Section GMG.01.01 — Findings, Purposes And Policy

(a) Findings. The Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Council on behalf of the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe finds that:

(1) Tribal regulation and control of gaming activity within the jurisdiction of the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe is essential for the protection of public health and welfare, and the interests of the Tribe and the residents of and visitors to the tribal community, and such other areas as may be used for tribal gaming.

(2) The Tribe has the legal authority to license and regulate all gaming activity not specifically prohibited by federal law and which is not, as a matter of criminal law and public policy, prohibited by state law, within the jurisdiction of the Tribe.

(3) It is essential that the Tribe regulate gaming in a manner commensurate with applicable federal and tribal law and policy, including any Tribal/State Gaming Compact.

(4) Tribal needs include employment opportunities, job and skills training, housing, quality health care, educational opportunities, social services, law and order, public safety and judiciary, infrastructure, and economic diversification.

(5) Tribal operation and licensing of gaming activities within the jurisdiction of the Tribe are one means of generating revenue to address the needs of the Tribe.

(b) Purposes. The purposes of this Ordinance are to:

(1) Regulate, control and license the operation of all gaming within the jurisdiction of the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe.

(2) Make clear and explicit that a tribal license to operate a gaming activity, to provide gaming related services or equipment or to work as a key employee is a revocable privilege, not a right or a property interest.

(3) Ensure that the operation of tribally regulated gaming will continue as a means of generating tribal revenue.

(4) Ensure that tribally regulated gaming is conducted fairly and honestly by both gaming operators and players and that it remains free from corrupt, incompetent, unconscionable and dishonest persons and practices.

(5) Promote, strengthen and diversify tribal economic development and self-determination and enhance employment opportunities for its members.

(6) Generate revenue to strengthen and improve tribal self-government and the provision of tribal governmental services.

(7) Ensure that the tribal gaming laws are strictly and fairly enforced against all persons involved in gaming activities within the jurisdiction of the Tribe.

(8) Ensure that the Tribe provides a fair and impartial forum for the resolution of gaming disputes.

(c) Tribal Policy of Self-Government. The Tribe is firmly committed to the principle of tribal self-government. Consistent with federal policy, tribal government provides a wide range of public services, including general governmental services, maintenance of peace and good order establishment of educational systems and programs and promotion and regulation of economic activities within the sovereign jurisdiction of the Tribe.

(d) Tribal Gaming Policy. The establishment, promotion and operation of gaming is necessary and desirable, provided that such gaming is regulated and controlled by the Tribe pursuant to tribal and federal law and any tribal-state gaming compact entered into pursuant to the IGRA, and that all proceeds of such gaming are used for the benefit of the Tribe as required by the IGRA and tribal law. When operated in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance, such gaming will be conducive to the general welfare of all residents in the community where such gaming is conducted.