Soboba Tribal Gaming Commission

Frequently Asked Licensing Questions

• Why do I need to provide so much information?

• I filled out an application with HR. Why do I have to fill out more information with the Backgrounds Department?

• Is my personal information confidential?

• I’ve been issued a badge and started work. Why do I have to keep coming in to Backgrounds? Isn’t my background investigation complete?

• Why does my badge have an expiration date?

• I’ve just been issued a conditional license. What do I need to do to keep my license in good standing?

• I’ve been arrested. Do I have to disclose this to Backgrounds or wait until I go to court?

• I’ve been called in to attend an informational hearing. What is that and how do I prepare?

• I just received an Intent to Fine letter and a hearing has been scheduled. What do I do?

• My gaming license has been denied/suspended/revoked. Do I still have a job?

• I submitted a renewal application and my badge is about to expire. My renewal is not complete. What do I do?

• I need to pick up my new badge and can’t make it in to Backgrounds during their office hours. What do I do?

• I don’t have a computer and/or internet access. How do I go about completing my online licensing application?

• I have a family member or co-habitant working at Soboba Casino or another gaming related facility. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• I just recently become engaged, married, divorced, separated, widowed or have entered into a domestic partnership or civil union. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• I have had a legal name change. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• I’ve moved and have a new address. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• I got a second job. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• Can I work at another Casino while licensed as a Soboba Casino employee?

• I opened my own business. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• I am filing for Bankruptcy. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• I’m currently involved in civil suit. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• I’ve had a temporary restraining order (TRO) or a permanent restraining order placed against me. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• I’ve had my driver’s license suspended or revoked. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• I have had to register as a sex offender. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• I am having financial difficulties and have had accounts turned over to collections.

• I am having financial difficulties and have had goods repossessed (this includes automobiles). Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• I have become delinquent on tax payments and/or have tax liens. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• I am going through the short sale or foreclosure process on my mortgage. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

• I have various financial issues and would like to consult with someone. Is there anyone I can talk to?

 

 

Why do I need to provide so much information?

In order to work at Soboba Casino, you must also apply and be found suitable for a gaming license or work permit (depending on your position). The Soboba Tribal Gaming Commission has to follow specific gaming regulations regarding the licensure of employees. These include the Tribe’s gaming regulations, gaming ordinance, and the Tribal-State Compact.

 

I filled out an application with HR. Why do I have to fill out more information with the Backgrounds Department?

As stated above, everyone who works at Soboba Casino must go through the hiring process with HR and must also be licensed for the position they hold. The HR Department for Soboba Casino and the Backgrounds Department for the Soboba Tribal Gaming Commission are two separate entities. The Backgrounds Department does not and cannot share any information or documentation obtained from applicants with the HR Department at Soboba Casino.

 

Is my personal information confidential?

All information that you provide to the Backgrounds Department stays within your licensing file and is not shared with any other entities, including the Soboba HR Department. Your information is obtained by a background investigator. Once your file is ready to be reviewed, it is forwarded to the Backgrounds Manager. For final approval of your permanent gaming license, your file is reviewed by the Soboba Tribal Gaming Commission.

 

I’ve been issued a badge and started work. Why do I have to keep coming in to Backgrounds? Isn’t my background investigation complete?

If you’re a new hire and have been issued a badge, you’ve been issued a temporary license or work permit. The Background Investigation is still ongoing. You may get called in by the Investigator assigned to your file for additional information or clarification.

 

Why does my badge have an expiration date?

All gaming licenses or work permits expire on your birthday. Per the Tribal-State Compact, a licensee’s gaming license or work permit cannot exceed a 2 year time period. If your badge has an expiration date that is less than 2 years, it could be for the following reasons: your start date does not coincide with the 2 year maximum licensing date, so your expiration date allows for a renewal before the 2 year timeframe. After you renew, it will then go to the 2 year renewal interval. You could also have been issued a conditional license, which requires additional monitoring of a specific area of concern regarding your background history. If you are issued a conditional license, paperwork will be given to you regarding what is expected of you during your conditional license period.

 

I’ve just been issued a conditional license. What do I need to do to keep my license in good standing?

If you have been issued a conditional gaming license or work permit, you will have to pick up a conditional license letter and sign a conditional license agreement from the Backgrounds Department. The letter will state the specific reasons for the conditions placed on your license, what you have to do in order to remain in good standing and your expiration date. You are responsible for ensuring that the conditions are met during the timeframe of the conditions placed on your license or permit. Please keep the letter and refer to it during your conditional period, as penalties will be assessed by the STGC if you fail to adhere to the conditions placed on your license or permit. These penalties include fines and licensing action, if necessary.
If you feel that you should not be issued a conditional license, you can appeal the decision to the STGC. An appeal hearing will be scheduled where you can address the STGC and explain why you should not be issued a conditional license. They will take your information into consideration and render a decision to uphold the conditions or overturn the conditions. If you are still not satisfied with the results of the appeal hearing, you can appeal to the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Tribal Council. A hearing may or may not be scheduled with Tribal Council, but they will take all information into consideration and render a final decision.
If you have any questions regarding the conditions placed on your license, please contact your Background Investigator for clarification.

 

I’ve been arrested. Do I have to disclose this to Backgrounds or wait until I go to court?

All employees who are licensed by the STGC have signed a pre-employment statement indicating that they will disclose any negative contact with law enforcement within one (1) week, but no longer than thirty (30) days from the incident. Even though you haven’t gone to court or haven’t been convicted of a crime, a disclosure of the arrest and the incident MUST be reported to the Backgrounds Department. Failure to do so may result in licensing action (suspension or revocation) and/or civil fines imposed by the STGC.
Disclosure to your supervisor and/or the HR department is not required, but is optional if you feel they need to know. If you do not disclose arrest information to your manager or HR, but disclose it to Backgrounds, it will not be disclosed by the Backgrounds Department or the STGC to casino management or HR.
Depending on the severity of the charges, licensing action (suspension or revocation) could occur. Any licensee found guilty of a misdemeanor within five (5) years involving theft, dishonesty, violence or moral turpitude will be suspended or revoked. Any felony conviction at any time will result in a license revocation. Please contact the Backgrounds Department for additional information.

 

I’ve been called in to attend an informational hearing. What is that and how do I prepare?

When an informational hearing is scheduled with you, it means that the STGC wants to speak with you to get more information regarding your background history, or it could also involve an investigation that is being conducted. The meeting will consist of questions from the STGC. If it involves your background history, a background investigator, the backgrounds manager or supervisor and the Gaming Commissioners will be present. Please be as honest and truthful as possible during the hearing and answer all questions as completely as possible. If you are scheduled for an informational hearing and cannot make it, please call the Backgrounds office to reschedule. If you do not call to reschedule and do not appear for the informational hearing, a decision regarding your license will be made without your input and may result in licensing action or civil fines could be imposed by the STGC.

 

I just received an Intent to Fine letter and a hearing has been scheduled. What do I do?

An Intent to Fine hearing is scheduled with the STGC if you have violated any gaming regulations enforced by the STGC. The Intent to Fine hearing is set up for you to explain any information to the STGC regarding the violation that may impact their final decision to impose a fine or not impose a fine on your gaming license or work permit.
If the STGC decides to assess a civil fine, after the Intent to Fine Hearing, you will be given another letter with the fine amount and the date to pay. If you disagree with this decision, you may appeal the decision and request an appeal hearing with the STGC.
Failure to pay the civil fine by the due date may result in the immediate revocation of your gaming license or work permit.

 

My gaming license has been denied/suspended/revoked. Do I still have a job?

Since employment is an HR issue and licensing is regulated by the STGC, even if you have had licensing action on your gaming license or work permit, you can still be employed. However, you will not be allowed to work or be on property of Soboba Casino without the authorization of the STGC. Please contact your supervisor or manager and the HR department to get clarification on your employment status.
If your gaming license or work permit was suspended or revoked and you do not appeal the decision with the STGC or if the decision is upheld, the suspension or revocation is in effect for one (1) year.
If you are a new hire and have been denied a gaming license or work permit, you will not be allowed to re-apply for a gaming license or work permit for six (6) months. If you appeal the decision and it is overturned, you may re-apply before the six (6) months if there is a position available.
If you have had any adverse action taken on your gaming license or work permit by the STGC, you may request an appeal hearing within thirty (30) days of the date of the action. The date of the action is the date the licensing action letter was written. An appeal hearing will be scheduled with the STGC. If you are not satisfied with the results of the appeal hearing with the STGC, you have a final option of appeal to the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Tribal Council. The decision of Tribal Council is final.

 

I submitted a renewal application and my badge is about to expire. My renewal is not complete. What do I do?

If you did not complete the renewal application, sign the application or provide any necessary documents to the Backgrounds office at least two (2) weeks before you expire, you may not be able to work until everything has been submitted and processed. Please keep in close contact with the Background Investigator assigned to your file to ensure that everything has been completed and the status of your final approval. It is your responsibility to complete your renewal within the required time frames. You must start the renewal process 60 days prior to your license expiration date. To start the renewal process, you must go into the Backgrounds Office to obtain a username and password to access the renewal application online. You will need to provide your CA DL or ID and be prepared to take a new photo.

 

I need to pick up my new badge and can’t make it in to Backgrounds during their office hours. What do I do?

Since the Backgrounds Department needs your old badge in order to issue you a new one, it is your responsibility to get your badge during the established hours for the Backgrounds Department. No exceptions will be made. No other department besides the Backgrounds Department can issue badges. If you do not get your badge from the Backgrounds office, you will not be allowed to work.

 

I don’t have a computer and/or internet access. How do I go about completing my online licensing application?

The Soboba Casino HR department has computers available to fill out applications online. You can also use computers at any public library. Since the online application is housed on a secure website, you can use a public computer and your information will be safe.

 

I have a family member or co-habitant working at Soboba Casino or another gaming related facility. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form.

 

I just recently become engaged, married, divorced, separated, widowed or have entered into a domestic partnership or civil union. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form. Also, if you have changed your name as a result of the marriage/separation/civil union/domestic partnership, you must supply the Backgrounds Department with your updated CA DL/ID and Social Security Card, as well as any legal name change documentation you may have. The Backgrounds Department will make a copy of this documentation.

 

I have had a legal name change. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes, please download the name change form from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form. Also bring in your updated CADL/ID and social security card, with a copy of your legal name change documents (marriage or divorce certificate or legal name change paperwork). The Backgrounds Department will make a copy of this documentation and update your file to reflect the proper name change. The Backgrounds Department will not update your file until they have received all the proper documentation reflecting your name change.

 

I’ve moved and have a new address. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes, please download the change of address form from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form.

 

I got a second job. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form.

 

Can I work at another Casino while licensed as a Soboba Casino employee?

No. The licensing requirements do not allow for dual licensure at two different casinos.

 

I opened my own business. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form.

 

I am filing for Bankruptcy. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form.

 

I’m currently involved in civil suit. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form.

 

I’ve had a temporary restraining order (TRO) or a permanent restraining order placed against me. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form.

 

I’ve had my driver’s license suspended or revoked. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form.

 

I have had to register as a sex offender. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form.

 

I am having financial difficulties and have had accounts turned over to collections.

Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form.

 

I am having financial difficulties and have had goods repossessed (this includes automobiles). Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form.

 

I have become delinquent on tax payments and/or have tax liens. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form.

 

I am going through the short sale or foreclosure process on my mortgage. Do I need to disclose this to Backgrounds?

Yes. Please download the voluntary statement from this website and submit it to Backgrounds immediately. You can also come in to the Backgrounds office to fill out the form.

 

I have various financial issues and would like to consult with someone. Is there anyone I can talk to?

Yes. The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians offers its employees a variety of free services through the Employee Assistance Program, provided by Health Advocate. There are a wide variety of free services that are provided which include Legal and Financial Services, as well as other various services and counseling. Should you have additional questions regarding the services provided through the EAP please contact the Human Resources Department.