"Everyone is aware of the strict guidelines and operating procedures to which state-regulated casinos are held. But who sets the standards and controls for Native American properties?

Casinos such as Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Michigan, are operated by Native American tribes (in the case of Four Winds, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians), which are sovereign nations.

As such, the State of Michigan and the Michigan Gaming Control Board have no regulatory authority over Four Winds or the other Native American casino destinations operating in Michigan.

The same holds true for other Native American casino states in the Midwest and elsewhere around the country. Written agreements known as tribal-state gaming compacts are drawn. They are signed by the tribal nations and the governments of the states in which are developed. These agreements differ slightly from state to state.

Being free from state regulations doesn't mean tribal casinos can do as they please. They are regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) in conjunction with the government of the particular tribal community which operates the casino."

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John Brokopp: Native American casinos also subject to regulatory controls (Casino City Times 10/1)