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Chief of Staff
Dustin Thomas
Dustin Thomas (Mohawk/Oneida) is the Chief of Staff for the National Indian Gaming Commission, an independent federal regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior. As Chief of Staff, Thomas is charged with implementing the Commission’s directives relating to its strategic plan, special emphasis initiatives, government-to-government consultation, training, technical assistance, enforcement efforts, and administering the Self-Regulation program. In addition, he manages the day-to-day operations of the Commission, which include the divisions of compliance, finance, public affairs, technology, and administrative support functions.
Thomas joined the Commission as Director of Compliance in 2017 before becoming Chief of Staff in September 2020. As Director of Compliance (now known as Chief Compliance Officer), he monitored compliance of tribal gaming operations, which encompasses eight regional offices and the audit and training programs.
Before joining the NIGC, Thomas served as the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer for the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino, where he was the senior executive for operational compliance, internal audit, security, health and safety. Thomas began his gaming career in 2005 as a Security Officer for the Seneca Gaming Corporation, where he later became the Lead Gaming Inspector for the Seneca Gaming Authority, overseeing regulatory compliance for the Seneca Gaming Corporation and Seneca Gaming and Entertainment.
In 2018, Thomas was named to the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s 40 Under 40 and was also awarded the Emerging Leaders of Gaming recognition by Global Gaming Business magazine.
Thomas graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Law from California University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He also holds professional certifications as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP).
Updated 6/17/2024
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act created the National Indian Gaming Commission to support tribal self-sufficiency and the integrity of Indian gaming. NIGC oversees the efficient regulation of more than 500 gaming establishments operated by 250 tribes across 29 states.