National Indian Gaming Commission Chairman Phil Hogen testified on the need for minimum internal control standards (MICS) to ensure adequate oversight of tribal gaming operations.

Hogen appeared at a California Assembly hearing on Monday. He said tribes needs MICS to prevent their casinos from being targeted by "unscrupulous" dealings.

"Those tribes ... will lose millions of dollars and often not realize that it has happened until years later," he said, Copley News Service reported.

NIGC first issued the MICS during the Clinton administration to regulate Class III gaming. But the rules are in limbo due to a federal court decision that said the agency overstepped its authority.

Tribal leaders say they have enough controls in place to regulate their casinos. The state also plays a role though regulation has become a big issue in the fight to approve six new Class III gaming compacts.

Get the Story:
Gaming chairman expresses concern over rules (Copley News Service 5/15)
Tribes regard rules as enough (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 5/15)
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State gaming oversight is hot topic (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 5/15)