Compliance & Enforcement

The Tribal Investigations and Inspections Unit (I&I) monitors Tribal State Gaming Compact (Compact) compliance by conducting onsite inspections of casino operations and investigating suspected Compact violations and criminal activity. The presence of the I&I’s Special Agents in casinos offers the opportunity to detect potential problems and to work with Tribal Gaming Offices and casino officials to correct deficiencies. The I&I Unit is composed of Special Agents who either have previous experience in Tribal Gaming regulation or extensive experience as law enforcement officers. The majority of I&I Agents have full-authority AZPOST certification. I&I Special Agents also:

• Provide ongoing assistance to ADG’s Intelligence Unit by serving search warrants, gathering evidence, and conducting surveillance;
• Act as a liaison between Arizona casinos and law enforcement agencies in conducting criminal investigations; and
• Play a central role in planning, coordinating and implementing gaming-related training opportunities for tribal regulators and gaming facility operators, and in providing targeted training sessions on topics requested by Arizona tribes.

ADG conducts biennial on-site audits of each casino to review compliance with the Arizona Tribal State Gaming Compact and its appendices. ADG Compact compliance review team checks thousands of items ranging from validating gaming revenues and cash handling procedures, to video surveillance and casino promotions. Additionally, ADG audits casino books and records, electronic accounting and monitoring systems, and casino minimum internal control standards and procedures.

Special Agents of the Intelligence Unit (Intel) enforce the State’s gambling laws by investigating reports of illegal gambling and ensuring prosecution of the individuals involved with the operation. In many cases, illegal gambling establishments attract additional crime and an increased calls for service by local police departments. Intel helps reduce crime in our neighborhoods by working in partnership with local law enforcement officers and attorneys to shut down and prosecute illegal gambling operations, off-reservation, as well as, assist tribal authorities with investigations, training, and intelligence on suspected criminal activities in their jurisdictions.

To report suspected illegal gambling activity, email us or call 602-255-3886. You can remain anonymous.

Casinos must seek prior approval before they can conduct table games, tournaments, lotteries, promotions and cash or prize giveaways. The Games & Systems Compliance Unit, in conjunction with the Tribal Gaming Offices (TGOs), reviews all new or revised Blackjack, House-Banked Poker and Poker games to ensure compliance with Tribal-State Gaming Compact requirements. The Unit works closely with each TGO to ensure that the casinos are conducting tournaments, lotteries, and promotions in accordance with Compact requirements. Staff in this Unit also pursue training and educational experiences to remain knowledgeable about emerging trends and technology in gaming and regulation.

View the current Status of Tribal Gaming in Arizona, and more reports here.

While not required by the Compact, ADG Inspections & Investigations Special Agents provide free training sessions to tribal partners on more than 20 topics taught by AZPOST certified law enforcement instructors and ADG personnel, when requested. Topics like auditing, security, surveillance, and general casino operations, give participants knowledge and information to perform efficiently and create a safe and friendly work environment. Training participants include tribal regulators, gaming facility operators, other law enforcement jurisdictions, and the community.

View and download the complete Training Catalog.

Tribal partners may request ADG training by contacting the Tribal Training Coordinator, Special Agent David  Valencia, at [email protected] or at 602-663-5090.

ADG makes every effort to accommodate training requests.