Introducing the Team at GRA
Greetings to all Mille Lacs Band Members and families.
I am Dann Klapel, Mille Lacs Band member and the Licensing Investigations Director for the Gaming Regulatory Authority (GRA). I have worked within the Gaming Enterprise and Government for the past 17-plus years.
The Licensing Group with the GRA oversees the issuance of gaming licenses for the Gaming Enterprises. We also oversee the maintenance of the Exclusion List, per Title 15.
Our Licensing group is small and includes Krista Tretter, our Licensing Specialist. She is responsible for collecting documentation used by the GRA Board to make determinations on licenses and exclusions and for maintenance of the exclusion list. Joleen Vreeman is our Vendor Licensing Investigator, who oversees the licensing or registration of new gaming and non-gaming vendors for the Gaming Enterprises. Our Licensing Investigators are Lori Miller (GCHK) and Sally Dunkley (GCML). These two knowledgeable ladies are responsible for backgrounding investigations for gaming license applicants.
As with most licenses, a gaming license is a privilege, and not a right. The gaming industry is a heavily regulated business that strives to avoid complications with and or connections to illegal or unethical businesses or behaviors. We are guided by the State of Minnesota and the National Indian Gaming Commission on what information we must collect to make an informed decision on issuing a gaming license. We understand that the license application process can be confusing, but our Licensing team is here to help clear up any questions you may have.
Yes, it does take effort on your part, but an opportunity to get into gaming or a hospitality career is worth the effort! Just because you may have a criminal background, does not necessarily mean you do not qualify for a gaming license or career opportunity at the casinos. Our team is happy to assist with the application process, and our Licensing Investigators will help guide you on what you need to do to qualify, if applicable. You may even qualify for our MLB Members Waiver Program as set out in Detailed Gaming Regulations (DGR) 7 and 7b.
We look forward to collaborating with you and hope we can answer your questions.
I can be reached at DKlapel@mlbgra.com or at my office phone number 320-384-4469.
The Licensing Investigators can be contacted at:
—Hinckley: 320-384-4742 or (320) 384-4774
—Mille Lacs: 320-532-8135 or (320) 384-4743
The Mille Lacs Band Gaming Regulatory Authority (GRA) is an independent regulatory agency of tribal government established to separate the government’s regulatory function from the management function of the Gaming Enterprises. More information and contact numbers can be found at http://www. millelacsband.com/government/gaming-regulatory-authority. You can also LIKE us on Facebook at Mille Lacs Band GRA. GRA Board meetings are open to the public. Due to COVID-19, meetings are currently being conducted remotely using Zoom.
