Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division 2013 Legislative Fact Sheet

Background
The Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division was created in 1996 when the two independent Divisions, Gambling Enforcement and Liquor Control, merged. The merger combined the knowledge and expertise of the law enforcement division of Gambling Enforcement with that of the civil and regulatory background of the Liquor Control Division. As one division, the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division improved the level of effectiveness in maintaining the integrity of the alcohol and gambling industries, and in protecting Minnesotas citizens against crimes and illegal activities involving alcohol and gambling.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division is to protect and serve the public through the uniform interpretation and enforcement of the states liquor and gambling laws and rules. The Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division acts to maintain stability and integrity in the alcoholic beverage and gaming industry through the management of licensing, education, enforcement and regulation.

Vision Statement
The vision of the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division is to be the recognized authority on alcohol and gambling in Minnesota; we are a progressive organization proactively enforcing Minnesotas laws and exercising vigilance to the trending developments in both industries to ensure consumer safety.

Core Values
Integrity Impartiality Professionalism Dedication

Staffing
The Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division is a unique division with roles as both a regulatory agency and a law enforcement agency. The Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division employs 4.5 alcohol field agents/staff, 6 alcohol licensing support personnel, and 6 sworn agents who are responsible for gambling and background investigations. 3 sworn agent positions are vacant and it is expected these positions will be filled in the 1st quarter of 2013.

Funding
The Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division has an appropriation of $3,970,000 for the fiscal biennium 2014-2015. The Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division is funded through a combination of general fund, special revenue funds, and federal fund appropriations

Alcohol Licensing and Enforcement Activity Monitor, issue, approve or certify approximately 23,305 wholesale, import and retail liquor licenses and
permits to ensure public safety and as mandated by state law.

Register and maintain records for 67,157 brand labels for alcohol products being sold or imported into the state. Collect $2,659,000 in license fees in FY 2011 for an industry that generates over 2 billion dollars annually in alcohol sales. Responsible for the collection of approximately $13,000,000 in delinquent liquor sales tax annually. This is accomplished through investigation of licensees on the tax delinquent liquor posting and through enforcing violations of the three tier system (retail license holders buying alcohol at retail for resale). Conduct 384 alcohol compliance investigations in FY 11 resulting in civil penalties against licensed liquor establishments for alcohol and gambling related violations. Imposed 53 civil penalties totaling $20,250.00 Approve or deny all alcohol industry advertising and promotional materials. 1,133 submissions were reviewed in FY 11. Administer Federal Train the Trainer Program. This program provides local law enforcement and community officials with instruction and guidance on administering local training programs focused on alcohol awareness and reducing incidents of impaired driving. Inspect alcohol product for purity that has been subject to natural or man-made disaster, such as floods, fire, freezing, and breakage. Collect, maintain, and assure minimum standards for Dram Shop and Workers Comp Insurance as mandated by statute. Conduct 605 premise inspections of new alcoholic beverage license applicants. Maintain balance and stability in the alcoholic beverage industry through management of liquor licensing, education, enforcement, and regulatory programs. Provide training, information, assistance and education to industry, law enforcement and local license officials.

Completed LEAN process review of two licensing functions which reduced processing and approval time of brand label registrations from 30 days to 2 days.

Operates as a central source of information related to alcohol licenses and violation records, ensuring availability of records to appropriate agencies and the public. Protects and serves the public through the uniform interpretation and enforcement of the State Liquor Act. Protects the health and safety of the states youth by enforcing the prohibition against sales to underage people.

Gambling Licensing and Enforcement Activity Primary state jurisdiction for Minnesotas 18 Indian casinos. Responsible for monitoring compliance
with the Tribal-State Compacts related to slot machines (video games of chance) and blackjack gambling.

Conduct 59 routine inspections, technical upgrades and audits of tribal casinos for compliance with Tribal-State Compacts. 3,462 slot machines examined through review of tribal slot data management reports, 21 manual inspections of slot machines and 14 black jack compact compliance inspections performed. Investigate 126 total violations of lawful gambling and illegal gambling complaints for 2012. License and regulate 27 licensees of gambling manufacturers and distributors of gaming devices such as slot machines and casino equipment. Provide support and investigative services to the Minnesota Gambling Control Board: o 10 background investigations of manufacturer and/or distributor of electronic gaming devices, o 33 investigations of charitable gaming violations, o 7 installations of surveillance equipment to reduce theft of charitable gambling proceeds. Conduct 5 manufacturer, distributor and or casino related background investigations for DPS and Tribal properties. Provided support and investigative services to the Minnesota Lottery with 5 criminal investigations related to the compromise or theft of lottery proceeds. Provided 19 investigative and support services to the Minnesota Racing Commission related to the regulation and lawful operation of the two state allowed card rooms and racetracks. Conduct 72 criminal and civil investigations relating to illegal forms of gambling. Conduct state and federal criminal history and fingerprint checks for clients and tribal properties. In FY 11 the division performed 30,196 checks. Provided 22 computer technology assistance and/or forensic examinations. 72 Assists to local law enforcement agencies with alcohol and gambling related criminal and civil cases.

Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division Staff Michele Tuchner Director 651-201-7529 Carla Cincotta Sr. Special Agent 651-201-7531 Doug Forsman, Sr. Special Agent 651-201-7520 Mike McManus Alcohol Enf. Adm. 651-201-7502 Kellie Murray Office Supervisor 651-201-7511

Website: http://www.dps.state.mn.us/alcgamb/alcgamb.aspx

Main telephone number: 651-201-7500 Fax: 651-297-5259