Business Certification Process

Overview

	Any business conducting transactions with a Tribal gaming operation for goods and/or services of over $10,000 a month must have State Certification.
	It is a privilege to be granted State Certification.  The burden of proving suitability to receive State Certification rests solely upon the applicant. The process starts with the Tribal Gaming Office (TGO).
	The criteria to determine suitability are set forth under Section 5 of the Tribal/State Compact. The State strictly adheres to the compact in order to ensure the integrity of gaming in Arizona.
	The application fees for State Certification of a business range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the type of business and the services or goods provided.
	All investigative costs incurred by the State over the application fee are borne solely by the applicant. All such costs must be paid in full to the Department prior to the issuance of State Certification. Once the investigation is in process, the applicant may receive subsequent monthly invoices for any additional investigative costs incurred by the State.
	State Certification will be determined upon the completion of the background investigation and the payment of all associated investigative costs.

Specific Steps in the Process

Renewal of State Certification
 

The application fees for renewal of State Certification of a business range from $500 to $1,000 depending on the type of business and the services or goods provided. The State will send a Renewal application package to certified vendors approximately two months prior to certification expiration. Vendors choosing not to be considered for Certification Renewal should contact the Department of Gaming as soon as possible to preclude any costs.

All investigative costs for Renewal of State Certification are borne solely by the applicant. All such costs must be paid in full to the Department prior to the issuance of renewal of State Certification.