Compliance Updates
BMM Testlabs to host virtual NTGCR Regulator Academy

BMM Testlabs, the world’s original gaming test lab, and product compliance consultancy is pleased to announce a partnership with The National Tribal Gaming Commissioners & Regulators association (NTGCR) to offer a virtual Regulator Certification Academy in August 2020. This training will take the place of the in-person training that the organization was forced to cancel due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
The training is designed specifically for tribal gaming regulators and is provided by tribal gaming regulators, offering useful information in addition to real-world experience. Jamie Hummingbird, NTGCR Chairman, commented, “The NTGCR Board of Directors recognized the need to adapt to the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and decided to seize the opportunity to offer our prestigious Regulators Certification Academy using virtual meeting platform technology. In doing so, the NTGCR can continue fulfilling its mission to provide quality training to tribal gaming regulators.”
Travis Foley, Chief Operations Officer, stated, “As an NTGCR Associate Member, we are proud to offer our support and resources to continue the advancement of tribal gaming and education. We are honored to be hosting the three-day event in August and look forward to assisting the NTGCR team in providing the highest level of virtual training and education to their membership.”
Registration for the Academy began in July and is offered at a reduced rate. According to Chairman Hummingbird, “The Board realized that many tribal gaming operations had been negatively impacted financially by the pandemic and, as a result, tribal budgets have also been impacted with tribal gaming regulatory authorities’ travel and training budgets being reduced. By offering the training in an online forum versus a live setting, the cost of conducting the Academy is reduced. We respect the financial position our colleagues are in and wanted to pass those savings along to our participants.
Travis Foley continued, “While we cannot predict what lies ahead with the pandemic, we can do our part in keeping regulators connected and engaged. Together, with NTGCR leadership, we are pleased to leverage our virtual webinar platform to offer an innovative and unique training experience that might not have existed otherwise.”
Compliance Updates
Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Cease-and-Desists on “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes”

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) issued cease-and-desist orders to Raffall, a company based in the UK, and to an Arizona resident using the platform to promote the “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes,” currently advertised online and through a separate website, winthisazhome.com, which is marketing the chance to “Win a Luxury $1.3M Arizona Mountainside Home”.
According to the Department’s investigation, the promotion required participants to purchase entries for a prize to be awarded and promised either a home transfer or a cash payout, depending on sales volume. The investigation further determined that the organizers intended to profit from ticket sales. Based on these findings, the Department alleges the activity constitutes an illegal gambling operation under Arizona law.
As part of the enforcement action, Raffall has been directed to remove all gambling-related drawings or giveaways targeting Arizona residents, and the Arizona resident has also been ordered to cease promoting or conducting any unlawful gambling activity.
“Illegal gambling can take many forms and it does not matter if it is labeled a sweepstakes, raffle, giveaway, or drawing. Unregulated operations put Arizonans at risk because there is no oversight, and therefore no accountability or safeguards in place. The Department will continue to take enforcement action to protect consumers, and we urge the public to learn what is legal before participating in or hosting any gambling activity,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.
Compliance Updates
California Gambling Control Commission Reviews Licensing and Ownership Transfers at September 18 Meeting

The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened for its scheduled public meeting to deliberate on a wide range of licensing and regulatory matters related to cardrooms, third-party providers, tribal gaming, and key individuals in the gambling industry. The Commission addressed ownership transfers, license renewals, regulatory compliance, and findings of suitability for tribal gaming employees and suppliers.
Highlights from the Meeting
Cardroom Licensing and Ownership Transfers
Commerce Casino (California Commerce Club, Inc.)
- Initial License Approval: The Commission recommended approving an initial cardroom owner license for James Murray, Director of the Commerce Casino, through March 31, 2027.
- Ownership Transfer: The Commission approved a share transfer from Marsha Gold to the Marsha L. Gold Revocable Trust, subject to the transaction closing within 180 days and written confirmation of compliance with imposed conditions.
- Successor Trustee Licensing: The license for Jill Anter Wieder, Successor Trustee of the trust, was also approved through March 31, 2027, pending the completion of the ownership transaction.
- Additional Conditions: The Commission imposed a detailed list of conditions on the license, including certification requirements, written transaction confirmations, and mandatory legends on stock certificates to ensure regulatory compliance.
Napa Valley Casino (BVK Gaming, Inc.)
- Ownership Transfer: Similar to Commerce, the transfer of shares from Von Altizer to the Von Altizer 2017 Revocable Trust was conditionally approved.
- Successor Trustee Licensing: Applications from Christopher and Bobby Huang, successor trustees and contingent beneficiaries, were approved through May 31, 2026, contingent upon the transaction’s completion.
- Interim License Conditions: The Commission imposed a set of conditions mirroring those required for Commerce Casino, ensuring the integrity of ownership transitions.
Renewal and Interim Licenses
Seven Mile Casino (Stones South Bay Corp.)
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A new interim renewal license was approved through September 30, 2027, with prior licensing conditions officially removed.
Commerce Casino Directors
- Rick Contrucci: The Commission opted to abandon the renewal application.
- Lysa Grigorian: The application was referred to an evidentiary hearing, and an interim license was issued through March 31, 2027.
Other Cardrooms
- Limelight Card Room: License renewed through March 31, 2027.
- Lucky Chances Casino: A 90-day extension was granted through December 31, 2025, with strict restrictions on property access and communications for Rene Medina, tied to a 36-month probationary period.
- North Coast Casino and The River Card Room: Both granted 60-day extensions with multiple compliance conditions required prior to opening or continuing operations.
Third-Party Proposition Player Services
Renewals and Initial Licenses Approved
- Owner-Type Licenses for Global Player Services and Players Edge Services were renewed through 2027.
- Employee-Type Licenses: Dozens of third-party proposition player service employees were approved or renewed, including workers from Knighted Ventures, Blackstone Gaming, and Acme Player Services.
- Conditions on some licensees, such as Glenn Kaboua, included proof of fine resolution every 90 days.
Tribal-State Compact Licensing
Gaming Resource Suppliers
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Everi Games Inc. and LNW Gaming, Inc. received approval for initial and renewal suitability findings, with licenses valid through early 2026.
Key Tribal Employee Licensing
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A significant number of tribal casino employees across the state received initial or renewed findings of suitability. These included employees from:
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Chumash Casino Resort
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Thunder Valley Casino Resort
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Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
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Graton Resort & Casino
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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento, among many others.
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The Commission emphasized continuous monitoring of suitability, especially for applicants under conditional approval like Tatianna Wren, who must provide quarterly updates on efforts to resolve outstanding fines.
Key Individual Decisions
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Huy Dang: The Commission approved the renewal of Dang’s Key Employee License through September 30, 2027, removing prior conditions related to court-mandated classes and debt resolution.
Consent Calendar Items
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Items 15 through 21 included approvals for initial and renewal licenses for various employees, work permits, and tribal key employees. All items were approved per staff recommendations.
Conclusion
The September 18, 2025, meeting of the California Gambling Control Commission underscored the Commission’s ongoing role in maintaining transparency, accountability, and integrity in the state’s gambling industry. With careful review of ownership changes, key personnel, and operational compliance, the CGCC continues its commitment to fair and responsible gambling practices in California.
For full details and future updates, visit the California Gambling Control Commission website
Compliance Updates
Hard Rock Bet Launches New Responsible Gaming Website
Hard Rock Bet has launched a responsible gaming website offering educational content, support resources, and interactive tools.
The Seminole Hard Rock Digital operator said its portal contains information on setting deposit, wager, and session limits.
Users can also find information on using time-out features and self-exclusion, with links to national and state-level resources also included.
“We consider ourselves to be our players’ partner in responsible gaming, and this new site gives our community the guidance, tools and support needed for a confident and enjoyable gaming experience,” said Danny Crook, Hard Rock Digital’s senior vice president of operations.
The responsible gaming website is part of Hard Rock Bet’s role in Responsible Gaming Education Month in the US, organised by the American Gaming Association.
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