Indian Gaming > Tonkawa Tribe hires former NIGC vice chairman

June 05, 2006

Tonkawa Tribe hires former NIGC vice chairman

The Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma has hired former National Indian Gaming Commission vice chairman Nelson Westrin.

Westrin will help the tribe revamp its trouble casino operation. The tribe was fined $1 million and its former casino manager was fined $4.1 million for legal violations. A criminal ring allegedly used the tribe's off-track betting parlor to launder money.

Westrin, who left the NIGC this past December, is serving as general counsel to the tribal gaming commission. He is working with three new tribal commissioners, two of whom he previously worked with when he was executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

The tribe hopes the hiring of Westrin will lead to the opening of a new casino. An NIGC spokesperson said the tribe is headed in the right direction.

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Tonkawa tribe deals new hand to casino (The Oklahoman 6/4)
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