The gaming industry is major in Connecticut, employing thousands of people in some of the big resort casinos and other smaller casinos around the state. The Gaming Division of the Department of Consumer Protection is mainly concerned with making sure that all forms of legal gambling taking place are fair, credible, and responsible. The Gaming Division licenses and permits those that are involved in gambling and ensures compliance with all the gambling laws and the Tribal-State agreements.
Maintaining Your License
In order to maintain a gaming license, there are a number of regulations that the licensed organization, including employees, owners, and partners, must follow.
The Gaming Division accepts, processes, and investigates complaints from the public regarding misconduct in casinos. If the Gaming Division has received a complaint against a gaming company or employee, the Division will send a notice of a hearing in which the suspension or revocation must have a reasonable cause. A loss of license could affect the licensee’s ability to work in other states and in other casinos and even in other areas of employment that work with money, depending on the allegations.
The Tribal Gaming Commission
There is also a regulating entity called the Tribal Gaming Commission that regulates gaming licenses associated with the casinos in the Tribal areas. The Tribal Gaming Commission also has the right to discipline licensees that have violated gaming regulations or laws. There are certain actions that should be avoided to ensure the obtaining and maintaining of a gaming license, including:
Lying on an application about criminal history, employment history, or personal information.
Previous discipline or loss of gaming license in Connecticut or other states.
Violations of gaming laws or regulations.
Crimes of embezzlement, larceny, theft, or other crimes that are substantially related to the job duties of gaming or the handling of money.
Any involvement in organized crime.
Working with anyone to “cheat the system” or using employment to take advantage of the casino.
Drug charges, disorderly conduct, DUI, or other unprofessional conduct.
Not only should gaming licensees stay away from illegal and unprofessional conduct, but they should also stay updated with new regulations and be knowledgeable about the current regulations. Individual casinos and gaming establishments also have their own regulations that may be specific to the establishment like reporting violations, operating machines, handling funds, and specific job duties. Some of the major gaming laws to be aware of are the Wire Act, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, and the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.
Getting Help
Facing disciplinary action or a hearing in front of the Commissioner is very daunting and overwhelming, and the danger of losing your license could mean that you are unable to work in the gaming industry or find employment in other areas. Before making any statements to investigators or in a formal or informal hearing, it may be in your best interest to consult with an attorney who can advise you on what your best options are.