B A Y   M I L L S   G A M I N G   C O M M I S S I O N

     The Bay Mills Gaming Commission regulates the gaming establishments owned and operated by the sovereign nation of the Bay Mills Indian Community. Tribal regulation and control of gaming activity within the jurisdiction of the Bay Mills Indian Community is essential for the protection of public health and welfare, and the interests of the Tribe and the residents and visitors to Indian Country. The Tribal Council charters, creates and establishes the Tribal Commission as a governmental subdivision of the Tribe through the Bay Mills Gaming Ordinance. It is with great honor and integrity that the Commission uphold the highest standard of regulation in how gaming activities will be conducted.

     Welcome. Please, feel free to read about the Bay Mills Gaming Commission following the links provided, and Contact us with any further questions.
  • Vicki Newland, Gaming Commission Administrator
                        Tel (906) 248-3241 Fax (906) 248-3876 or stop in and visit at the Ellen Marshall Building.

Mission Statement

     The Bay Mills Gaming Commission is a governmental regulatory entity appointed by the Bay Mills Executive Council. The Gaming Commission regulates all gaming within the borders of the Bay Mills Indian Community. The Bay Mills Indian Community is a sovereign independent Tribal nation. Regulation of gaming is essential for the protection of fair gaming, Tribal assets and interests, and the general safety and welfare of the public. It is with great integrity that the Commission upholds the highest standards of gaming regulation through our very own Tribal ordinance and systems of internal control.

 

Definition of Gaming
  • Gaming is defined in three different classes.
  • Class I - means social games solely for prizes of minimal value or traditional forms of Indian gaming engaged in by individuals as a part of, or in connection with, tribal ceremonies or celebrations.

  • Class II - means (A) The game of chance commonly known as bingo (whether or not electronic, computer, or other technologic aids are used in connection therewith), when players play for prizes with cards bearing numbers or other designations and cover numbers or designations when a similarly numbered or designated object is drawn or electronically determined and win the game by being the first person to cover a designated pattern on such cards; (B) Pull-tabs; punch boards; tip jars; instant bingo; and other games similar to bingo if played at the same location; (C) All card games operated by the Tribe prior to May 1, 1988; (D) Any additional nonbanking card games explicitly authorized or not explicitly prohibited by the laws of Michigan and which are played legally anywhere in the State in conformity with state law and regulation concerning hours, periods of operation, and limitations on wagers and pot sizes.

  • Class III Gaming as all forms of gaming that are not Class I gaming or Class II gaming, including but not limited to: (A) Any house banking game not operated by the Tribe prior to May 1, 1988; (B) Any slot machines as defined in 15 U.S.C. 1171 (a)(1) and electronic or electromechanical facsimiles of any game of chance. (C) Any sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering but not limited to wagering on horse racing, dog racing or jail Alai; and (D) Lotteries.


     It is the Gaming Commissions role to evaluate applications, conduct investigations and issue licenses to gaming establishments.