SAN DIEGO, CA – Gaming regulatory leader David Vialpando has authored a new professional resource, Fundamentals of Tribal Casino Gaming Regulation: A Primer for Regulators, aimed at strengthening the standards, professionalism, and operational capacity of tribal gaming regulatory agencies. Published by Palmetto Publishing and now available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook formats, the 648-page volume is the first comprehensive, practice-oriented guide devoted specifically to the day-to-day responsibilities of tribal casino gaming regulators and compliance professionals. As tribal gaming continues to serve as a critical driver of tribal sovereignty, economic development, and community investment, the book arrives at a time when the demand for knowledgeable, well-trained regulatory staff continues to grow.
In contrast to traditional legal texts that focus primarily on statutory frameworks, Vialpando’s book emphasizes the operational mechanics of effective oversight. It provides clear explanations of how tribal gaming regulatory agencies are structured, how regulatory processes function on the casino floor, and how regulators safeguard the integrity of gaming, protect tribal assets, and maintain a safe environment for employees, patrons, and visitors. The text underscores three essential pillars of regulation – integrity, asset protection, and safety – while encouraging regulators to ground their decisions in tribal directives, agency regulations, and sovereignty-centered principles rather than external legal interpretation. Through accessible writing and real-world examples, the book aims to equip both new and experienced professionals with the practical knowledge required to navigate complex compliance obligations, conduct effective investigations, collaborate with state and federal partners, and support the long-term success of their gaming enterprises.
Vialpando brings decades of law-enforcement, regulatory, and leadership experience to the work. A former police officer and longtime California Department of Justice official, Vialpando concluded his public-service career as Special Agent-in-Charge of the Bureau of Gambling Control’s Southern California offices, overseeing regulatory enforcement in the nation’s largest concentration of casinos. Since retiring from state service, he has held senior regulatory positions with several tribal nations, including serving as Chairman or Executive Director of multiple tribal gaming commissions in California, Michigan, and Indiana. He is the Vice-Chairman of the Tribal Gaming Protection Network and was recognized in 2017 as the International Masters of Gaming Law Regulator of the Year for Indian Country. His industry influence also extends through consulting, training, keynote presentations, and published articles on regulatory strategy, casino safety, investigative practices, and emerging challenges in mobile and interactive gaming oversight.
With a blend of practical instruction, policy context, and industry insight, Fundamentals of Tribal Casino Gaming Regulation is positioned to serve as an essential reference for tribal gaming commissioners, regulatory staff, compliance officers, casino managers, tribal government officials, and educators responsible for training the next generation of regulators. The book reinforces the central role of strong oversight in protecting tribal sovereignty and ensuring the continued integrity and economic success of tribal gaming operations. It is now available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.