Q: Who Regulates Indian Casinos?

A: The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and the state of California recognize the sovereignty and independence of the Tribal Government and its authority to establish its governmental regulatory agency commonly known as the Tribal Gaming Commission or the Tribal Gaming Agency. This Tribal Gaming Commission is tasked with the responsibility of licensing and enforcement for compliance of all Federal, State, and Tribal Gaming Laws and Regulations. In addition, the NIGC has limited regulatory authority over class II (Bingo and Poker) Gaming Regulations. Pursuant to Section 7 of the California Tribal -State Gaming Compact, the Bishop Paiute Gaming Commission has on-site enforcement authority to enforce compliance with the regulatory requirements of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the Tribal State Compact, and the Tribal Gaming Ordinance and Gaming Commission Regulations. The California Division of Gambling Control is allowed to monitor Tribal Regulatory efforts and point out areas where they believe there may be deficiences. The State Regulatory Officials may assist in the conduct of investigations, if called upon by Tribal Regulatory Officials.

What if I am Injured at the Casino?

If you are injured or your property damaged while you are a casino guest, and that injury is due to intentional negligent, activity or conditions at the Paiute Palace Casino, a patron may make a claim for actual damages to the Safety Officer. Pursuant to the State Compact and the Tribe's Tort Liability Ordinance, if that claim is denied the patron may contact the Bishop Paiute Gaming Commission for further information.

What if I think I've been cheated?

The Bishop Paiute Gaming Commission requires that a regulatory authority be available during all hours of operation. If for any reason you earnestly believe that you have been wronged in any gaming activities at the Paiute Palace Casino, you should ask for Gaming Management, or if dispute is not resolved, please contact the Bishop Paiute Gaming Commission staff. This person should gather all the information and conduct an investigation, which may require further investigation. The Bishop Paiute Gaming Commission staff investigating may make a determination immediately or may advise you that a final determination may be made by his/her supervisor. In any event, you have the right  to an investigation and a fair and impartial resolution to the matter and the Bishop Paiute Gaming Commission will advise you of their determination. If the patron or the casino is still dissatisfied with the Bishop Paiute Gaming Commissions final ruling, then they are entitled to make a final appeal to the Bishop Indian Tribal Council. The ruling of the Bishop Indian Tribal Council is final.

Q: Where Does All the Money Go?

A: Tribal Regulatory Authorities are also responsible for ensuring that at least annually, an audit is conducted by an outside independent auditing firm. The results of these audits are sent to NIGC and the California Division of Gambling Control. In addition the TGA's have internal spot check audits conducted through-out the year. Under Federal law, Indian Gaming Operations are owned by the Tribal Governments. Indian Gaming Revenues (after operational expense) may only be used:

1. To support Tribal Government Expense.

2. For Tribal Economic Development.

3. For Charitable Contributions.

4. For the General Welfare of the Tribe.

5. To Support Local Neighboring Governments for Services.

A portion of the profits may be used for per capita distributions to Tribal Members. This can only be done when a distribution plan is submitted to the Secretary of Interior and receives his or her approval.

Less than 1% of the profits of gaming are sent to the NIGC as an assement to cover their cost of regulatory enforcement; and the state of California receives a shared percentage of the revenue to cover necessary enforcement costs and distributes the remainder to other local and Tribal Governments.