Tribal Casinos

Tribal casinos are operated pursuant to the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and the Tribal-State Class III Gaming Compacts. They are not subject to Michigan gaming laws.

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 are signed by the Governor. The Governor assigned MGCB staff responsibility for performing inspections to oversee compliance with compact provisions. The five-member Michigan Gaming Control Board has no involvement with tribal casinos.