The Mille Lacs Band’s Gaming Regulatory Authority (GRA) has the power and duty to develop, adopt, and promulgate gaming regulations regarding: licensing and background investigations; conducting annual independent audits of all gaming operations of the Band; permitted games and the conduct thereof; audio and video surveillance standards; and more (15 MLBSA section 305).
Almost two years ago, we set our sights on updating the form and function of our entire library of detailed gaming regulations (DGRs). We hired RSM US LLP to assist and advise us on a large-scale revision of the DGRs with the objective of updating them to meet current relevant guidelines and standards. With the help of industry experts, we wanted to consider and incorporate, as appropriate, updated regulations to enhance the control environment of the DGRs and explore opportunities for regulatory and operational efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
While we consider 90 percent of the changes to be stylistic in nature and only about 10 percent to be substantive regulatory changes, we acknowledge the new formatting and organization look very different. A key part of our rollout plan is thoroughly reviewing and explaining all proposed regulatory changes to casino operations over the next number of months. Reformatting and reorganizing 34 regulations is the largest change our regulations have seen since their creation. We want tribal leadership, tribal membership, and casino operators to feel informed and prepared for this change.
After the review period, the GRA will begin the notice and comment rule-making process as required in 15 MLBSA section 305. We shall give notice of our intent to adopt the regulations by posting and delivering copies to the Government Center, Community Centers, Elected and Appointed Officials, and MLCV and casino leadership.
The notice shall include a copy of the proposed regulations and a description of the nature and effect of the proposed regulations. In addition, the notice will give instruction on how comments may be submitted and reviewed. The GRA will review all comments received during the comment period, make such changes to the proposed regulations, as it deems reasonable and appropriate, and approve the regulations by resolution. The GRA will set the effective date of the regulations and publish and post copies of a notice of adoption in the same manner as for the notice of intent to adopt the regulations.
If you have any questions about GRA regulatory rule-making, the pending changes, or rollout plans, please do not hesitate to reach out to Becky Houle, Executive Director, at 320-532-8194 or bhoule@grcasinos.com.
Check this space for future updates regarding the DGR Revision Project.
RSM US LLP is a limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax, and consulting firms. RSM is a leading provider of consulting services to Tribal Nations, serving tribal clients in more than 15 states.
The Mille Lacs Band Gaming Regulatory Authority (GRA) is an independent regulatory agency of tribal government established to separate the government’s regulatory function from the management function of the Gaming Enterprises. More information and contact numbers can be found at http://www.millelacsband.com/government/gaming-regulatory-authority. You can also LIKE us on Facebook at Mille Lacs Band GRA. GRA Board meetings are open to the public. Due to COVID-19, meetings are currently being conducted remotely using Zoom.