Wisconsin Tribal gaming facilities are operated and regulated under the authority of the Compacts mutually entered into between the eleven federally-recognized Wisconsin Tribes and the State of Wisconsin; as well as the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). The Compacts require that each Tribe establish and maintain a resolution process for patron disputes at their respective gaming facilities.

The OIGRC reviews patron disputes, along with Tribal compliance with Compact patron dispute resolution requirements, during the course of field compliance audits conducted at Tribal gaming facilities.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is the required payout percentage for electronic games of chance in Wisconsin Tribal gaming facilities?

A: The Compacts require that an electronic game of chance pay out between 80% and 100% of the monies it has taken in during its life cycle.

Q: Who is responsible for the regulation of Wisconsin Tribal gaming facilities?

A: Pursuant to the IGRA and the Compacts, Tribes are the primary regulators of their respective gaming operations. Each Tribe is required to establish and maintain an independent Tribal Gaming Commission to carry out these regulatory responsibilities and to report to Tribal government on compliance with gaming regulations. The Compacts provide the OIGRC with an additional regulatory oversight role of all Wisconsin Tribal gaming facilities.

Q: Are Wisconsin Tribal gaming facilities subject to audits?

A: Yes. The Compacts require that numerous audits of Wisconsin Tribal gaming facilities be conducted. This includes an annual independent financial audit, a bi-annual independent security audit and annual (at minimum) internal audits of each gaming department. The OIGRC additionally conducts field financial and compliance audits of all Wisconsin Tribal gaming facilities on a regular basis.

Q: Are Wisconsin Tribal gaming facilities subject to fines?

A: No. Wisconsin Tribal gaming facilities are cited for areas of noncompliance discovered during audits; but the Compacts do not provide the OIGRC with the authority to issue fines.

Q: Does the OIGRC regulate Class II gaming such as bingo and pull-tab sales?

A: No. Class II gaming is conducted under the auspices of each Tribe; with additional oversight by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC).

Patrons with questions or disputes involving Class II gaming should follow the Tribal patron dispute process or contact the NIGC Midwest Regional Office at:

National Indian Gaming Commission

380 Jackson Street, Suite 420

St. Paul, MN  55101

TEL:  (651) 290-4004

Q: Does the OIGRC regulate the Wisconsin Lottery?

A: No. The Wisconsin Lottery is operated by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Questions regarding the Wisconsin Lottery should therefore be directed to:

Wisconsin Department of Revenue

2135 Rimrock Road

Madison, WI  53713

TEL:  (608) 266-2776

Q: Who is responsible for monitoring the illegal gaming devices sometimes found in Wisconsin clubs, restaurants and taverns?

A: Questions regarding any gaming devices located outside of Wisconsin Tribal gaming facilities should be directed to the Wisconsin Department of Justice at:

Wisconsin Department of Justice

P.O. Box 7857

Madison, WI  53707-7857

TEL:  (608) 266-1221

Q: Where can I get problem gambling assistance?

A: Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling

www.wi-problemgamblers.org

TEL:  (800) 426-2535