Tribal Programs
Gaming Commission
Gaming Commission
Our Mission
The San Felipe Pueblo Gaming Regulatory Commission works to be a trusted and respected regulatory authority that ensures gaming is conducted fairly, lawfully, and responsibly supporting sustainable tribal economic growth for current and future generations.
About Us
The San Felipe Pueblo opened its casino in 1995, following the approval of its Gaming Ordinance by the National Indian Gaming Commission on November 17, 1994. This approval marked the culmination of compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 and established the foundational framework for tribal gaming operations.
On January 18, 1995, the Tribal Council approved and adopted a Tribal Resolution establishing the San Felipe Gaming Commission. The Commission’s creation was integral to overseeing gaming operations, ensuring compliance with tribal and federal laws, and safeguarding the interests of the San Felipe Pueblo community.
The Commission was created to perform specific licensing and regulatory functions for the Pueblo, with the authority to oversee all Games of Chance conducted by the Gaming Enterprise or any other individual within the Reservation. Its responsibilities include regulating gaming operations and enforcing the Gaming Ordinance to ensure the integrity of gaming activities and the protection of Gaming Revenues. Over time, the Commission expanded its roles to include staff training and community education, and it continues to collaborate with tribal and state gaming authorities to enhance regulatory practices.
The Tribal Council further ratified all lawful acts conducted by the Commission prior to the enactment of the Ordinance. This affirmation underscores the Council’s commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent gaming environment for the benefit of the Pueblo and its members.
Compliance
The Tribal Gaming operation is a strictly regulated operation: all tribal gaming operations operate in compliance with:
- Tribal Ordinance
- New Mexico State Compact
- State, Federal and Tribal Laws
- IGRA – Indian Gaming Regulatory Act
- NIGC MICS – National Indian Gaming Commission Minimum Internal Controls
- IRS – Internal Revenue Service
- Bank Secrecy Act
- Osha Health and Safety Standards
Licensing Department
The San Felipe Pueblo Gaming Regulatory Commission Licensing Department is responsible for conducting background investigations of prospective casino employees and vendors and issuing licenses to applicants who satisfy all licensure requirements.
The San Felipe Pueblo Gaming Regulatory Commission is committed to ensuring that all individuals and entities involved in the gaming industry operate free from corruption, dishonesty, or deceit. Accordingly, the Commission takes its regulatory responsibilities, including the issuance of licenses, very seriously. A license issued by the San Felipe Pueblo Gaming Regulatory Commission is a privilege, not a right, and may be suspended or revoked at any time.
Employee Licensing
Primary & Key Gaming License
Non-Gaming License
Employee Gaming License Information
All Black Mesa Casino employees must hold a valid gaming license based on their position, either Primary/Key Gaming or Non-Key Gaming. Licenses are valid for three years from the date they are issued and must be renewed annually at least 60 days before expiration. It is the employee’s responsibility to track their license expiration date, as renewal reminders are not currently provided.
When renewing, employees must report any significant changes or incidents from the previous year, including name changes, marital status changes, additional dependents, criminal charges or arrests, and bankruptcy filings. The Commission may also request additional information if needed to determine continued eligibility for licensure.
Expired Employee Licenses
If an employee’s license is expired and they are still employed, the license may be confiscated and the employee relieved of job duties. The employee must then renew the license and submit to a drug test before being allowed to return to work.
Under 21 Employees
Any person under the age of twenty-one is permitted to work at the Black Mesa Casino, but only in a non-gaming position and so long as the job does not require the employee to be out on the gaming floor.
The San Felipe Pueblo Gaming Regulatory Commission is committed to ensuring that all individuals and entities involved in the gaming industry operate free from corruption, dishonesty, or deceit. Accordingly, the Commission takes its regulatory responsibilities, including the issuance of licenses, very seriously. A license issued by the San Felipe Pueblo Gaming Regulatory Commission is a privilege, not a right, and may be suspended or revoked at any time.
Vendor Licensing
Gaming Vendor
Non-Gaming Vendor
A Gaming Facility License is required for any Gaming Enterprise or Operation to conduct gaming at a gaming facility. Certain businesses and individuals working with a Gaming Enterprise, Gaming Operation, or Management Contractor must also obtain a Vendor License if their receipts exceed—or are expected to exceed—$50,000 in a calendar year, in accordance with the Gaming Ordinance and regulations.
There are distinct types of Vendor License.
Gaming-Related Vendor License – Required for persons or businesses providing gaming-related goods or services, especially if they have access to gaming machines, equipment, systems, revenues, sensitive facility areas, or related confidential information.
Non-Gaming Vendor License – Required for persons or businesses providing non-gaming goods or services to the gaming operation.
Construction Contractor’s License – Required for persons or businesses providing construction services connected to a gaming facility or significantly used by its patrons, even if those services are not related to gaming activity.
Special Gaming License – May be required for persons the Commission determines must be licensed to protect the integrity of gaming, even if they do not fit into another listed license category.
Internal Auditor
The Internal Auditor helps ensure that San Felipe Pueblo gaming operations comply with tribal, state, and federal gaming laws, regulations, and internal control standards. This role monitors daily casino operations, reviews procedures and key transactions, prepares reports and recommendations, and supports the integrity, safety, and security of gaming activities. The position also assists with training, updates departmental procedures, and maintains strict confidentiality while working under the direction of the Executive Director.
Slot Compliance Agent
The Slot Compliance Agent supports the Audit Department by helping ensure gaming machines are rigorously evaluated, documented, and maintained in compliance with federal, state, and tribal regulations. This role assists with machine inspections, Game Program ID/EPROM verification, recordkeeping, internal control monitoring, and monthly reporting to the Gaming Commission, while helping maintain the integrity and proper operation of gaming equipment.
Gaming Investigator
The Gaming Investigator supports the San Felipe Pueblo Gaming Regulatory Commission by enforcing gaming laws, regulations, and internal controls. Under the supervision of the Executive Director, this role investigates gaming violations and criminal activity, including theft, fraud, cheating, counterfeit incidents, and property damage involving patrons or employees.
Key responsibilities include conducting investigations, gathering, and preserving evidence, interviewing suspects, and witnesses, maintaining confidential records, monitoring surveillance activity, and preparing reports for leadership and the Gaming Commissioners. The position also works closely with law enforcement, tribal courts, and internal departments to ensure compliance and support enforcement actions when needed.
Surveillance
The Surveillance Agent monitors the gaming floor and casino operations to help protect assets, detect criminal activity, identify policy or regulatory violations, and maintain a safe environment. Using audio and video surveillance equipment, this role observes suspicious activity, documents incidents, prepares reports, and supports compliance with department procedures, Tribal-State Compact regulations, and NIGC MICS standards. The position also requires strict confidentiality, strong diligence, teamwork, and the ability to maintain accurate records and evidence.
Commissioners
Vernon Abeita, Commissioner
Brenda Rico, Vice Chairman
Administration
Linda Gutierrez, Executive Director
Gioia Ahsona, Administrative Assistant
Departments
Licensing
Employee Licensing Agent
Vendor Licensing Agent
Slot Compliance
Slot Compliance Agent
Slot Compliance/Audit Agent
Internal Auditor
Kinsley Candelaria
Investigation/Surveillance
Gaming Investigator
Surveillance Manager
Surveillance Supervisor (3)
Surveillance Agent (14)
Surveillance Tech (2)
Join the Team
Contact
Mailing Address
San Felipe Pueblo Gaming Regulatory Commission
27 Hagen RD
San Felipe Pueblo, NM 87001
Phone Number
(505) 867-6100
Office Hours
Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed for Lunch 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM