Casino Operations

Gaming at Spirit Mountain Casino is operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon to fund governmental programs. Profits from Spirit Mountain are being used to build houses, schools, roads, sewer and water systems; to fund health care and education; and to develop a strong, diversified economic base for the future. Spirit Mountain Casino is a key part of the Tribe’s long-term goal of achieving self-sufficiency so Tribal members will be less dependent on taxpayer-funded programs such as welfare.

History
Spirit Mountain Casino opened in October 1995 and has grown several times over the years:

Phase I – Initial 84,000-square-foot casino. Opened in October 1995.

Phase II – Added 39,000 square feet, including the Legends restaurant, the video arcade and PlayWorld (then called Superplay) for children. Opened July 1996.

Phase III – Added 57,000 square feet of casino space. Opened May 1998.

Spirit Mountain Lodge – Added 65,800 square feet of space, including a 100-room lodge, and the Hall of Legends. Opened December 1998.

Total square footage: 253,000

Grand Ronde Gaming Commission
The Tribal Council created the Grand Ronde Gaming Commission to carry out the regulatory responsibilities of the Tribe under the National Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, National Indian Gaming Commission rules and the Tribes’ compact with the State of Oregon. The Grand Ronde Gaming Commission is independent and not subject to control by any branch of Tribal government or Spirit Mountain Casino. The Gaming Commission acts autonomously in regulating all Class II and Class III gaming conducted at Spirit Mountain and has all powers necessary to do so.

The Gaming Commission does not involve itself in Casino operations other than to the extent that its regulatory activities affect operations (e.g., licensing of employees and vendors). Commission members may not have conflicts of interest or hold positions in Tribal government or at Spirit Mountain Casino.

The Gaming Commission works closely with Oregon State Police in discharging its functions. The two organizations have developed a close relationship of mutual cooperation and respect. The Gaming Commission has created a comprehensive set of regulations governing Casino operations.

Financial Controls
The operations of the Casino are audited or reviewed by several different groups throughout the year. On a regular basis, the Casino is audited by the Grand Ronde Gaming Commission, Oregon State Police and an in-house Internal Auditor. On a semi-annual basis, the property is audited by the "Big Six" accounting firm, Peat Marwick.

Oregon State Police
As required by its compact with the State of Oregon, Spirit Mountain is regularly reviewed by the Oregon State Police. The State Police assist with background checks, investigations and other items. A State Police representative periodically views table games, VLTs and other games to determine compliance with the Minimum Internal Control Standards. This independent oversight is funded by the Casino.

Certified Public Accountants
Peat Marwick conducts semi-annual audits and reviews the Casino’s internal control structure, including a surprise bankroll examination and assessment of continued employee compliance with the internal control policies. This audit accomplishes three objectives:

1. It determines the effectiveness of internal controls over Casino revenues and related assets during the year.
2. It determines the Casino’s compliance with internal control policies and with Grand Ronde Gaming Commission regulations.
3. It presents findings to the Tribal Council to bring their attention on a timely basis to any areas of noncompliance and other opportunities for improving the internal control system or operations at the Casino.

Internal Auditor
The Internal Auditor is an employee of Spirit Mountain Casino. Internal audits verify that the Casino is complying with Minimum Internal Control Standards, gaming regulations and compact requirements. The Internal Auditor conducts reviews on a daily basis.

Background Investigations
The Gaming Commission investigates, in conjunction with the Oregon State Police, and licenses all prospective employees and major vendors. Employees in the most sensitive positions undergo investigations comparable to those required to own casinos in Nevada or New Jersey. This intensive investigation process is designed to keep corruption and organized crime out of Oregon Indian casinos. All costs of the Oregon State Police are paid for in full by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, not by taxpayers.

Surveillance
The Surveillance Department is charged with preserving the integrity of gaming at Spirit Mountain Casino. The department is independent of the Casino management and reports directly to the Board of Directors of Spirit Mountain Gaming Inc. The department also works hand-in-hand with the Grand Ronde Gaming Commission, the Oregon State Police and Federal agencies.