C.N.G.C Staff
Paula Penz - Senior Director of Choctaw Nation Gaming Commission
The Senior Director of Choctaw Nation Gaming Commission oversees the Gaming Commission, Integration and Surveillance staff and meets with NIGC Regional staff, Oklahoma Compact Compliance Officers, Choctaw Tribal Council and Choctaw Business Committee as requested. The Senior Director prepares and submits annual budgets for Gaming Commission, Integrations and Surveillance, and electronically approves time cards, EANs and purchase orders for these departments. The Senior Director approves the issuance of all gaming licenses for all Casino associates and vendors as well as facility licenses for each location. The Senior Director has the ultimate responsibility of making sure Choctaw Casinos are in compliance with federal state and tribal regulations and in order to be successful they must ensure that the Gaming Commission staff is organized, well-managed, qualified and properly trained.
Kyle Norman - Project Manager
The Gaming Commission Project Manager assists the Commissioner with ensuring projects and initiatives are being completed in a timely manner. He works to ensure operational objectives are met by contributing information and recommendations to strategic plans and has general oversight of the Gaming Commission when the Commissioner is offsite.
Lisa Garrett - Compliance Officer
The Gaming Commission Compliance Agent assists Law Enforcement Agencies with any criminal investigations or completes internal investigations as necessary. They also review all criminal trespass admonishments issued by casino management and security and oversee the problem gambler self ban program.
Deana Powell - Office Manager
The Office Manager and Clerk, under the direction of the Project Manager, assist all departments and ensure the office runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. They answer the phone, greet visitors, review gaming applications and print licenses.
Licensing Department
The Licensing Department issues gaming licenses for Key & Non-Key (Staff) associates that work within Choctaw Casinos. Gaming Vendors as well as Non-Gaming Vendors are also licensed through the Licensing Department. The Licensing Department follows the Choctaw Gaming Ordinance, National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS) and the Oklahoma Tribal State Compact.
Tammy Hash - Licensing Manager
The Licensing Manager oversees all Licensing Agents and reviews all associate investigations to insure they are complete and in compliance with the required regulations. The Licensing Manager also monitors various computer databases to ensure proper records are maintained for auditing purposes.
Licensing Agents
Licensing Agents perform an extensive background investigation on all associates. This includes criminal, civil, employment, and financial histories as well as any other information deemed necessary to make a decision regarding the eligibility and issuance of a Choctaw Gaming License.
For questions about a Key Gaming License contact one of the following Licensing Agents:
(580) 924-8112 Ext. 1363
(580) 924-8112 Ext. 1370
(580) 924-8112 Ext. 1369
Key Gaming License Renewals
All key gaming licenses must be renewed every two years. A small renewal application must be completed and submitted along with a copy of your current driver’s license. Other information may be requested including a current address verification (if it can’t be verified by your credit report or driver’s license), copies of any new professional licenses and statements regarding any civil, criminal or credit issues that haven’t previously been submitted.
Staff Licenses
Staff (yellow) licenses are issued to associates in non-cash handling positions which usually include: restaurants, EVS, maintenance and hotel. Staff licenses do not have expiration dates.
For questions about a Staff Gaming License contact Licensing Agent:
(580) 924-8112 Ext. 1368
Internal Audit Department
Internal Audit Manager
The Audit Manager oversees the Internal Audit Department which includes the scheduling of the numerous MICS audits required by the NIGC for each casino. Each audit performed also requires a written report and a response from the Casino Department Manager as well as a follow-up. The Audit Manager works closely with the Casino Compliance Department and the external audit firm. The Audit Manager also reviews and approves Casino policies and procedures and updates the Tribal Internal Control Standards (TICS) as needed as well as oversees the monthly financial statement review and verification of NIGC and state compact payments.
Internal Auditors
Internal Auditors complete audits, prepares audit reports that detail their findings and review audit responses.
Emily Davis - Manager
Technical Compliance Department
The Choctaw Gaming Commission Technical Compliance Department is responsible for helping meet all of the machine, software and vendor requirements of the State Gaming Compact, NIGC MICS and the Choctaw Nation Gaming Commission.
Technical Compliance Manager
The Choctaw Nation Technical Compliance Manager is responsible for the development and administration of the Technical Compliance department. This position is also responsible for upholding the gaming regulations as adopted by the Choctaw Nation Gaming Commission, National Indian Gaming Commission and the State of Oklahoma Tribal Compact.
Technical Compliance Agents
The Technical Compliance Department receives, tests, and tracks all game software and seals it after it is placed into the game. The Technical Compliance Department receives, tests, and tracks other software for Kiosks, electronic table games, shufflers and progressive controllers. They also must be present for all WAP (Wide Are Progressive) Jackpot verifications before they can be paid. The Technical Compliance Department works closely with the Casino Slot Operations Managers to schedule game additions, removals, repairs or changes and schedules their staff accordingly. The Technical Compliance Department performs various gaming machine audits and compiles audit report. The Technical Compliance Department also tracks all gaming machine inventory and updates and enforces the Machine Shipping Requirements and the Vendor Tribal Internal Control Standards (TICS).
Michael Robison - Manager
Surveillance Department
The Casino Surveillance Departments are staffed and maintained as required by federal regulations. The Surveillance Department staff constantly monitors the general activity of the Casinos, specifically focusing on cash intensive areas such as the cage(s), vault(s) and table or card games. The Surveillance Department assists Law Enforcement, Insurance Department and Gaming Commission by providing video and documented timelines for incidents, shortages or investigations.
Tommy Sutherland - Senior Surveillance Manager
Integrations Department
The Choctaw Integration Department is responsible for the installation, set up maintenance and trouble-shooting of all surveillance equipment in operation at Choctaw Nation Casinos.
Jason Banks- Integration Manager
Off Site Field Agents
Our off-site agents are based at a location other than the main office of the commission and assist in the completion of gaming commission duties.
Field Agents have been hired and stationed at Pocola, Idabel and Grant in order to better serve these areas. Field Agents fingerprint new associates and help complete their background investigations. They also verify WAP jackpots and work closely with gaming machine vendors on game changes, additions, removals and repairs.
(580) 924-8112 Ext. 2102
(580) 924-8112 Ext. 5212
(580) 924-8112 Ext. 2101
(580) 924-8112 Ext. 5630