TCGCC eyes Las Vegas firm to perform audit

The Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission is planning to hire Las Vegas-based Amerine Gaming Enterprises to perform casino regulatory audits of the Tinian Dynasty Casino.

At the same time, the Commission will issue a request for proposal for the training of the entire staff as part of its skills upgrading program, according to Esther H. Barr, executive director of TCGCC. He will also train the auditor of the Commission.

Dennis L. Amerine, president of Amerine Enterprises, has earlier conducted extensive Gaming Regulatory training in July and August 1997 among the TCGCC staff. He was formerly a member of the State Gaming Control Board where he spearheaded numerous sweeping changes to Nevada’s regulations.

Mr. Amerine will establish audit programs based on those used in Nevada and adjust them to meet the objectives and needs of the Commission. Since the casino industry is a cash intensive business, the evaluation of internal control procedures must be performed frequently and thoroughly to make sure that reasonable assurance taxes are obtained and being properly reported by the casino. It is also meant to ensure that the casino is complying with the requirements of the Gaming Initiative and the Commission regulations.

“The public may think that we are just sitting here and not doing anything but even if we want to go on training immediately we cannot do just hat because we have funding problems,” said Ms. Barr.

With the constant changes in the international gaming industry, the Commission is under pressure to maintain world-class standards. As a regulatory body on the planned casino industry in Tinian, TCGCC also wants to make sure that Tinian Dynasty Casino, the lone multimillion investment on the island, would survive.

In achieving its goal to entice more casino investments on the island, TCGCC would like to work closely with the local officials, Ms. Barr said. TCGCC Chair Martin DLG. San Nicolas has pledged to pursue the development of a casino industry on the island-municipality of Tinian by implementing infrastructure projects.

The Commission is hoping to get direct and charter flights to increase visitor arrivals to Tinian from various Asian cities to the island to save the financially beleaguered Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino.

Tinian Dynasty has already signed an agreement with Mandarin Air to carry out charter service between Saipan and Taipei twice a week. (LFR)