access to the surveillance room shall be limited to surveillance
personnel, designated employees, and other persons authorized in
accordance with the surveillance department policy. Such policy shall be
approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority. The surveillance
department shall maintain a sign-in log of other authorized persons
entering the surveillance room.
(d) Surveillance room equipment shall have total override capability
over all other satellite surveillance equipment located outside the
surveillance room.
(e) The surveillance system shall include date and time generators
that possess the capability to display the date and time of recorded
events on video and/or digital recordings. The displayed date and time
shall not significantly obstruct the recorded view.
(f) The surveillance department shall strive to ensure staff is
trained in the use of the equipment, knowledge of the games, and house
rules.
(g) Each camera required by the standards in this section shall be
installed in a manner that will prevent it from being readily
obstructed, tampered with, or disabled by customers or employees.
(h) Each camera required by the standards in this section shall
possess the capability of having its picture displayed on a monitor and
recorded. The surveillance system shall include sufficient numbers of
monitors and recorders to simultaneously display and record multiple
gaming and count room activities, and record the views of all dedicated
cameras and motion activated dedicated cameras.
(i) Reasonable effort shall be made to repair each malfunction of
surveillance system equipment required by the standards in this section
within seventy-two (72) hours after the malfunction is discovered. The
Tribal gaming regulatory authority shall be notified of any camera(s)
that has malfunctioned for more than twenty-four (24) hours.
(1) In the event of a dedicated camera malfunction, the gaming
operation and/or surveillance department shall
[[Page 861]]
immediately provide alternative camera coverage or other security
measures, such as additional supervisory or security personnel, to
protect the subject activity.
(2) [Reserved]
(j) Bingo. (1) The surveillance system shall possess the capability
to monitor the bingo ball drawing device or random number generator,
which shall be recorded during the course of the draw by a dedicated
camera with sufficient clarity to identify the balls drawn or numbers
selected.
(2) The surveillance system shall monitor and record the game board
and the activities of the employees responsible for drawing, calling,
and entering the balls drawn or numbers selected.
(k) Card games. The surveillance system shall monitor and record
general activities in each card room with sufficient clarity to identify
the employees performing the different functions.
(l) Progressive card games. (1) Progressive card games with a
progressive jackpot of $25,000 or more shall be monitored and recorded
by dedicated cameras that provide coverage of:
(i) The table surface, sufficient that the card values and card
suits can be clearly identified;
(ii) An overall view of the entire table with sufficient clarity to
identify customers and dealer; and
(iii) A view of the posted jackpot amount.
(2) [Reserved]
(m) Keno. (1) The surveillance system shall possess the capability
to monitor the keno ball-drawing device or random number generator,
which shall be recorded during the course of the draw by a dedicated
camera with sufficient clarity to identify the balls drawn or numbers
selected.
(2) The surveillance system shall monitor and record general
activities in each keno game area with sufficient clarity to identify
the employees performing the different functions.
(n) Pari-mutuel. The surveillance system shall monitor and record
general activities in the pari-mutuel area, to include the ticket writer
and cashier areas, with sufficient clarity to identify the employees
performing the different functions.
(o) Table games. (1) Operations with four (4) or more table games.
Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (o)(3), (o)(4), and (o)(5) of
this section, the surveillance system of gaming operations operating
four (4) or more table games shall provide at a minimum one (1) pan-
tilt-zoom camera per two (2) tables and surveillance must be capable of
taping:
(i) With sufficient clarity to identify customers and dealers; and
(ii) With sufficient coverage and clarity to simultaneously view the
table bank and determine the configuration of wagers, card values, and
game outcome.
(iii) One (1) dedicated camera per table and one (1) pan-tilt-zoom
camera per four (4) tables may be an acceptable alternative procedure to
satisfy the requirements of this paragraph.
(2) Operations with three (3) or fewer table games. The surveillance
system of gaming operations operating three (3) or fewer table games
shall:
(i) Comply with the requirements of paragraph (o)(1) of this
section; or
(ii) Have one (1) overhead camera at each table.
(3) Craps. All craps tables shall have two (2) dedicated cross view
cameras covering both ends of the table.
(4) Roulette. All roulette areas shall have one (1) overhead
dedicated camera covering the roulette wheel and shall also have one (1)
dedicated camera covering the play of the table.
(5) Big wheel. All big wheel games shall have one (1) dedicated
camera viewing the wheel.
(p) Progressive table games. (1) Progressive table games with a
progressive jackpot of $25,000 or more shall be monitored and recorded
by dedicated cameras that provide coverage of:
(i) The table surface, sufficient that the card values and card
suits can be clearly identified;
(ii) An overall view of the entire table with sufficient clarity to
identify customers and dealer; and
(iii) A view of the progressive meter jackpot amount. If several
tables are linked to the same progressive jackpot meter, only one meter
need be recorded.
(2) [Reserved]
[[Page 862]]
(q) Gaming machines. (1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs
(q)(2) and (q)(3) of this section, gaming machines offering a payout of
more than $250,000 shall be monitored and recorded by a dedicated
camera(s) to provide coverage of:
(i) All customers and employees at the gaming machine, and
(ii) The face of the gaming machine, with sufficient clarity to
identify the payout line(s) of the gaming machine.
(2) In-house progressive machine. In-house progressive gaming
machines offering a base payout amount (jackpot reset amount) of more
than $100,000 shall be monitored and recorded by a dedicated camera(s)
to provide coverage of:
(i) All customers and employees at the gaming machine; and
(ii) The face of the gaming machine, with sufficient clarity to
identify the payout line(s) of the gaming machine.
(3) Wide-area progressive machine. Wide-area progressive gaming
machines offering a base payout amount of more than $1.5 million and
monitored by an independent vendor utilizing an on-line progressive
computer system shall be monitored and recorded by a dedicated camera(s)
to provide coverage of:
(i) All customers and employees at the gaming machine; and
(ii) The face of the gaming machine, with sufficient clarity to
identify the payout line(s) of the gaming machine.
(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (q)(1) of this section, if the gaming
machine is a multi-game machine, the Tribal gaming regulatory authority,
or the gaming operation subject to the approval of the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, may develop and implement alternative procedures
to verify payouts.
(r) Cage and vault. (1) The surveillance system shall monitor and
record a general overview of activities occurring in each cage and vault
area with sufficient clarity to identify employees within the cage and
customers and employees at the counter areas.
(2) Each cashier station shall be equipped with one (1) dedicated
overhead camera covering the transaction area.
(3) The surveillance system shall provide an overview of cash
transactions. This overview should include the customer, the employee,
and the surrounding area.
(s) Fills and credits. (1) The cage or vault area in which fills and
credits are transacted shall be monitored and recorded by a dedicated
camera or motion activated dedicated camera that provides coverage with
sufficient clarity to identify the chip values and the amounts on the
fill and credit slips.
(2) Controls provided by a computerized fill and credit system may
be deemed an adequate alternative to viewing the fill and credit slips.
(t) Currency and coin. (1) The surveillance system shall monitor and
record with sufficient clarity all areas where currency or coin may be
stored or counted.
(2) The surveillance system shall provide for:
(i) Coverage of scales shall be sufficiently clear to view any
attempted manipulation of the recorded data.
(ii) Monitoring and recording of the table game drop box storage
rack or area by either a dedicated camera or a motion-detector activated
camera.
(iii) Monitoring and recording of all areas where coin may be stored
or counted, including the hard count room, all doors to the hard count
room, all scales and wrapping machines, and all areas where uncounted
coin may be stored during the drop and count process.
(iv) Monitoring and recording of soft count room, including all
doors to the room, all table game drop boxes, safes, and counting
surfaces, and all count team personnel. The counting surface area must
be continuously monitored and recorded by a dedicated camera during the
soft count.
(v) Monitoring and recording of all areas where currency is sorted,
stacked, counted, verified, or stored during the soft count process.
(u) Change booths. The surveillance system shall monitor and record
a general overview of the activities occurring in each gaming machine
change booth.
(v) Video recording and/or digital record retention. (1) All video
recordings and/or digital records of coverage provided by
[[Page 863]]
the dedicated cameras or motion-activated dedicated cameras required by
the standards in this section shall be retained for a minimum of seven
(7) days.
(2) Recordings involving suspected or confirmed gaming crimes,
unlawful activity, or detentions by security personnel, must be retained
for a minimum of thirty (30) days.
(3) Duly authenticated copies of video recordings and/or digital
records shall be provided to the Commission upon request.
(w) Video library log. A video library log, or comparable
alternative procedure approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority, shall be maintained to demonstrate compliance with the
storage, identification, and retention standards required in this
section.
(x) Malfunction and repair log. (1) Surveillance personnel shall
maintain a log or alternative procedure approved by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority that documents each malfunction and repair of the
surveillance system as defined in this section.
(2) The log shall state the time, date, and nature of each
malfunction, the efforts expended to repair the malfunction, and the
date of each effort, the reasons for any delays in repairing the
malfunction, the date the malfunction is repaired, and where applicable,
any alternative security measures that were taken.
(y) Surveillance log. (1) Surveillance personnel shall maintain a
log of all surveillance activities.
(2) Such log shall be maintained by surveillance room personnel and
shall be stored securely within the surveillance department.
(3) At a minimum, the following information shall be recorded in a
surveillance log:
(i) Date;
(ii) Time commenced and terminated;
(iii) Activity observed or performed; and
(iv) The name or license credential number of each person who
initiates, performs, or supervises the surveillance.
(4) Surveillance personnel shall also record a summary of the
results of the surveillance of any suspicious activity. This summary may
be maintained in a separate log.
Sec. 542.40 What is a Tier C gaming operation?
A Tier C gaming operation is one with annual gross gaming revenues
of more than $15 million.
Sec. 542.41 What are the minimum internal control standards for drop
and count for Tier C gaming operations?
(a) Computer applications. For any computer applications utilized,
alternate documentation and/or procedures that provide at least the
level of control described by the standards in this section, as approved
by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, will be acceptable.
(b) Table game drop standards.
(1) The setting out of empty table game drop boxes and the drop
shall be a continuous process.
(2) At the end of each shift:
(i) All locked table game drop boxes shall be removed from the
tables by a person independent of the pit shift being dropped;
(ii) A separate drop box shall be placed on each table opened at any
time during each shift or a gaming operation may utilize a single drop
box with separate openings and compartments for each shift; and
(iii) Upon removal from the tables, table game drop boxes shall be
transported directly to the count room or other equivalently secure area
with comparable controls and locked in a secure manner until the count
takes place.
(3) If drop boxes are not placed on all tables, then the pit
department shall document which tables were open during the shift.
(4) The transporting of table game drop boxes shall be performed by
a minimum of two persons, at least one of whom is independent of the pit
shift being dropped.
(5) All table game drop boxes shall be posted with a number
corresponding to a permanent number on the gaming table and marked to
indicate game, table number, and shift.
(6) Surveillance shall be notified when the drop is to begin so that
surveillance may monitor the activities.
[[Page 864]]
(c) Soft count room personnel. (1) The table game soft count and the
gaming machine bill acceptor count shall be performed by a minimum of
three employees.
(2) Count room personnel shall not be allowed to exit or enter the
count room during the count except for emergencies or scheduled breaks.
At no time during the count, shall there be fewer than three employees
in the count room until the drop proceeds have been accepted into cage/
vault accountability. Surveillance shall be notified whenever count room
personnel exit or enter the count room during the count.
(3) Count team members shall be rotated on a routine basis such that
the count team is not consistently the same three persons more than four
(4) days per week. This standard shall not apply to gaming operations
that utilize a count team of more than three persons.
(4) The count team shall be independent of transactions being
reviewed and counted. The count team shall be independent of the cage/
vault departments, however, an accounting representative may be used if
there is an independent audit of all soft count documentation.
(d) Table game soft count standards. (1) The table game soft count
shall be performed in a soft count room or other equivalently secure
area with comparable controls.
(2) Access to the count room during the count shall be restricted to
members of the drop and count teams, with the exception of authorized
observers, supervisors for resolution of problems, and authorized
maintenance personnel.
(3) If counts from various revenue centers occur simultaneously in
the count room, procedures shall be in effect that prevent the
commingling of funds from different revenue centers.
(4) The table game drop boxes shall be individually emptied and
counted in such a manner to prevent the commingling of funds between
boxes until the count of the box has been recorded.
(i) The count of each box shall be recorded in ink or other
permanent form of recordation.
(ii) A second count shall be performed by an employee on the count
team who did not perform the initial count.
(iii) Corrections to information originally recorded by the count
team on soft count documentation shall be made by drawing a single line
through the error, writing the correct figure above the original figure,
and then obtaining the initials of at least two count team members who
verified the change.
(5) If currency counters are utilized and the count room table is
used only to empty boxes and sort/stack contents, a count team member
shall be able to observe the loading and unloading of all currency at
the currency counter, including rejected currency.
(6) Table game drop boxes, when empty, shall be shown to another
member of the count team, or to another person who is observing the
count, or to surveillance, provided the count is monitored in its
entirety by a person independent of the count.
(7) Orders for fill/credit (if applicable) shall be matched to the
fill/credit slips. Fills and credits shall be traced to or recorded on
the count sheet.
(8) Pit marker issue and payment slips (if applicable) removed from
the table game drop boxes shall either be:
(i) Traced to or recorded on the count sheet by the count team; or
(ii) Totaled by shift and traced to the totals documented by the
computerized system. Accounting personnel shall verify the issue/payment
slip for each table is accurate.
(9) Foreign currency exchange forms (if applicable) removed from the
table game drop boxes shall be reviewed for the proper daily exchange
rate and the conversion amount shall be recomputed by the count team.
Alternatively, this may be performed by accounting/auditing employees.
(10) The opening/closing table and marker inventory forms (if
applicable) shall either be:
(i) Examined and traced to or recorded on the count sheet; or
(ii) If a computerized system is used, accounting personnel can
trace the opening/closing table and marker inventory forms to the count
sheet. Discrepancies shall be investigated with the findings documented
and maintained for inspection.
[[Page 865]]
(11) The count sheet shall be reconciled to the total drop by a
count team member who shall not function as the sole recorder.
(12) All members of the count team shall sign the count document or
a summary report to attest to their participation in the count.
(13) All drop proceeds and cash equivalents that were counted shall
be turned over to the cage or vault cashier (who shall be independent of
the count team) or to an authorized person/employee independent of the
revenue generation and the count process for verification. Such person
shall certify by signature as to the accuracy of the drop proceeds
delivered and received.
(14) The count sheet, with all supporting documents, shall be
delivered to the accounting department by a count team member or a
person independent of the cashiers department. Alternatively, it may be
adequately secured (e.g., locked container to which only accounting
personnel can gain access) until retrieved by the accounting department.
(15) Access to stored, full table game drop boxes shall be
restricted to authorized members of the drop and count teams.
(e) Gaming machine bill acceptor drop standards. (1) A minimum of
three employees shall be involved in the removal of the gaming machine
drop, at least one of who is independent of the gaming machine
department.
(2) All bill acceptor canisters shall be removed only at the time
previously designated by the gaming operation and reported to the Tribal
gaming regulatory authority, except for emergency drops.
(3) Surveillance shall be notified when the drop is to begin so that
surveillance may monitor the activities.
(4) The bill acceptor canisters shall be removed by a person
independent of the gaming machine department then transported directly
to the count room or other equivalently secure area with comparable
controls and locked in a secure manner until the count takes place.
(i) Security shall be provided over the bill acceptor canisters
removed from the gaming machines and awaiting transport to the count
room.
(ii) The transporting of bill acceptor canisters shall be performed
by a minimum of two persons, at least one of who is independent of the
gaming machine department.
(5) All bill acceptor canisters shall be posted with a number
corresponding to a permanent number on the gaming machine.
(f) Gaming machine bill acceptor count standards. (1) The gaming
machine bill acceptor count shall be performed in a soft count room or
other equivalently secure area with comparable controls.
(2) Access to the count room during the count shall be restricted to
members of the drop and count teams, with the exception of authorized
observers, supervisors for resolution of problems, and authorized
maintenance personnel.
(3) If counts from various revenue centers occur simultaneously in
the count room, procedures shall be in effect that prevent the
commingling of funds from different revenue centers.
(4) The bill acceptor canisters shall be individually emptied and
counted in such a manner to prevent the commingling of funds between
canisters until the count of the canister has been recorded.
(i) The count of each canister shall be recorded in ink or other
permanent form of recordation.
(ii) A second count shall be performed by an employee on the count
team who did not perform the initial count.
(iii) Corrections to information originally recorded by the count
team on soft count documentation shall be made by drawing a single line
through the error, writing the correct figure above the original figure,
and then obtaining the initials of at least two count team members who
verified the change.
(5) If currency counters are utilized and the count room table is
used only to empty canisters and sort/stack contents, a count team
member shall be able to observe the loading and unloading of all
currency at the currency counter, including rejected currency.
(6) Canisters, when empty, shall be shown to another member of the
count team, or to another person who is observing the count, or to
surveillance, provided that the count is monitored in
[[Page 866]]
its entirety by a person independent of the count.
(7) The count sheet shall be reconciled to the total drop by a count
team member who shall not function as the sole recorder.
(8) All members of the count team shall sign the count document or a
summary report to attest to their participation in the count.
(9) All drop proceeds and cash equivalents that were counted shall
be turned over to the cage or vault cashier (who shall be independent of
the count team) or to an authorized person/employee independent of the
revenue generation and the count process for verification. Such person
shall certify by signature as to the accuracy of the drop proceeds
delivered and received.
(10) The count sheet, with all supporting documents, shall be
delivered to the accounting department by a count team member or a
person independent of the cashiers department. Alternatively, it may be
adequately secured (e.g., locked container to which only accounting
personnel can gain access) until retrieved by the accounting department.
(11) Access to stored bill acceptor canisters, full or empty, shall
be restricted to:
(i) Authorized members of the drop and count teams; and
(ii) Authorized personnel in an emergency for the resolution of a
problem.
(12) All bill acceptor canisters shall be posted with a number
corresponding to a permanent number on the gaming machine.
(g) Gaming machine coin drop standards. (1) A minimum of three
employees shall be involved in the removal of the gaming machine drop,
at least one of who is independent of the gaming machine department.
(2) All drop buckets shall be removed only at the time previously
designated by the gaming operation and reported to the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, except for emergency drops.
(3) Surveillance shall be notified when the drop is to begin in
order that surveillance may monitor the activities.
(4) Security shall be provided over the buckets removed from the
gaming machine drop cabinets and awaiting transport to the count room.
(5) As each machine is opened, the contents shall be tagged with its
respective machine number if the bucket is not permanently marked with
the machine number. The contents shall be transported directly to the
area designated for the counting of such drop proceeds. If more than one
trip is required to remove the contents of the machines, the filled
carts of coins shall be securely locked in the room designed for
counting or in another equivalently secure area with comparable
controls. There shall be a locked covering on any carts in which the
drop route includes passage out of doors.
(i) Alternatively, a smart bucket system that electronically
identifies and tracks the gaming machine number, and facilitates the
proper recognition of gaming revenue, shall satisfy the requirements of
this paragraph.
(ii) [Reserved]
(6) Each drop bucket in use shall be:
(i) Housed in a locked compartment separate from any other
compartment of the gaming machine and keyed differently than other
gaming machine compartments; and
(ii) Identifiable to the gaming machine from which it is removed. If
the gaming machine is identified with a removable tag that is placed in
the bucket, the tag shall be placed on top of the bucket when it is
collected.
(7) Each gaming machine shall have drop buckets into which coins or
tokens that are retained by the gaming machine are collected. Drop
bucket contents shall not be used to make change or pay hand-paid
payouts.
(8) The collection procedures may include procedures for dropping
gaming machines that have trays instead of drop buckets.
(h) Hard count room personnel. (1) The weigh/count shall be
performed by a minimum of three employees.
(2) At no time during the weigh/count shall there be fewer than
three employees in the count room until the drop proceeds have been
accepted into cage/vault accountability. Surveillance shall be notified
whenever count room personnel exit or enter the count room during the
count.
[[Page 867]]
(i) If the gaming machine count is conducted with a continuous
mechanical count meter that is not reset during the count and is
verified in writing by at least three employees at the start and end of
each denomination count, then one employee may perform the wrap.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) Count team members shall be rotated on a routine basis such that
the count team is not consistently the same three persons more than four
(4) days per week. This standard shall not apply to gaming operations
that utilize a count team of more than three persons.
(4) The count team shall be independent of transactions being
reviewed and counted. The count team shall be independent of the cage/
vault departments, unless they are non-supervisory gaming machine
employees and perform the laborer function only (A non-supervisory
gaming machine employee is defined as a person below the level of gaming
machine shift supervisor). A cage cashier may be used if this person is
not allowed to perform the recording function. An accounting
representative may be used if there is an independent audit of all count
documentation.
(i) Gaming machine coin count and wrap standards. (1) Coins shall
include tokens.
(2) The gaming machine coin count and wrap shall be performed in a
count room or other equivalently secure area with comparable controls.
(i) Alternatively, an on-the-floor drop system utilizing a mobile
scale shall satisfy the requirements of this paragraph, subject to the
following conditions:
(A) The gaming operation shall utilize and maintain an effective on-
line gaming machine monitoring system, as described in Sec.
542.13(m)(3);
(B) Components of the on-the-floor drop system shall include, but
not be limited to, a weigh scale, a laptop computer through which weigh/
count applications are operated, a security camera available for the
mobile scale system, and a VCR to be housed within the video compartment
of the mobile scale. The system may include a mule cart used for mobile
weigh scale system locomotion.
(C) The gaming operation must obtain the security camera available
with the system, and this camera must be added in such a way as to
eliminate tampering.
(D) Prior to the drop, the drop/count team shall ensure the scale
batteries are charged;
(E) Prior to the drop, a videotape shall be inserted into the VCR
used to record the drop in conjunction with the security camera system
and the VCR shall be activated;
(F) The weigh scale test shall be performed prior to removing the
unit from the hard count room for the start of the weigh/drop/count;
(G) Surveillance shall be notified when the weigh/drop/count begins
and shall be capable of monitoring the entire process;
(H) An observer independent of the weigh/drop/count teams
(independent observer) shall remain by the weigh scale at all times and
shall observe the entire weigh/drop/count process;
(I) Physical custody of the key(s) needed to access the laptop and
video compartment shall require the involvement of two persons, one of
whom is independent of the drop and count team;
(J) The mule key (if applicable), the laptop and video compartment
keys, and the remote control for the VCR shall be maintained by a
department independent of the gaming machine department. The appropriate
personnel shall sign out these keys;
(K) A person independent of the weigh/drop/count teams shall be
required to accompany these keys while they are checked out, and observe
each time the laptop compartment is opened;
(L) The laptop access panel shall not be opened outside the hard
count room, except in instances when the laptop must be rebooted as a
result of a crash, lock up, or other situation requiring immediate
corrective action;
(M) User access to the system shall be limited to those employees
required to have full or limited access to complete the weigh/drop/
count; and
(N) When the weigh/drop/count is completed, the independent observer
shall access the laptop compartment,
[[Page 868]]
end the recording session, eject the videotape, and deliver the
videotape to surveillance.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) Access to the count room during the count shall be restricted to
members of the drop and count teams, with the exception of authorized
observers, supervisors for resolution of problems, and authorized
maintenance personnel.
(4) If counts from various revenue centers occur simultaneously in
the count room, procedures shall be in effect that prevent the
commingling of funds from different revenue centers.
(5) The following functions shall be performed in the counting of
the gaming machine drop:
(i) Recorder function, which involves the recording of the gaming
machine count; and
(ii) Count team supervisor function, which involves the control of
the gaming machine weigh and wrap process. The supervisor shall not
perform the initial recording of the weigh/count unless a weigh scale
with a printer is used.
(6) The gaming machine drop shall be counted, wrapped, and
reconciled in such a manner to prevent the commingling of gaming machine
drop coin with coin (for each denomination) from the next gaming machine
drop until the count of the gaming machine drop has been recorded. If
the coins are not wrapped immediately after being weighed or counted,
they shall be secured and not commingled with other coin.
(i) The amount of the gaming machine drop from each machine shall be
recorded in ink or other permanent form of recordation on a gaming
machine count document by the recorder or mechanically printed by the
weigh scale.
(ii) Corrections to information originally recorded by the count
team on gaming machine count documentation shall be made by drawing a
single line through the error, writing the correct figure above the
original figure, and then obtaining the initials of at least two count
team members who verified the change.
(A) If a weigh scale interface is used, corrections to gaming
machine count data shall be made using either of the following:
(1) Drawing a single line through the error on the gaming machine
document, writing the correct figure above the original figure, and then
obtaining the initials of at least two count team employees. If this
procedure is used, an employee independent of the gaming machine
department and count team shall enter the correct figure into the
computer system prior to the generation of related gaming machine
reports; or
(2) During the count process, correct the error in the computer
system and enter the passwords of at least two count team employees. If
this procedure is used, an exception report shall be generated by the
computer system identifying the gaming machine number, the error, the
correction, and the count team employees attesting to the correction.
(B) [Reserved]
(7) If applicable, the weight shall be converted to dollar amounts
before the reconciliation of the weigh to the wrap.
(8) If a coin meter is used, a count team member shall convert the
coin count for each denomination into dollars and shall enter the
results on a summary sheet.
(9) The recorder and at least one other count team member shall sign
the weigh tape and the gaming machine count document attesting to the
accuracy of the weigh/count.
(10) All members of the count team shall sign the count document or
a summary report to attest to their participation in the count.
(11) All drop proceeds and cash equivalents that were counted shall
be turned over to the cage or vault cashier (who shall be independent of
the count team) or to an authorized person/employee independent of the
revenue generation and the count process for verification. Such person
shall certify by signature as to the accuracy of the drop proceeds
delivered and received.
(12) All gaming machine count and wrap documentation, including any
applicable computer storage media, shall be delivered to the accounting
department by a count team member or a person independent of the
cashier's department. Alternatively, it may be
[[Page 869]]
adequately secured (e.g., locked container to which only accounting
personnel can gain access) until retrieved by the accounting department.
(13) If the coins are transported off the property, a second
(alternative) count procedure shall be performed before the coins leave
the property. Any variances shall be documented.
(14) Variances. Large (by denomination, either $1,000 or 2% of the
drop, whichever is less) or unusual (e.g., zero for weigh/count or
patterned for all counts) variances between the weigh/count and wrap
shall be investigated by management personnel independent of the gaming
machine department, count team, and the cage/vault functions on a timely
basis. The results of such investigation shall be documented, maintained
for inspection, and provided to the Tribal gaming regulatory authority
upon request.
(j) Security of the count room inventory during the gaming machine
coin count and wrap. (1) If the count room serves as a coin room and
coin room inventory is not secured so as to preclude access by the count
team, then the following standards shall apply:
(i) At the commencement of the gaming machine count the following
requirements shall be met:
(A) The coin room inventory shall be counted by at least two
employees, one of whom is a member of the count team and the other is
independent of the weigh/count and wrap procedures;
(B) The count in paragraph (j)(1)(i)(A) of this section shall be
recorded on an appropriate inventory form;
(ii) Upon completion of the wrap of the gaming machine drop:
(A) At least two members of the count team (wrap team),
independently from each other, shall count the ending coin room
inventory;
(B) The counts in paragraph (j)(1)(ii)(A) of this section shall be
recorded on a summary report(s) that evidences the calculation of the
final wrap by subtracting the beginning inventory from the sum of the
ending inventory and transfers in and out of the coin room;
(C) The same count team members shall compare the calculated wrap to
the weigh/count, recording the comparison and noting any variances on
the summary report;
(D) A member of the cage/vault department shall count the ending
coin room inventory by denomination and shall reconcile it to the
beginning inventory, wrap, transfers, and weigh/count; and
(E) At the conclusion of the reconciliation, at least two count/wrap
team members and the verifying employee shall sign the summary report(s)
attesting to its accuracy.
(2) If the count room is segregated from the coin room, or if the
coin room is used as a count room and the coin room inventory is secured
to preclude access by the count team, all of the following requirements
shall be completed, at the conclusion of the count:
(i) At least two members of the count/wrap team shall count the
final wrapped gaming machine drop independently from each other;
(ii) The counts shall be recorded on a summary report;
(iii) The same count team members (or the accounting department)
shall compare the final wrap to the weigh/count, recording the
comparison and noting any variances on the summary report;
(iv) A member of the cage/vault department shall count the wrapped
gaming machine drop by denomination and reconcile it to the weigh/count;
(v) At the conclusion of the reconciliation, at least two count team
members and the cage/vault employee shall sign the summary report
attesting to its accuracy; and
(vi) The wrapped coins (exclusive of proper transfers) shall be
transported to the cage, vault or coin vault after the reconciliation of
the weigh/count to the wrap.
(k) Transfers during the gaming machine coin count and wrap. (1)
Transfers may be permitted during the count and wrap only if permitted
under the internal control standards approved by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority.
(2) Each transfer shall be recorded on a separate multi-part form
with a preprinted or concurrently-printed form number (used solely for
gaming machine count transfers) that shall be
[[Page 870]]
subsequently reconciled by the accounting department to ensure the
accuracy of the reconciled gaming machine drop.
(3) Each transfer must be counted and signed for by at least two
members of the count team and by a person independent of the count team
who is responsible for authorizing the transfer.
(l) Gaming machine drop key control standards. (1) Gaming machine
coin drop cabinet keys, including duplicates, shall be maintained by a
department independent of the gaming machine department.
(2) The physical custody of the keys needed to access gaming machine
coin drop cabinets, including duplicates, shall require the involvement
of two persons, one of whom is independent of the gaming machine
department.
(3) Two employees (separate from key custodian) shall be required to
accompany such keys while checked out and observe each time gaming
machine drop cabinets are accessed, unless surveillance is notified each
time keys are checked out and surveillance observes the person
throughout the period the keys are checked out.
(m) Table game drop box key control standards. (1) Procedures shall
be developed and implemented to insure that unauthorized access to empty
table game drop boxes shall not occur from the time the boxes leave the
storage racks until they are placed on the tables.
(2) The involvement of at least two persons independent of the cage
department shall be required to access stored empty table game drop
boxes.
(3) The release keys shall be separately keyed from the contents
keys.
(4) At least three (two for table game drop box keys in operations
with three tables or fewer) count team members are required to be
present at the time count room and other count keys are issued for the
count.
(5) All duplicate keys shall be maintained in a manner that provides
the same degree of control as is required for the original keys. Records
shall be maintained for each key duplicated that indicate the number of
keys made and destroyed.
(6) Logs shall be maintained by the custodian of sensitive keys to
document authorization of personnel accessing keys.
(n) Table game drop box release keys. (1) The table game drop box
release keys shall be maintained by a department independent of the pit
department.
(2) Only the person(s) authorized to remove table game drop boxes
from the tables shall be allowed access to the table game drop box
release keys; however, the count team members may have access to the
release keys during the soft count in order to reset the table game drop
boxes.
(3) Persons authorized to remove the table game drop boxes shall be
precluded from having simultaneous access to the table game drop box
contents keys and release keys.
(4) For situations requiring access to a table game drop box at a
time other than the scheduled drop, the date, time, and signature of
employee signing out/in the release key must be documented.
(o) Bill acceptor canister release keys. (1) The bill acceptor
canister release keys shall be maintained by a department independent of
the gaming machine department.
(2) Only the person(s) authorized to remove bill acceptor canisters
from the gaming machines shall be allowed access to the release keys.
(3) Persons authorized to remove the bill acceptor canisters shall
be precluded from having simultaneous access to the bill acceptor
canister contents keys and release keys.
(4) For situations requiring access to a bill acceptor canister at a
time other than the scheduled drop, the date, time, and signature of
employee signing out/in the release key must be documented.
(p) Table game drop box storage rack keys. (1) A person independent
of the pit department shall be required to accompany the table game drop
box storage rack keys and observe each time table game drop boxes are
removed from or placed in storage racks.
(2) Persons authorized to obtain table game drop box storage rack
keys shall be precluded from having simultaneous access to table game
drop box contents keys with the exception of the count team.
[[Page 871]]
(q) Bill acceptor canister storage rack keys. (1) A person
independent of the gaming machine department shall be required to
accompany the bill acceptor canister storage rack keys and observe each
time canisters are removed from or placed in storage racks.
(2) Persons authorized to obtain bill acceptor canister storage rack
keys shall be precluded from having simultaneous access to bill acceptor
canister contents keys with the exception of the count team.
(r) Table game drop box contents keys. (1) The physical custody of
the keys needed for accessing stored, full table game drop box contents
shall require the involvement of persons from at least two separate
departments, with the exception of the count team.
(2) Access to the table game drop box contents key at other than
scheduled count times shall require the involvement of at least three
persons from separate departments, including management. The reason for
access shall be documented with the signatures of all participants and
observers.
(3) Only count team members shall be allowed access to table game
drop box content keys during the count process.
(s) Bill acceptor canister contents keys. (1) The physical custody
of the keys needed for accessing stored, full bill acceptor canister
contents shall require involvement of persons from two separate
departments, with the exception of the count team.
(2) Access to the bill acceptor canister contents key at other than
scheduled count times shall require the involvement of at least three
persons from separate departments, one of whom must be a supervisor. The
reason for access shall be documented with the signatures of all
participants and observers.
(3) Only the count team members shall be allowed access to bill
acceptor canister contents keys during the count process.
(t) Emergency drop procedures. Emergency drop procedures shall be
developed by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming
operation as approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority.
(u) Equipment standards for gaming machine count. (1) A weigh scale
calibration module shall be secured so as to prevent unauthorized access
(e.g., prenumbered seal, lock and key, etc.).
(2) A person independent of the cage, vault, gaming machine, and
count team functions shall be required to be present whenever the
calibration module is accessed. Such access shall be documented and
maintained.
(3) If a weigh scale interface is used, it shall be adequately
restricted so as to prevent unauthorized access (passwords, keys, etc.).
(4) If the weigh scale has a zero adjustment mechanism, it shall be
physically limited to minor adjustments (e.g., weight of a bucket) or
physically situated such that any unnecessary adjustments to it during
the weigh process would be observed by other count team members.
(5) The weigh scale and weigh scale interface (if applicable) shall
be tested by a person or persons independent of the cage, vault, and
gaming machine departments and count team at least quarterly. At least
annually, this test shall be performed by internal audit in accordance
with the internal audit standards. The result of these tests shall be
documented and signed by the person or persons performing the test.
(6) Prior to the gaming machine count, at least two employees shall
verify the accuracy of the weigh scale with varying weights or with
varying amounts of previously counted coin for each denomination to
ensure the scale is properly calibrated (varying weights/coin from drop
to drop is acceptable).
(7) If a mechanical coin counter is used (instead of a weigh scale),
the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, or the gaming operation as
approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority, shall establish and
the gaming operation shall comply with procedures that are equivalent to
those described in paragraphs (u)(4), (u)(5), and (u)(6) of this
section.
(8) If a coin meter count machine is used, the count team member
shall record the machine number denomination and number of coins in ink
on a source document, unless the meter machine automatically records
such information.
(i) A count team member shall test the coin meter count machine
before
[[Page 872]]
the actual count to ascertain if the metering device is functioning
properly with a predetermined number of coins for each denomination.
(ii) [Reserved]
Sec. 542.42 What are the minimum internal control standards for internal
audit for Tier C gaming operations?
(a) Internal audit personnel. (1) For Tier C gaming operations, a
separate internal audit department shall be maintained whose primary
function is performing internal audit work and that is independent with
respect to the departments subject to audit.
(2) The internal audit personnel shall report directly to the Tribe,
Tribal gaming regulatory authority, audit committee, or other entity
designated by the Tribe in accordance with the definition of internal
audit in Sec. 542.2.
(b) Audits. (1) Internal audit personnel shall perform audits of all
major gaming areas of the gaming operation. The following shall be
reviewed at least annually:
(i) Bingo, including but not limited to, bingo card control, payout
procedures, and cash reconciliation process;
(ii) Pull tabs, including but not limited to, statistical records,
winner verification, perpetual inventory, and accountability of sales
versus inventory;
(iii) Card games, including but not limited to, card games
operation, cash exchange procedures, shill transactions, and count
procedures;
(iv) Keno, including but not limited to, game write and payout
procedures, sensitive key location and control, and a review of keno
auditing procedures;
(v) Pari-mutual wagering, including write and payout procedures, and
pari-mutual auditing procedures;
(vi) Table games, including but not limited to, fill and credit
procedures, pit credit play procedures, rim credit procedures, soft
drop/count procedures and the subsequent transfer of funds, unannounced
testing of count room currency counters and/or currency interface,
location and control over sensitive keys, the tracing of source
documents to summarized documentation and accounting records, and
reconciliation to restricted copies;
(vii) Gaming machines, including but not limited to, jackpot payout
and gaming machine fill procedures, gaming machine drop/count and bill
acceptor drop/count and subsequent transfer of funds, unannounced
testing of weigh scale and weigh scale interface, unannounced testing of
count room currency counters and/or currency interface, gaming machine
drop cabinet access, tracing of source documents to summarized
documentation and accounting records, reconciliation to restricted
copies, location and control over sensitive keys, compliance with EPROM
duplication procedures, and compliance with MICS procedures for gaming
machines that accept currency or coin(s) and issue cash-out tickets or
gaming machines that do not accept currency or coin(s) and do not return
currency or coin(s);
(viii) Cage and credit procedures including all cage, credit, and
collection procedures, and the reconciliation of trial balances to
physical instruments on a sample basis. Cage accountability shall be
reconciled to the general ledger;
(ix) Information technology functions, including review for
compliance with information technology standards;
(x) Complimentary service or item, including but not limited to,
procedures whereby complimentary service items are issued, authorized,
and redeemed; and
(xi) Any other internal audits as required by the Tribe, Tribal
gaming regulatory authority, audit committee, or other entity designated
by the Tribe.
(2) In addition to the observation and examinations performed under
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, follow-up observations and
examinations shall be performed to verify that corrective action has
been taken regarding all instances of noncompliance cited by internal
audit, the independent accountant, and/or the Commission. The
verification shall be performed within six (6) months following the date
of notification.
(3) Whenever possible, internal audit observations shall be
performed on an unannounced basis (i.e., without the employees being
forewarned that their
[[Page 873]]
activities will be observed). Additionally, if the independent
accountant also performs the internal audit function, the accountant
shall perform separate observations of the table games/gaming machine
drops and counts to satisfy the internal audit observation requirements
and independent accountant tests of controls as required by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants guide.
(c) Documentation. (1) Documentation (e.g., checklists, programs,
reports, etc.) shall be prepared to evidence all internal audit work
performed as it relates to the requirements in this section, including
all instances of noncompliance.
(2) The internal audit department shall operate with audit programs,
which, at a minimum, address the MICS. Additionally, the department
shall properly document the work performed, the conclusions reached, and
the resolution of all exceptions. Institute of Internal Auditors
standards are recommended but not required.
(d) Reports. (1) Reports documenting audits performed shall be
maintained and made available to the Commission upon request.
(2) Such audit reports shall include the following information:
(i) Audit objectives;
(ii) Audit procedures and scope;
(iii) Findings and conclusions;
(iv) Recommendations, if applicable; and
(v) Management's response.
(e) Material exceptions. All material exceptions resulting from
internal audit work shall be investigated and resolved with the results
of such being documented and retained for five years.
(f) Role of management. (1) Internal audit findings shall be
reported to management.
(2) Management shall be required to respond to internal audit
findings stating corrective measures to be taken to avoid recurrence of
the audit exception.
(3) Such management responses shall be included in the internal
audit report that will be delivered to management, the Tribe, Tribal
gaming regulatory authority, audit committee, or other entity designated
by the Tribe.
Sec. 542.43 What are the minimum internal control standards for
surveillance for a Tier C gaming operation?
(a) The surveillance system shall be maintained and operated from a
staffed surveillance room and shall provide surveillance over gaming
areas.
(b) The entrance to the surveillance room shall be located so that
it is not readily accessible by either gaming operation employees who
work primarily on the casino floor, or the general public.
(c) Access to the surveillance room shall be limited to surveillance
personnel, designated employees, and other persons authorized in
accordance with the surveillance department policy. Such policy shall be
approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory authority. The surveillance
department shall maintain a sign-in log of other authorized persons
entering the surveillance room.
(d) Surveillance room equipment shall have total override capability
over all other satellite surveillance equipment located outside the
surveillance room.
(e) In the event of power loss to the surveillance system, an
auxiliary or backup power source shall be available and capable of
providing immediate restoration of power to all elements of the
surveillance system that enable surveillance personnel to observe the
table games remaining open for play and all areas covered by dedicated
cameras. Auxiliary or backup power sources such as a UPS System, backup
generator, or an alternate utility supplier, satisfy this requirement.
(f) The surveillance system shall include date and time generators
that possess the capability to display the date and time of recorded
events on video and/or digital recordings. The displayed date and time
shall not significantly obstruct the recorded view.
(g) The surveillance department shall strive to ensure staff is
trained in the use of the equipment, knowledge of the games, and house
rules.
(h) Each camera required by the standards in this section shall be
installed in a manner that will prevent it
[[Page 874]]
from being readily obstructed, tampered with, or disabled by customers
or employees.
(i) Each camera required by the standards in this section shall
possess the capability of having its picture displayed on a monitor and
recorded. The surveillance system shall include sufficient numbers of
monitors and recorders to simultaneously display and record multiple
gaming and count room activities, and record the views of all dedicated
cameras and motion activated dedicated cameras.
(j) Reasonable effort shall be made to repair each malfunction of
surveillance system equipment required by the standards in this section
within seventy-two (72) hours after the malfunction is discovered. The
Tribal gaming regulatory authority shall be notified of any camera(s)
that has malfunctioned for more than twenty-four (24) hours.
(1) In the event of a dedicated camera malfunction, the gaming
operation and/or the surveillance department shall immediately provide
alternative camera coverage or other security measures, such as
additional supervisory or security personnel, to protect the subject
activity.
(2) [Reserved]
(k) Bingo. (1) The surveillance system shall possess the capability
to monitor the bingo ball drawing device or random number generator,
which shall be recorded during the course of the draw by a dedicated
camera with sufficient clarity to identify the balls drawn or numbers
selected.
(2) The surveillance system shall monitor and record the game board
and the activities of the employees responsible for drawing, calling,
and entering the balls drawn or numbers selected.
(l) Card games. The surveillance system shall monitor and record
general activities in each card room with sufficient clarity to identify
the employees performing the different functions.
(m) Progressive card games. (1) Progressive card games with a
progressive jackpot of $25,000 or more shall be monitored and recorded
by dedicated cameras that provide coverage of:
(i) The table surface, sufficient that the card values and card
suits can be clearly identified;
(ii) An overall view of the entire table with sufficient clarity to
identify customers and dealer; and
(iii) A view of the posted jackpot amount.
(2) [Reserved]
(n) Keno. (1) The surveillance system shall possess the capability
to monitor the keno ball-drawing device or random number generator,
which shall be recorded during the course of the draw by a dedicated
camera with sufficient clarity to identify the balls drawn or numbers
selected.
(2) The surveillance system shall monitor and record general
activities in each keno game area with sufficient clarity to identify
the employees performing the different functions.
(o) Pari-mutuel. The surveillance system shall monitor and record
general activities in the pari-mutuel area, to include the ticket writer
and cashier areas, with sufficient clarity to identify the employees
performing the different functions.
(p) Table games. (1) Operations with four (4) or more table games.
Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (p)(3), (p)(4), and (p)(5) of
this section, the surveillance system of gaming operations operating
four (4) or more table games shall provide at a minimum one (1) pan-
tilt-zoom camera per two (2) tables and surveillance must be capable of
taping:
(i) With sufficient clarity to identify customers and dealers; and
(ii) With sufficient coverage and clarity to simultaneously view the
table bank and determine the configuration of wagers, card values, and
game outcome.
(iii) One (1) dedicated camera per table and one (1) pan-tilt-zoom
camera per four (4) tables may be an acceptable alternative procedure to
satisfy the requirements of this paragraph.
(2) Operations with three (3) or fewer table games. The surveillance
system of gaming operations operating three (3) or fewer table games
shall:
(i) Comply with the requirements of paragraph (p)(1) of this
section; or
(ii) Have one (1) overhead camera at each table.
(3) Craps. All craps tables shall have two (2) dedicated cross view
cameras covering both ends of the table.
[[Page 875]]
(4) Roulette. All roulette areas shall have one (1) overhead
dedicated camera covering the roulette wheel and shall also have one (1)
dedicated camera covering the play of the table.
(5) Big wheel. All big wheel games shall have one (1) dedicated
camera viewing the wheel.
(q) Progressive table games. (1) Progressive table games with a
progressive jackpot of $25,000 or more shall be monitored and recorded
by dedicated cameras that provide coverage of:
(i) The table surface, sufficient that the card values and card
suits can be clearly identified;
(ii) An overall view of the entire table with sufficient clarity to
identify customers and dealer; and
(iii) A view of the progressive meter jackpot amount. If several
tables are linked to the same progressive jackpot meter, only one meter
need be recorded.
(2) [Reserved]
(r) Gaming machines. (1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs
(r)(2) and (r)(3) of this section, gaming machines offering a payout of
more than $250,000 shall be monitored and recorded by a dedicated
camera(s) to provide coverage of:
(i) All customers and employees at the gaming machine, and
(ii) The face of the gaming machine, with sufficient clarity to
identify the payout line(s) of the gaming machine.
(2) In-house progressive machine. In-house progressive gaming
machines offering a base payout amount (jackpot reset amount) of more
than $100,000 shall be monitored and recorded by a dedicated camera(s)
to provide coverage of:
(i) All customers and employees at the gaming machine; and
(ii) The face of the gaming machine, with sufficient clarity to
identify the payout line(s) of the gaming machine.
(3) Wide-area progressive machine. Wide-area progressive gaming
machines offering a base payout amount of more than $1.5 million and
monitored by an independent vendor utilizing an on-line progressive
computer system shall be monitored and recorded by a dedicated camera(s)
to provide coverage of:
(i) All customers and employees at the gaming machine; and
(ii) The face of the gaming machine, with sufficient clarity to
identify the payout line(s) of the gaming machine.
(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (r)(1) of this section, if the gaming
machine is a multi-game machine, the Tribal gaming regulatory authority,
or the gaming operation subject to the approval of the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority, may develop and implement alternative procedures
to verify payouts.
(s) Cage and vault. (1) The surveillance system shall monitor and
record a general overview of activities occurring in each cage and vault
area with sufficient clarity to identify employees within the cage and
customers and employees at the counter areas.
(2) Each cashier station shall be equipped with one (1) dedicated
overhead camera covering the transaction area.
(3) The surveillance system shall provide an overview of cash
transactions. This overview should include the customer, the employee,
and the surrounding area.
(t) Fills and credits. (1) The cage or vault area in which fills and
credits are transacted shall be monitored and recorded by a dedicated
camera or motion activated dedicated camera that provides coverage with
sufficient clarity to identify the chip values and the amounts on the
fill and credit slips.
(2) Controls provided by a computerized fill and credit system maybe
deemed an adequate alternative to viewing the fill and credit slips.
(u) Currency and coin. (1) The surveillance system shall monitor and
record with sufficient clarity all areas where currency or coin may be
stored or counted.
(2) Audio capability of the soft count room shall also be
maintained.
(3) The surveillance system shall provide for:
(i) Coverage of scales shall be sufficiently clear to view any
attempted manipulation of the recorded data.
(ii) Monitoring and recording of the table game drop box storage
rack or area by either a dedicated camera or a motion-detector activated
camera.
[[Page 876]]
(iii) Monitoring and recording of all areas where coin may be stored
or counted, including the hard count room, all doors to the hard count
room, all scales and wrapping machines, and all areas where uncounted
coin may be stored during the drop and count process.
(iv) Monitoring and recording of soft count room, including all
doors to the room, all table game drop boxes, safes, and counting
surfaces, and all count team personnel. The counting surface area must
be continuously monitored and recorded by a dedicated camera during the
soft count.
(v) Monitoring and recording of all areas where currency is sorted,
stacked, counted, verified, or stored during the soft count process.
(v) Change booths. The surveillance system shall monitor and record
a general overview of the activities occurring in each gaming machine
change booth.
(w) Video recording and/or digital record retention.
(1) All video recordings and/or digital records of coverage provided
by the dedicated cameras or motion-activated dedicated cameras required
by the standards in this section shall be retained for a minimum of
seven (7) days.
(2) Recordings involving suspected or confirmed gaming crimes,
unlawful activity, or detentions by security personnel, must be retained
for a minimum of thirty (30) days.
(3) Duly authenticated copies of video recordings and/or digital
records shall be provided to the Commission upon request.
(x) Video library log. A video library log, or comparable
alternative procedure approved by the Tribal gaming regulatory
authority, shall be maintained to demonstrate compliance with the
storage, identification, and retention standards required in this
section.
(y) Malfunction and repair log. (1) Surveillance personnel shall
maintain a log or alternative procedure approved by the Tribal gaming
regulatory authority that documents each malfunction and repair of the
surveillance system as defined in this section.
(2) The log shall state the time, date, and nature of each
malfunction, the efforts expended to repair the malfunction, and the
date of each effort, the reasons for any delays in repairing the
malfunction, the date the malfunction is repaired, and where applicable,
any alternative security measures that were taken.
(z) Surveillance log. (1) Surveillance personnel shall maintain a
log of all surveillance activities.
(2) Such log shall be maintained by surveillance room personnel and
shall be stored securely within the surveillance department.
(3) At a minimum, the following information shall be recorded in a
surveillance log:
(i) Date;
(ii) Time commenced and terminated;
(iii) Activity observed or performed; and
(iv) The name or license credential number of each person who
initiates, performs, or supervises the surveillance.
(4) Surveillance personnel shall also record a summary of the
results of the surveillance of any suspicious activity. This summary may
be maintained in a separate log.
PARTS 543 549 [RESERVED]
[[Page 877]]
SUBCHAPTER E_GAMING LICENSES AND BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS FOR KEY
EMPLOYEES AND PRIMARY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS
PARTS 550 555 [RESERVED]
PART 556_BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS FOR PRIMARY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS AND
KEY EMPLOYEES--Table of Contents
Sec.
556.1 Scope of this part.
556.2 Privacy notice.
556.3 Notice regarding false statements.
556.4 Background investigations.
556.5 Report to Commission.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2706, 2710, 2712.
Source: 58 FR 5813, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 556.1 Scope of this part.
Unless a tribal-state compact allocates sole jurisdiction to an
entity other than a tribe with respect to background investigations, the
requirements of this part apply to all class II and class III gaming.
[58 FR 5810, Jan. 22, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 16494, Mar. 29, 1993]
Sec. 556.2 Privacy notice.
(a) A tribe shall place the following notice on the application form
for a key employee or a primary management official before that form is
filled out by an applicant:
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 requested
information is to determine the eligibility of individuals to be
employed in a gaming operation. The information will be used by 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 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 National Indian Gaming Commission in
connection with the hiring or firing of an employee, the issuance 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's being
unable to hire you in 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 tribe shall notify in writing existing key employees and
primary management officials that they shall either:
(1) Complete a new application form that contains a Privacy Act
notice; or
(2) Sign a statement that contains the Privacy Act notice and
consent to the routine uses described in that notice.
Sec. 556.3 Notice regarding false statements.
(a) A tribe shall place the following notice on the application form
for a key employee or a primary management official before that form is
filled out by an applicant:
A false statement on any part of your application may be grounds for
not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. Also, you may be
punished by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, title 18, section 1001)
(b) A tribe shall notify in writing existing key employees and
primary management officials that they shall either:
(1) Complete a new application form that contains a notice regarding
false statements; or
(2) Sign a statement that contains the notice regarding false
statements.
Sec. 556.4 Background investigations.
A tribe shall perform a background investigation for each primary
management official and for each key employee of a gaming operation.
(a) A tribe shall request from each primary management official and
from each key employee all of the following information:
(1) Full name, other names used (oral or written), social security
number(s),
[[Page 878]]
birth date, place of birth, citizenship, gender, all languages (spoken
or written);
(2) Currently and for the previous 5 years: business and employment
positions held, ownership interests in those businesses, business and
residence addresses, and drivers license numbers;
(3) The names and current addresses of at least three personal
references, including one personal reference who was acquainted with the
applicant during each period of residence listed under paragraph (a)(2)
of this section;
(4) Current business and residence telephone numbers;
(5) A description of any existing and previous business
relationships with Indian tribes, including ownership interests in those
businesses;
(6) A description of any existing and previous business
relationships with the gaming industry generally, including ownership
interests in those businesses;
(7) The name and address of any licensing or regulatory agency with
which the person has filed an application for a license or permit
related to gaming, whether or not such license or permit was granted;
(8) 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;
(9) For each misdemeanor conviction or ongoing misdemeanor
prosecution (excluding minor traffic violations) within 10 years of the
date of the application, the name and address of the court involved and
the date and disposition;
(10) 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 (a)(8) or (a)(9) of this section, the criminal
charge, the name and address of the court involved and the date and
disposition;
(11) 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;
(12) A photograph;
(13) Any other information a tribe deems relevant; and
(14) Fingerprints consistent with procedures adopted by a tribe
according to Sec. 522.2(h) of this chapter.
(b) A tribe shall conduct an investigation sufficient to make a
determination under Sec. 558.2 of this chapter. In conducting a
background investigation, a tribe or its agents shall promise to keep
confidential the identity of each person interviewed in the course of
the investigation.
(c) If the Commission has received an investigative report
concerning an individual who another tribe wishes to employ as a key
employee or primary management official and if the second tribe has
access to the investigative materials held by the first tribe, the
second tribe may update the investigation and update the investigative
report under Sec. 556.5(b) of this part.
Sec. 556.5 Report to Commission.
(a) When a tribe employs a primary management official or a key
employee, the tribe shall forward to the Commission a completed
application containing the information listed under Sec. 556.4(a)(1)-
(13) of this part.
(b) Before issuing a license to a primary management official or to
a key employee, a tribe shall forward to the Commission an investigative
report on each background investigation. 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) When a tribe forwards its report to the Commission, it shall
include a copy of the eligibility determination made under Sec. 558.2
of this chapter.
(d) If a tribe does not license an applicant--
(1) The tribe shall notify the Commission; and
(2) May forward copies of its eligibility determination under Sec.
558.2 and investigative report (if any) under Sec. 556.5(b) to the
Commission for inclusion in the Indian Gaming Individuals Record System.
[[Page 879]]
PART 557 [RESERVED]
PART 558_GAMING LICENSES FOR KEY EMPLOYEES AND PRIMARY MANAGEMENT
OFFICIALS--Table of Contents
Sec.
558.1 Scope of this part.
558.2 Eligibility determination for employment in a gaming operation.
558.3 Procedures for forwarding applications and reports for key
employees and primary management officials to the Commission.
558.4 Granting a gaming license.
558.5 License suspension.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2706, 2710, 2712.
Source: 58 FR 5814, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 558.1 Scope of this part.
Unless a tribal-state compact allocates responsibility to an entity
other than a tribe:
(a) The licensing authority for class II or class III gaming is a
tribal authority.
(b) A tribe shall develop licensing procedures for all employees of
a gaming operation. The procedures and standards of part 556 of this
chapter and the procedures and standards of this part apply only to
primary management officials and key employees.
(c) For primary management officials or key employees, a tribe shall
retain applications for employment and reports (if any) of background
investigations for inspection by the Chairman or his or her designee for
no less than three (3) years from the date of termination of employment.
(d) A right to a hearing under Sec. 558.5 of this part shall vest
only upon receipt of a license granted under an ordinance approved by
the Chairman.
[58 FR 5814, Jan. 22, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 16494, Mar. 29, 1993]
Sec. 558.2 Eligibility determination for employment in a gaming operation.
An authorized tribal official shall review a person's prior
activities, criminal record, if any, and reputation, habits and
associations to make a finding concerning the eligibility of a key
employee or a primary management official for employment in a gaming
operation. If the authorized tribal official, in applying the standards
adopted in a tribal ordinance, determines that employment of the person
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 and methods and activities in the conduct of gaming, a
management contractor or a tribal gaming operation shall not employ that
person in a key employee or primary management official position.
[58 FR 5814, Jan. 22, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 16494, Mar. 29, 1993]
Sec. 558.3 Procedures for forwarding applications and reports for key
employees and primary management officials to the Commission.
(a) When a key employee or a primary management official begins work
at a gaming operation, a tribe shall:
(1) Forward to the Commission a completed application for employment
that contains the notices and information listed in Sec. Sec. 556.2,
556.3 and 556.4 of this chapter; and
(2) Conduct a background investigation under part 556 of this
chapter to determine the eligibility of the key employee or primary
management official for continued employment in a gaming operation.
(b) Upon completion of a background investigation and a
determination of eligibility for employment in a gaming operation under
paragraph (a)(2) of this section, a tribe shall forward a report under
Sec. 556.5(b) of this chapter to the Commission within 60 days after an
employee begins work or within 60 days of the Chairman's approval of an
ordinance under part 523. A gaming operation shall not employ a key
employee or primary management official who does not have a license
after 90 days.
(c) During a 30-day period beginning when the Commission receives a
report submitted under paragraph (b) of this section, the Chairman may
request additional information from a tribe concerning a key employee or
a primary management official who is the subject of a report. Such a
request shall suspend the 30-day period until the Chairman receives the
additional information.
[[Page 880]]
Sec. 558.4 Granting a gaming license.
(a) If, within the 30-day period described in Sec. 558.3(c) of this
part, the Commission notifies a 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 for whom the tribe has
provided an application and investigative report to the Commission
pursuant to Sec. 558.3 (a) and (b) of this part, the tribe may go
forward and issue a license to such applicant.
(b) If, within the 30-day period described in Sec. 558.3(c) of this
part, the Commission provides the tribe with a statement itemizing
objections to the issuance of a license to a key employee or to a
primary management official for whom the tribe has provided an
application and investigative report to the Commission pursuant to Sec.
558.3 (a) and (b) of this part, the tribe shall reconsider the
application, taking into account the objections itemized by the
Commission. The tribe shall make the final decision whether to issue a
license to such applicant.
Sec. 558.5 License suspension.
(a) If, after the issuance of a gaming license, the Commission
receives reliable information indicating that a key employee or a
primary management official is not eligible for employment under Sec.
558.2 of this part, the Commission shall notify the tribe that issued a
gaming license.
(b) Upon receipt of such notification under paragraph (a) of this
section, a tribe shall suspend such license and shall notify in writing
the licensee of the suspension and the proposed revocation.
(c) A tribe shall notify the licensee of a time and a place for a
hearing on the proposed revocation of a license.
(d) After a revocation hearing, a tribe shall decide to revoke or to
reinstate a gaming license. A tribe shall notify the Commission of its
decision.
PART 559 [RESERVED]
SUBCHAPTER F [RESERVED]
PARTS 560 569 [RESERVED]
[[Page 881]]
SUBCHAPTER G_COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS
PART 570 [RESERVED]
PART 571_MONITORING AND INVESTIGATIONS--Table of Contents
Subpart A_General
Sec.
571.1 Scope.
571.2 Definitions.
571.3 Confidentiality.
Subpart B_Inspection of Books and Records
571.5 Entry of premises.
571.6 Access to papers, books, and records.
571.7 Maintenance and preservation of papers and records.
Subpart C_Subpoenas and Depositions
571.8 Subpoena of witnesses.
571.9 Subpoena of documents and other items.
571.10 Geographical location.
571.11 Depositions.
Subpart D_Audits
571.12 Audit standards.
571.13 Copies of audit reports.
571.14 Relationship of audited financial statements to fee assessment
reports.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2706(b), 2710(b)(2)(C), 2715, 2716.
Source: 58 FR 5842, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A_General
Sec. 571.1 Scope.
This part sets forth general procedures governing Commission
monitoring and investigations of Indian gaming operations.
Sec. 571.2 Definitions.
As used in this subchapter, the following terms have the specified
meanings:
Commission's authorized representative means any persons who is
authorized to act on behalf of the Commission for the purpose of
implementing the Act and this chapter.
Day means calendar day unless otherwise specified.
Hearing means that part of a proceeding that involves the submission
of evidence to the presiding official, either by oral presentation or
written submission.
Party means the Chairman, the respondent(s), and any other person
named or admitted as a party to a proceeding.
Person means an individual, Indian tribe, corporation, partnership,
or other organization or entity.
Presiding official means a person designated by the Commission who
is qualified to conduct an administrative hearing and authorized to
administer oaths, and has had no previous role in the prosecution of a
matter over which he or she will preside.
Respondent means a person against whom the Commission is seeking
civil penalties under section 2713 of the Act.
Violation means a violation of applicable federal or tribal
statutes, regulations, ordinances, or resolutions.
[58 FR 5842, Jan. 22, 1993; 58 FR 8449, Feb. 12, 1993, as amended at 58
FR 16494, Mar. 29, 1993]
Sec. 571.3 Confidentiality.
Unless confidentiality is waived, the Commission shall treat as
confidential any and all information received under the Act that falls
within the exemptions of 5 U.S.C. 552(b) (4) and (7); except that when
such information indicates a violation of Federal, State, or tribal
statutes, regulations, ordinances, or resolutions, the Commission shall
provide such information to appropriate law enforcement officials. The
confidentiality of documents submitted in a multiple-party proceeding
under part 577 of this chapter is addressed in Sec. 577.8 of this
chapter.
Subpart B_Inspection of Books and Records
Sec. 571.5 Entry of premises.
(a) The Commission's authorized representative may enter the
premises of an Indian gaming operation to inspect,
[[Page 882]]
examine, photocopy, and audit all papers, books, and records (including
computer records) concerning:
(1) Gross revenues of class II gaming conducted on Indian lands; and
(2) Any other matters necessary to carry out the duties of the
Commission under the Act and this chapter.
(b) The Commission's authorized representative shall present
official identification upon entering a gaming operation for the purpose
of enforcing the Act.
Sec. 571.6 Access to papers, books, and records.
(a) Once the Commission's authorized representative presents proper
identification, a gaming operation shall provide the authorized
representative with access to all papers, books, and records (including
computer records) concerning class II gaming or any other matters for
which the Commission requires such access to carry out its duties under
the Act.
(b) If such papers, books, and records are not available at the
location of the gaming operation, the gaming operation shall make them
available at a time and place convenient to the Commission's authorized
representative.
(c) Upon the request of the Commission's authorized representative,
the gaming operation shall photocopy, or allow the Commission's
authorized representative to photocopy, any papers, books, and records
that are requested by the Commission's authorized representative.
Sec. 571.7 Maintenance and preservation of papers and records.
(a) A gaming operation shall keep permanent books of account or
records, including inventory records of gaming supplies, sufficient to
establish the amount of gross and net income, deductions and expenses,
receipts and disbursements, and other information required in any
financial statement, report, or other accounting prepared pursuant to
the Act or this chapter.
(b) The Commission may require a gaming operation to submit
statements, reports, or accountings, or keep specific records, that will
enable the Commission to determine whether or not such operation:
(1) Is liable for fees payable to the Commission and in what amount;
and
(2) Has properly and completely accounted for all transactions and
other matters monitored by the Commission.
(c) Books or records required by this section shall be kept at all
times available for inspection by the Commission's authorized
representatives. They shall be retained for no less than five (5) years.
(d) A gaming operation shall maintain copies of all enforcement
actions that a tribe or a state has taken against the operation, noting
the final disposition of each case.
Subpart C_Subpoenas and Depositions
Sec. 571.8 Subpoena of witnesses.
By majority vote the Commission may authorize the Chairman to
require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses relating
to any matter under consideration or investigation by the Commission.
Witnesses so summoned shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are
paid to witnesses in the courts of the United States.
Sec. 571.9 Subpoena of documents and other items.
By majority vote the Commission may authorize the Chairman to
require by subpoena the production of certain documents and other items
that are material and relevant to facts in issue in any matter under
consideration or investigation by the Commission.
Sec. 571.10 Geographical location.
The attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and
documents, may be required from any place in the United States at any
designated place of hearing.
Sec. 571.11 Depositions.
(a) Any party wishing to depose a witness shall file a request with
the Commission or, if a presiding official has been designated under
part 577 of this chapter, to the presiding official. Such a request
shall not be granted except for good cause shown. A Commissioner or a
presiding official may order testimony to be taken by deposition in
[[Page 883]]
any proceeding or investigation pending before the Commission at any
stage of such proceeding or investigation, except that Commission
personnel may not be questioned by deposition for the purposes of
discovery, but may be questioned by written interrogatories as
authorized by the Commission or a presiding official. Commission records
are not subject to discovery under this chapter. The inspection of
Commission records is governed by Sec. 571.3 of this part and the
Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. Depositions under this section
may be taken before any person designated by the Commission or a
presiding official, and who has the power to administer oaths.
(b) A party or a Commissioner (or a person designated by a
Commissioner under paragraph (a) of this section) proposing to take a
deposition under this section shall give reasonable notice to the
Commission and the parties, if any, of the taking of a deposition.
Notice shall include the name of the witness and the time and place of
the deposition.
(c) Every person deposed under this part shall be notified of his or
her right to be represented by counsel during the deposition, and shall
be required to swear or affirm to testify to the whole truth. Testimony
shall be reduced to writing and subscribed by the deponent. Depositions
shall be filed promptly with the Commission or, if a presiding official
has been designated, with the presiding official.
(d) Witnesses whose depositions are taken as authorized in this
section, and the persons taking the same, shall be severally entitled to
the same fees as are paid for like services in the courts of the United
States.
Subpart D_Audits
Sec. 571.12 Audit standards.
A tribe shall engage an independent certified public accountant to
provide an annual audit of the financial statements of each gaming
operation on Indian lands. Such financial statements shall be prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the
audit(s) shall be conducted in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Audit(s) of the gaming operation required under this
section may be conducted in conjunction with any other independent audit
of the tribe, provided that the requirements of this chapter are met.
Sec. 571.13 Copies of audit reports.
A tribe shall submit to the Commission a copy of the report(s) and
management letter(s) setting forth the results of each annual audit
within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the gaming
operation.
Sec. 571.14 Relationship of audited financial statements to fee assessment
reports.
A tribe shall reconcile its quarterly fee assessment reports,
submitted under 25 CFR part 514, with its audited financial statements
and make available such reconciliation upon request by the Commission's
authorized representative.
PART 572 [RESERVED]
PART 573_ENFORCEMENT--Table of Contents
Sec.
573.1 Scope.
573.3 Notice of violation.
573.6 Order of temporary closure.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2705(a)(1), 2706, 2713, 2715.
Source: 58 FR 5844, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 573.1 Scope.
This part sets forth general rules governing the Commission's
enforcement of the Act, this chapter, and tribal ordinances and
resolutions approved by the Chairman under part 522 or 523 of this
chapter. Civil fines in connection with notice of violation issued under
this part are addressed in part 575 of this chapter.
Sec. 573.3 Notice of violation.
(a) The Chairman may issue a notice of violation to any person for
violations of any provision of the Act or this chapter, or of any tribal
ordinance or resolution approved by the Chairman under part 522 or 523
of this chapter.
[[Page 884]]
(b) A notice of violation shall contain:
(1) A citation to the federal or tribal requirement that has been or
is being violated;
(2) A description of the circumstances surrounding the violation,
set forth in common and concise language;
(3) Measures required to correct the violation;
(4) A reasonable time for correction, if the respondent cannot take
measures to correct the violation immediately; and
(5) Notice of rights of appeal.
Sec. 573.6 Order of temporary closure.
(a) When an order of temporary closure may issue. Simultaneously
with or subsequently to the issuance of a notice of violation under
Sec. 573.3 of this part, the Chairman may issue an order of temporary
closure of all or part of an Indian gaming operation if one or more of
the following substantial violations are present:
(1) The respondent fails to correct violations within:
(i) The time permitted in a notice of violation; or
(ii) A reasonable time after a tribe provides notice of a violation.
(2) A gaming operation fails to pay the annual fee required by 25
CFR part 514.
(3) A gaming operation operates for business without a tribal
ordinance or resolution that the Chairman has approved under part 522 or
523 of this chapter.
(4) A gaming operation operates for business without a license from
a tribe, in violation of part 558 of this chapter.
(5) A gaming operation operates for business without either
background investigations having been completed for, or tribal licenses
granted to, all key employees and primary management officials, as
provided in Sec. 558.3(b) of this chapter.
(6) There is clear and convincing evidence that a gaming operation
defrauds a tribe or a customer.
(7) A management contractor operates for business without a contract
that the Chairman has approved under part 533 of this chapter.
(8) Any person knowingly submits false or misleading information to
the Commission or a tribe in response to any provision of the Act, this
chapter, or a tribal ordinance or resolution that the Chairman has
approved under part 522 or 523 of this chapter.
(9) A gaming operation refuses to allow an authorized representative
of the Commission or an authorized tribal official to enter or inspect a
gaming operation, in violation of Sec. 571.5 or Sec. 571.6 of this
chapter, or of a tribal ordinance or resolution approved by the Chairman
under part 522 or 523 of this chapter.
(10) A tribe fails to suspend a license upon notification by the
Commission that a primary management official or key employee does not
meet the standards for employment contained in Sec. 558.2 of this
chapter, in violation of Sec. 558.5 of this chapter.
(11) A gaming operation operates class III games in the absence of a
tribal-state compact that is in effect, in violation of 25 U.S.C.
2710(d).
(12) A gaming operation's facility is constructed, maintained, or
operated in a manner that threatens the environment or the public health
and safety, in violation of a tribal ordinance or resolution approved by
the Chairman under part 522 or 523 of this chapter.
(b) Order effective upon service. The operator of an Indian gaming
operation shall close the operation upon service of an order of
temporary closure, unless the order provides otherwise.
(c) Informal expedited review. Within seven (7) days after service
of an order of temporary closure, the respondent may request, orally or
in writing, informal expedited review by the Chairman.
(1) The Chairman shall complete the expedited review provided for by
this paragraph within two (2) days after his or her receipt of a timely
request.
(2) The Chairman shall, within two (2) days after the expedited
review provided for by this paragraph:
(i) Decide whether to continue an order of temporary closure; and
(ii) Provide the respondent with an explanation of the basis for the
decision.
(3) Whether or not a respondent seeks informal expedited review
under this
[[Page 885]]
paragraph, within thirty (30) days after the Chairman serves an order of
temporary closure the respondent may appeal the order to the Commission
under part 577 of this chapter. Otherwise, the order shall remain in
effect unless rescinded by the Chairman for good cause.
PART 574 [RESERVED]
PART 575_CIVIL FINES--Table of Contents
Sec.
575.1 Scope.
575.3 How assessments are made.
575.4 When civil fine will be assessed.
575.5 Procedures for assessment of civil fines.
575.6 Settlement, reduction, or waiver of civil fine.
575.9 Final assessment.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2705(a), 2706, 2713, 2715.
Source: 58 FR 5844, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 575.1 Scope.
This part addresses the assessment of civil fines under section
2713(a) of the Act with respect to notices of violation issued under
Sec. 573.3 of this chapter.
Sec. 575.3 How assessments are made.
The Chairman shall review each notice of violation and order of
temporary closure in accordance with Sec. 575.4 of this part to
determine whether a civil fine will be assessed, the amount of the fine,
and, in the case of continuing violations, whether each daily illegal
act or omission will be deemed a separate violation for purposes of the
total civil fine assessed.
Sec. 575.4 When civil fine will be assessed.
The Chairman may assess a civil fine, not to exceed $25,000 per
violation, against a tribe, management contractor, or individual
operating Indian gaming for each notice of violation issued under Sec.
573.3 of this chapter after considering the following factors:
(a) Economic benefit of noncompliance. The Chairman shall consider
the extent to which the respondent obtained an economic benefit from the
noncompliance that gave rise to a notice of violation, as well as the
likelihood of escaping detection.
(1) The Chairman may consider the documented benefits derived from
the noncompliance, or may rely on reasonable assumptions regarding such
benefits.
(2) If noncompliance continues for more than one day, the Chairman
may treat each daily illegal act or omission as a separate violation.
(b) Seriousness of the violation. The Chairman may adjust the amount
of a civil fine to reflect the seriousness of the violation. In doing
so, the Chairman shall consider the extent to which the violation
threatens the integrity of Indian gaming.
(c) History of violations. The Chairman may adjust a civil fine by
an amount that reflects the respondent's history of violations over the
preceding five (5) years.
(1) A violation cited by the Chairman shall not be considered unless
the associated notice of violation is the subject of a final order of
the Commission and has not been vacated; and
(2) Each violation shall be considered whether or not it led to a
civil fine.
(d) Negligence or willfulness. The Chairman may adjust the amount of
a civil fine based on the degree of fault of the respondent in causing
or failing to correct the violation, either through act or omission.
(e) Good faith. The Chairman may reduce the amount of a civil fine
based on the degree of good faith of the respondent in attempting to
achieve rapid compliance after notification of the violation.
Sec. 575.5 Procedures for assessment of civil fines.
(a) Within 15 days after service of a notice of violation, or such
longer period as the Chairman may grant for good cause, the respondent
may submit written information about the violation to the Chairman. The
Chairman shall consider any information so submitted in determining the
facts surrounding the violation and the amount of the civil fine.
(b) The Chairman shall serve a copy of the proposed assessment on
the respondent within thirty (30) days after
[[Page 886]]
the notice of violation was issued, when practicable.
(c) The Chairman may review and reassess any civil fine if necessary
to consider facts that were not reasonably available on the date of
issuance of the proposed assessment.
Sec. 575.6 Settlement, reduction, or waiver of civil fine.
(a) Reduction or waiver. (1) Upon written request of a respondent
received at any time prior to the filing of a notice of appeal under
part 577 of this chapter, the Chairman may reduce or waive a civil fine
if he or she determines that, taking into account exceptional factors
present in a particular case, the fine is demonstrably unjust.
(2) All petitions for reduction or waiver shall contain:
(i) A detailed description of the violation that is the subject of
the fine;
(ii) A detailed recitation of the facts that support a finding that
the fine is demonstrably unjust, accompanied by underlying
documentation, if any; and
(iii) A declaration, signed and dated by the respondent and his or
her counsel or representative, if any, as follows: Under penalty of
perjury, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the
representations made in this petition are true and correct.
(3) The Chairman shall serve the respondent with written notice of
his or her determination under paragraph (a) of this section, including
a statement of the grounds for the Chairman's decision.
(b) Settlement. At any time prior to the filing of a notice of
appeal under part 577 of this chapter, the Chairman and the respondent
may agree to settle an enforcement action, including the amount of the
associated civil fine. In the event a settlement is reached, a
settlement agreement shall be prepared and executed by the Chairman and
the respondent. If a settlement agreement is executed, the respondent
shall be deemed to have waived all rights to further review of the
violation or civil fine in question, except as otherwise provided
expressly in the settlement agreement. In the absence of a settlement of
the issues under this paragraph, the respondent may contest the assessed
civil fine before the Commission in accordance with part 577 of this
chapter.
Sec. 575.9 Final assessment.
(a) If the respondent fails to request a hearing as provided in part
577 of this chapter, the proposed civil fine assessment shall become a
final order of the Commission.
(b) Civil fines assessed under this part shall be paid by the person
assessed and shall not be treated as an operating expense of the
operation.
(c) The Commission shall transfer civil fines paid under this
subchapter to the U.S. Treasury.
[58 FR 5844, Jan. 22, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 16495, Mar. 29, 1993]
PART 576 [RESERVED]
PART 577_APPEALS BEFORE THE COMMISSION--Table of Contents
Sec.
577.1 Scope.
577.3 Request for hearing.
577.4 Hearing deadline.
577.6 Service.
577.7 Conduct of hearing.
577.8 Request to limit disclosure of confidential information.
577.9 Consent order or settlement.
577.12 Intervention.
577.13 Transcript of hearing.
577.14 Recommended decision of presiding official.
577.15 Review by Commission.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 2706, 2713, 2715.
Source: 58 FR 5845, Jan. 22, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 577.1 Scope.
(a) This part provides procedures for appeals to the Commission
regarding:
(1) A violation alleged in a notice of violation;
(2) Civil fines assessed by the Chairman;
(3) Whether an order of temporary closure issued by the Chairman
should be made permanent or be dissolved; and
(4) The Chairman's decision to void or modify a management contract
under part 535 of this chapter subsequent to initial approval.
(b) Appeals from determinations of the Chairman under 25 U.S.C. 2710
and 2711 (regarding management contracts)
[[Page 887]]
and 2710 (regarding tribal gaming ordinances) are addressed in parts 539
and 524 of this chapter respectively.
Sec. 577.3 Request for hearing.
(a) A respondent may request a hearing to contest the matters listed
in Sec. 577.1(a)(1)-(4) by submitting a notice of appeal to the
Commission within thirty (30) days after service of:
(1) A notice of violation;
(2) A proposed civil fine assessment or reassessment;
(3) An order of temporary closure; or
(4) An order voiding or modifying a management contract subsequent
to initial approval.
(b) A notice of appeal shall reference the notice or order from
which the appeal is taken.
(c) Within ten (10) days after filing a notice of appeal, the
respondent shall file with the Commission a supplemental statement that
states with particularity the relief desired and the grounds therefor
and that includes, when available, supporting evidence in the form of
affidavits. If the respondent wishes to present oral testimony or
witnesses at the hearing, the respondent shall include a request to do
so with the supplemental statement. The request to present oral
testimony or witnesses shall specify the names of proposed witnesses and
the general nature of their expected testimony, and whether a closed
hearing is requested and why. The respondent may waive in writing his or
her right to an oral hearing and instead elect to have the matter
determined by the Commission solely on the basis of written submissions.
Sec. 577.4 Hearing deadline.
(a) The Commission shall designate a presiding official who shall
commence a hearing within 30 days after the Commission receives a timely
notice of appeal from the respondent. At the request of the respondent,
the presiding official may order the hearing to commence at a time more
than 30 days after the respondent files a notice of appeal. The
Commission shall transmit the administrative record of the case to the
presiding official upon designation.
(b) If the subject of an appeal is whether an order of temporary
closure should be made permanent or be dissolved, the hearing shall be
concluded within 30 days after the Commission receives a timely notice
of appeal, unless the respondent waives this requirement.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the presiding official
shall conduct such a hearing in a manner that will enable him or her to
conclude the hearing within the period required by this paragraph, while
ensuring due process to all parties.
Sec. 577.6 Service.
(a) A respondent who initiates an appeal under this part shall serve
copies of the initiating documents on the Commission at the address
indicated in the notice or order that is the subject of the appeal. All
filings shall be made with the Commission until a presiding official is
designated and the parties are so notified, after which all filings
shall be made with the presiding official. Any party or other person who
subsequently files any other document with the Commission or the
presiding officer shall simultaneously serve copies of that document on
any other parties to the proceeding, except to that extent Sec. 577.8
of this part may govern the disclosure of confidential information
contained in a filing.
(b) Copies of documents by which a proceeding is initiated shall be
served on all known parties personally, by facsimile, or by registered
or certified mail, return receipt requested. All subsequent documents
shall be served personally, by facsimile, or by first class mail.
(c) Service of copies of all documents is complete at the time of
personal service or, if service is made by mail or facsimile, upon
transmittal.
(d) Whenever a representative (including an attorney) has entered an
appearance for a party in a proceeding initiated under this part,
service thereafter shall be made upon the representative.
(e) In computing any period of time prescribed for filing and
serving a document, the first day of the period so computed shall not be
included. The last day shall be included unless it is a
[[Page 888]]
Saturday, Sunday, or federal legal holiday, in which case the period
shall run until the end of the next business day.
(f)(1) The presiding official may extend the time for filing or
serving any document except a notice of appeal.
(2) A request for an extension of time must be filed within the time
originally allowed for filing.
(3) For good cause the presiding official may grant an extension of
time on his or her own initiative.
Sec. 577.7 Conduct of hearing.
(a) Once designated by the Commission, the presiding official shall
set the case for hearing. The respondent may appear at the hearing
personally, through counsel, or personally with counsel. The respondent
shall have the right to introduce relevant written materials and to
present an oral argument. At the discretion of the presiding official, a
hearing under this section may include an opportunity to submit oral and
documentary evidence and cross-examine witnesses.
(b) When holding a hearing under this part, the presiding official
shall:
(1) Administer oaths and affirmations;
(2) Issue subpoenas authorized by the Commission;
(3) Rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;
(4) Authorize exchanges of information (including depositions and
interrogatories in accordance with 25 CFR part 571, subpart C) among the
parties when to do so would expedite the proceeding;
(5) Regulate the course of the hearing;
(6) When appropriate, hold conferences for the settlement or
simplification of the issues by consent of the parties;
(7) At any conference held pursuant to paragraph (b)(6) of this
section, require the attendance of at least one representative of each
party who has authority to negotiate the resolution of issues in
controversy;
(8) Dispose of procedural requests or similar matters;
(9) Recommend decisions in accordance with Sec. 577.14 of this
part; and
(10) Take other actions authorized by the Commission consistent with
this part.
(c) The presiding official may order the record to be kept open for
a reasonable period following the hearing (normally five days), during
which time the parties may make additional submissions to the record.
Thereafter, the record shall be closed and the hearing shall be deemed
concluded. Within 30 days after the record closes, the presiding
official shall issue a recommended decision in accordance with Sec.
577.14 of this part.
Sec. 577.8 Request to limit disclosure of confidential information.
(a) If any person submitting a document in a proceeding that
involves more than two parties claims that some or all of the
information contained in that document is exempt from the mandatory
public disclosure requirements under the Freedom of Information Act (5
U.S.C. 552), is information referred to in 18 U.S.C. 1905 (disclosure of
confidential information), or is otherwise exempt by law from public
disclosure, the person shall:
(1) Indicate that the document in its entirety is exempt from
disclosure or identify and segregate information within the document
that is exempt from disclosure; and
(2) Request that the presiding official not disclose such
information to the parties to the proceeding (other than the Chairman,
whose actions regarding the disclosure of confidential information are
governed by Sec. 571.3 of this chapter) except pursuant to paragraph
(b) of this section, and shall serve the request upon the parties to the
proceeding. The request to the presiding official shall include:
(i) A copy of the document, group of documents, or segregable
portions of the documents marked ``Confidential Treatment Requested'';
and
(ii) A statement explaining why the information is confidential.
(b) A party to a proceeding may request that the presiding official
direct a person submitting information under paragraph (a) of this
section to provide that information to the party. The presiding official
shall so direct if the
[[Page 889]]
party requesting the information agrees under oath and in writing:
(1) Not to use or disclose the information except directly in
connection with the hearing; and
(2) To return all copies of the information at the conclusion of the
proceeding to the person submitting the information under paragraph (a)
of this section.
(c) If a person submitting documents in a proceeding under this part
does not claim confidentiality under paragraph (a) of this section, the
presiding official may assume that there is no objection to disclosure
of the document in its entirety.
(d) If the presiding official determines that confidential treatment
is not warranted with respect to all or any part of the information in
question, the presiding official shall so inform all parties by
telephone, if possible, and by facsimile or express mail letter directed
to the parties' last known addresses. The person requesting confidential
treatment then shall be given an opportunity to withdraw the document
before it is considered by the presiding official, or to disclose the
information voluntarily to all parties.
(e) If the presiding official determines that confidential treatment
is warranted, the presiding official shall so inform all parties by
facsimile or express mail directed to the parties' last known address.
(f) When a decision by a presiding official is based in whole or in
part on evidence not included in the public record, the decision shall
so state, specifying the nature of the evidence and the provision of law
under which disclosure was denied, and the evidence so considered shall
be retained under seal as part of the official record.
Sec. 577.9 Consent order or settlement.
(a) General. At any time after the commencement of a proceeding, but
at least five (5) days before the date set for hearing under Sec. 577.7
of this part, the parties jointly may move to defer the hearing for a
reasonable time to permit negotiation of a settlement or an agreement
containing findings and an order disposing of the whole or any part of
the proceeding.
(b) Content. Any agreement containing consent findings and an order
disposing of the whole or any part of a proceeding shall also provide:
(1) A waiver of any further procedural steps before the Commission;
(2) A waiver of any right to challenge or contest the validity of
the order and decision entered into in accordance with the agreement;
and
(3) That the presiding official's certification of the findings and
agreement shall constitute dismissal of the appeal and final agency
action.
(c) Submission. Before the expiration of the time granted for
negotiations, the parties or their authorized representatives may:
(1) Submit to the presiding official a proposed agreement containing
consent findings and an order;
(2) Notify the presiding official that the parties have reached a
full settlement and have agreed to dismissal of the action, subject to
compliance with the terms of the settlement; or
(3) Inform the presiding official that agreement cannot be reached.
(d) Disposition. In the event a settlement agreement containing
consent findings and an order is submitted within the time granted, the
presiding official shall certify such findings and agreement within
thirty (30) days after his or her receipt of the submission. Such
certification shall constitute dismissal of the appeal and final agency
action.
Sec. 577.12 Intervention.
(a) Persons other than the respondent may be permitted to
participate as parties if the presiding official finds that:
(1) The final decision could directly and adversely affect them or
the class they represent;
(2) They may contribute materially to the disposition of the
proceedings;
(3) Their interest is not adequately represented by existing
parties; and
(4) Intervention would not unfairly prejudice existing parties or
delay resolution of the proceeding.
(b) If a tribe has jurisdiction over lands on which there is a
gaming operation that is the subject of a proceeding under this part,
and the tribe is not already a named party, such
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tribe may intervene as a matter of right.
(c) A person not named as a party and who wishes to participate as a
party under this section shall submit a petition to the presiding
official within ten (10) days after the person knew or should have known
about the proceeding. The petition shall be filed with the presiding
official and served on each person who has been made a part at the time
of filing. The petition shall state concisely:
(1) Petitioner's interest in the proceeding;
(2) How his or her participation as a party will contribute
materially to the disposition of the proceeding;
(3) Who will appear for petitioner;
(4) The issues on which petitioner wishes to participate; and
(5) Whether petitioner wishes to present witnesses.
(d) Objections to the petition may be filed by any party within ten
(10) days after service of the petition.
(e) When petitions to participate as parties are made by individuals
or groups with common interests, the presiding official may request all
such petitioners to designate a single representative, or he or she may
recognize one or more petitioners.
(f) The presiding official shall give each petitioner, as well as
the parties, written notice of the presiding official's decision on the
petition. For each petition granted, the presiding official shall
provide a brief statement of the basis of the decision. If the petition
is denied, the presiding official shall briefly state the grounds for
denial and may then treat the petition as a request for participation as
amicus curiae (that is, ``friend of the court'').
Sec. 577.13 Transcript of hearing.
Hearings under this part that involve oral presentations shall be
recorded verbatim and transcripts thereof shall be provided to parties
upon request. Fees for transcripts shall be at the actual cost of
duplication.
Sec. 577.14 Recommended decision of presiding official.
(a) Recommended decision. Within thirty (30) days after the record
closes, the presiding official shall render his or her recommended
decision. The recommended decision of the presiding official shall be
based upon the whole record and shall include findings of fact and
conclusions of law upon each material issue of fact or law presented on
the record.
(b) Filing of objections. Within ten (10) days after the date of
service of the presiding official's recommended decision, the parties
may file with the Commission objections to any aspect of the decision,
and the reasons therefor.
Sec. 577.15 Review by Commission.
The Commission shall affirm or reverse, in whole or in part, the
recommended decision of the presiding official by a majority vote within
thirty (30) days after the date on which the presiding official issued
the decision. The Commission shall provide a notice and order to all
parties stating the reasons for its action. In the absence of a majority
vote by the Commission within the time provided by this section, the
recommended decision of the presiding official shall be deemed affirmed
except that, if the subject of the appeal is an order of temporary
closure issued under Sec. 573.6 of this chapter, the order of temporary
closure shall be dissolved.
PARTS 578 579 [RESERVED]
SUBCHAPTER H [RESERVED]
PARTS 580 589 [RESERVED]
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SUBCHAPTER I [RESERVED]
PARTS 590 599 [RESERVED]
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