A tribal gaming regulator accused the state of California of trying to take control of tribal casinos by imposing rules for minimum internal control standards.

Michael Lombardi, the chairman of the gaming commission for the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, said tribes are the primary regulators of their casinos. He said the new MICS rules infringe on existing tribal-state compacts.

"Essentially what they have done is move to render the tribal regulatory association irrelevant and it’s a bold-faced attempt to gain day-to-day control over tribal Indian casinos," Lombardi told GamblingCompliance Ltd.

The California Gambling Control Commission voted unanimously last week to adopt the new standards. The state wrote them after a federal appeals court invalidated the MICS that were promulgated by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Tribes overwhelmingly opposed the state's rules. Litigation is expected.

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California’s MICS Vote Sparks Angry Response From Indian Country (GamblingCompliance Ltd 10/21)
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