Tribal Casinos

Native American tribes are sovereign nations.  As such, the State of Michigan does not have general regulatory authority over tribal casinos. Instead, they are regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission and the government of the appropriate tribal community.

The State of Michigan does have oversight authority over compliance with the Tribal-State Class III Gaming Compacts. The compacts are written agreements between the tribal communities and the State and signed by the Governor. The Governor assigned the MGCB staff responsibility for auditing compliance with compact provisions. The five-member Board has no involvement with tribal casinos.