General FAQs
What role does the State of Michigan and the State of Indiana have in regulating gaming in the Tribe’s Gaming Operation?
Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), the state may only become involved in Indian gaming under the terms of a tribal-state gaming compact. The state’s involvement will be limited to those Class III games and areas that are agreed to in the compact and will not extend into Class II gaming areas.
In the case of the compact between the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and the State of Michigan, the Michigan Gaming Control Board serves as the State Compliance Agency for gaming related matters at the Tribe’s Gaming Operations within the State of Michigan.
The Tribe does not currently maintain a tribal-state gaming compact within the State of Indiana for the Tribe’s Gaming Operation with that State. Only Class II gaming is currently offered at the Four Winds Casino located in South Bend, Indiana.
On January 1, 2019, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) awarded the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians a Certificate of Self-Regulation. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and NIGC regulations (25 C.F.R. Part 518), self-regulation status allows a tribe to regulate Class II gaming with reduced oversight from the NIGC. The Commission only issues certificates of self-regulation to a tribe that can demonstrate it has satisfied the applicable requirements, which include a three-year review to ensure its gaming activities have been in compliance with the IGRA, NIGC regulations, and the tribe’s laws and regulations. At the time, the Pokagon Band was the first Tribe in Michigan and only the fifth Tribe in the Nation to be awarded the Certificate of Self-Regulation.
How does a person voluntarily self-exclude themselves from the Four Winds Casino?
A person may elect to self-exclude himself/herself at any time and may do so by contacting casino management or the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission and completing a "Voluntary Exclusion" form. The first Voluntary Exclusion is permanent. However, after (2) years you can file for reinstatement with the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission. A second Voluntary Exclusion automatically places you on the Commission’s Involuntary Exclusion list, permanently banning you from all Four Winds Casinos. See the Casino Patron Self-Exclusion Information at this website.
How does a person rescind a Voluntary Exclusion to return to the Four Winds Casino?
Any person that has been issued his/her first (1st) Voluntary Exclusion and has met the minimum wait time of two (2) years may request an “Exclusion Reinstatement” from the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission. Any person with a second (2nd) or subsequent Voluntary Exclusion is permanently excluded and are not eligible for reinstatement.
Requesting an Exclusion Reinstatement may be accomplished by completing the form found in the link below, or by sending a written request to:
Pokagon Band Gaming Commission
ATTN: Reinstatements
10528 Maudlin Rd
New Buffalo, MI 49117
Written requests should include the person’s first and last name at the time of the Voluntary Exclusion, date of birth, current mailing address, and a telephone number used only for resolving any questions which may arise. The letter should state an Exclusion Reinstatement is being requested.
Reinstatement Request - Casino and iGaming
If a person has also been issued a Notice of Forbidden Entry (NOFE), they must have the NOFE lifted by the casino prior to requesting Exclusion Reinstatement. Please see below for more information on the casino NOFE.
Once a person submits a request, he/she must await a written reply from the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission, as submitting a request is not the same as being approved. Thus, the person remains barred and prohibited from entry into any Four Winds Casino unless and until this reply is received.
What is an Involuntary Exclusion?
An Involuntary Exclusion is when a person is barred and prohibited from entry on any Four Winds Casino property by the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission for cause. Involuntary Exclusions do not require consent of the person being excluded and may be permanent.
Involuntary Exclusions are issued by the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission for improper or illegal activities, activities which could affect the integrity of gaming (i.e. cheating or theft), behavior which risks the safety of casino patrons and/or employees, or violations of Federal or Tribal gaming regulations.
By regulatory requirement, persons with two (2) or more Voluntary Exclusions are permanently excluded and will therefore be issued an Involuntary Exclusion.
What is the difference between Voluntary Exclusion, Involuntary Exclusion, and Notice of Forbidden Entry (NOFE)?
Both the Exclusions and the NOFE ban the person listed from being present on all Four Winds Casino properties, including hotels, restaurants, and all events. Involuntary Exclusions are usually permanent.
Voluntary Exclusions are issued by the Gaming Commission, which independently regulates the Four Winds Casino. A Voluntary Exclusion remains in effect in perpetuity, but listed persons may request a Reinstatement after two (2) years. The person may be permitted on Four Winds property only when and if the Commission approves a request for Reinstatement.
A Notice of Forbidden Entry (NOFE) is issued by the Four Winds Casino and is not managed by the Gaming Commission. It is up to the casino to determine the length of a NOFE. Like Voluntary Exclusions, a NOFE will not ‘expire,’ therefore a person issued a NOFE must request and receive approval from the casino before they can return to the property.
Please note that a person can be issued both a Voluntary Exclusion and a NOFE simultaneously. In such cases, the person must have the NOFE lifted first, prior to Requesting a Reinstatement for the Voluntary Exclusion.”
How does a person get a Notice of Forbidden Entry (NOFE) issued by the Gaming Operation lifted?
Anyone subject to a Notice of Forbidden Entry (NOFE) must contact casino management to discuss the terms of their exclusion. The decision to lift a NOFE is left solely to casino management.
Does the Gaming Commission investigate patron disputes regarding the operation or outcome of games offered in the Tribe’s Gaming Operation?
Yes, a patron who is not satisfied with casino management’s resolution of a patron’s dispute regarding the operation or outcome of a game may file a Patron Complaint with the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Gaming Commission. Pokagon Band Gaming Commission gaming investigators will investigate the complaint and render a finding regarding the patron’s complaint. The patron will be sent a letter memorializing the Gaming Commission’s findings. See the Casino Patron Complaint Information at this website.
Does the Gaming Commission regulate sports wagering conducted at the Four Winds Casino?
Yes, as with other forms of gaming conducted at the Tribe’s Gaming Operations, the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission enforces extensive regulations regarding the conduct and operation of sports wagering at the Four Winds Casino.
Does the Gaming Commission regulate Internet Gaming approved by the State of Michigan and conducted by the Four Winds Casino?
Yes, both the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission will regulate Internet Gaming within the Tribe’s jurisdiction. The Pokagon Band Gaming Commission has developed extensive regulations regarding the conduct and operation of Internet Gaming by the Four Winds Casino. Designated Four Winds Casino employees and Internet Gaming operators will be licensed by both the MGCB and the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission.
Licensing FAQs
Why do I need to provide so much information?
In order to work at the Four Winds Casino, you must also apply and be found suitable for a gaming license through a background investigation which necessitates the capture of this information from the licensee. The Pokagon Band Gaming Commission must follow specific gaming regulations regarding the licensure of employees. These include the Tribe’s gaming regulations, gaming ordinance, and the Tribal-State Gaming Compact.
I filled out an application with HR. Why do I have to fill out more information with the Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
As stated above, everyone who works at the Four Winds Casino must go through the hiring process with HR and must also be licensed for the position they hold. The HR Department for Four Winds Casino and the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department are two separate entities. The Licensing Department does not and cannot share any information or documentation obtained from applicants with the HR Department at Four Winds Casino.
Is my personal information confidential?
All information that you provide to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department stays within your licensing file and is not shared with any other entities, including the Four Winds HR Department. Your information is obtained by a background investigator. Once your file is ready to be reviewed, it is forwarded to the Licensing Department Director. For final approval of your permanent gaming license, your file is reviewed by the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission.
Why does my gaming license have an expiration date?
All gaming licenses expire on the licensee’s birthday. Per Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Regulations, a licensee’s gaming license cannot exceed a 3-year time period. If your license has an expiration date that is less than 3 years, it could be for the following reasons: your start date does not coincide with the 3-year maximum licensing date, so your expiration date allows for a renewal before the 3 year timeframe. After you renew, it will then go to the 3-year renewal interval. You could also have been issued a conditional license, which requires additional monitoring of a specific area of concern regarding your background history. If you are issued a conditional license, paperwork will be given to you regarding what is expected of you during your conditional license period.
I’ve just been issued a conditional license. What do I need to do to keep my license in good standing?
If you have been issued a conditional gaming license, you will have to pick up a conditional license letter and sign a conditional license agreement from the Licensing Department. The letter will state the specific reasons for the conditions placed on your license, what you need to do in order to remain in good standing and your expiration date. You are responsible for ensuring that the conditions are met during the timeframe of the conditions placed on your license. Please keep the letter and refer to it during your conditional period, as penalties will be assessed by the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission if you fail to adhere to the conditions placed on your license. These penalties include fines and licensing action, if necessary.
If you feel that you should not be issued a conditional license, you can appeal the decision to the Commissioners. An appeal hearing will be scheduled where you can address the Commissioners and explain why you should not be issued a conditional license. They will take your information into consideration and render a decision to uphold the conditions or overturn the conditions.
If you have any questions regarding the conditions placed on your license, please contact your Background Investigator for clarification.
I’ve been arrested. Do I have to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department or wait until I go to court?
All employees who are licensed by the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission have signed a pre-employment statement indicating that they will disclose any negative contact with law enforcement within one (1) week, but no longer than thirty (30) days from the incident. Even though you haven’t gone to court or haven’t been convicted of a crime, a disclosure of the arrest and the incident MUST be reported to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department. Failure to do so may result in licensing action (suspension or revocation) and/or civil fines imposed by the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission.
Depending on the severity of the charges, licensing action (suspension or revocation) could occur. Any licensee found guilty of a misdemeanor within five (5) years involving theft, dishonesty, violence or moral turpitude will be suspended or revoked. Any felony conviction at any time will result in a license revocation. Please contact the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department for additional information.
I’ve been called in to attend an informational interview. What is that and how do I prepare?
When an informational interview is scheduled with you, it means that the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission wants to speak with you to get more information regarding your background history, or it could also involve an investigation that is being conducted. The interview will consist of questions from Pokagon Band Gaming Commission personnel. If it involves your background history, a background investigator will be present. Please be as honest and truthful as possible during the interview and answer all questions as completely as possible. If you are scheduled for an informational interview and cannot make it, please call the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission office to reschedule. If you do not call to reschedule and do not appear for the informational interview, a decision regarding your license will be made without your input and may result in licensing action or civil fines could be imposed by the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission.
My gaming license has been denied/suspended/revoked. Do I still have a job?
If a Pokagon Band Gaming Commission gaming license is denied, you are precluded from employment with the Four Winds Casino.
If your gaming license was suspended or revoked and you do not appeal the decision with the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission or if the decision is upheld, the suspension or revocation is in effect pursuant to the terms outlined in the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission licensing action document.
If you have had any adverse action taken on your gaming license or work permit by the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission, you may request an appeal hearing within thirty (30) days of the date of the action. The date of the action is the date the licensing action letter was written. An appeal hearing will be scheduled with the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission.
I submitted a renewal application and my badge is about to expire. My renewal is not complete. What do I do?
If you did not complete the renewal application, sign the application or provide any necessary documents to the Backgrounds office at least two (2) weeks before you expire, you may not be able to work until everything has been submitted and processed. Please keep in close contact with the Background Investigator assigned to your file to ensure that everything has been completed and the status of your final approval. It is your responsibility to complete your renewal within the required time frames. You must start the renewal process 60 days prior to your license expiration date. To start the renewal process, you must contact the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department to obtain a username and password to access the renewal application online. You will need to provide your Driver’s License or ID and be prepared to take a new photo.
I don’t have a computer and/or internet access. How do I go about completing my online licensing application?
The Four Winds Casino HR department has computers available to fill out applications online. You can also use computers at any public library. Since the online application is housed on a secure website, you can use a public computer and your information will be safe.
I have a family member or co-habitant working at Four Winds Casino or another gaming-related facility. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?
Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately.
I just recently become engaged, married, divorced, separated, widowed, or have entered into a domestic partnership or civil union. Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately. Also, if you have changed your name as a result of the marriage/separation/civil union/domestic partnership, you must supply the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department with your updated Driver’s License/ID and Social Security Card, as well as any legal name change documentation you may have. The Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department will make a copy of this documentation.
I have had a legal name change. Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes, please download the name change form from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately. Also bring in your updated Driver’s License/ID and social security card, with a copy of your legal name change documents (marriage or divorce certificate or legal name change paperwork). The Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department will make a copy of this documentation and update your file to reflect the proper name change. The Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department will not update your file until they have received all the proper documentation reflecting your name change.
I’ve moved and have a new address. Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes, please download the change of address form from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately.
I got a second job. Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately.
I opened my own business. Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately.
I am filing for Bankruptcy. Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately.
I’m currently involved in a civil suit. Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately.
I’ve had a Personal Protective Order (PPO) or a permanent restraining order placed against me. Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately.
I’ve had my driver’s license suspended or revoked. Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately.
I have had to register as a sex offender. Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately.
I am having financial difficulties and have had accounts turned over to collections. Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately.
I am having financial difficulties and have had goods repossessed (this includes automobiles). Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately.
I have become delinquent on tax payments and/or have tax liens. Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately.
I am going through the short sale or foreclosure process on my mortgage. Do I need to disclose this to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department?
Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to the Pokagon Band Gaming Commission Licensing Department immediately.
I have various financial issues and would like to consult with someone. Is there anyone I can talk to?
Yes. The Four Winds Casino offers its employees a variety of free services through the Employee Assistance Program. There are a wide variety of free services that are provided which include Legal and Financial Services, as well as other various services and counseling. Should you have additional questions regarding the services provided through the EAP please contact the Four Winds Casino HR Department.