Site Spot Checks

Site Inspection Checklists

There's no secret to what the agency's inspectors look for when they conduct compliance inspections. In fact, site inspection forms are available to organizations so that they can conduct their own inspections to ensure that their sites are in compliance with all requirements. Then, when it comes time for a Gambling Control Board inspection, you'll be ready. Below are links to the site inspection forms for each form of lawful gambling.

• Electronic Pull-Tab or Linked Bingo System Inspection Checklist
• Paper Pull-tab Inspection Checklist
• Pull-tab Dispensing Device Inspection Checklist
• Paddlewheel without a Table Inspection Checklist
• Tipboard Inspection Checklist
• Raffle Inspection Checklist
• Bingo Inspection Checklist

Spot Checking Games

Spot checking games at the site is an effective way to identify and prevent potential theft if money is missing. Theft charges could be filed.

For a closed game at the site:

• verify that the cash has been deposited within four business days of game close or that the cash is still at the site; and
• review prize receipt dates and times as that is a good indicator of when a game was played and closed.

For a game in play:

• count the cash drawer;
• compare the value of the unsold tickets and total prizes paid to the cash count and the LG861; and
• check the accuracy of posting.

If there are potential problems, contact a Compliance Specialist at the Gambling Control Board.

Be on the Lookout for Counterfeit Currency

Counterfeit $20 and $100 bills have been discovered at gambling premises in Minnesota. These were real, lower denomination bills that had been bleached and then reprinted in $20 and $100 denominations.

Because the bills were printed on authentic US Treasury paper, counterfeit detection pens were not effective. The only giveaway on the bills was the magnetic strip embedded in the paper.

Alert your paper pull-tab sellers to carefully inspect all $20, $50, and $100 bills they receive, even bills exchanged for change by the lessor. The magnetic strip embedded in the bill can be seen by holding the bill up to a bright light. All bills, $5 and greater, printed since 1990 contain the strip which will show the bill’s real denomination.

Verify that the denomination on the strip matches the denomination printed on the bill.

Also, instruct your sellers not to accept a bill from a customer who claims to have received a counterfeit bill in change from the paper pull-tab operation. Instruct the customer to call the police if they are in possession of a questionable bill. The Board will likely deny a fund loss request involving counterfeit currency if the organization has not exercised due diligence in educating its employees on how to identify counterfeit bills.

The following is from the U.S. Secret Service website:

If you receive a counterfeit bill:

1. Do not return it to the passer.
2. Delay the passer if possible.
3. Observe the passer's description, as well as that of any companions, and the license plate numbers of any vehicles used.
4. Contact your local police department (or U.S. Secret Service).
5. Write your initials and the date in the white border areas of the suspect note.
6. Limit the handling of the note. Carefully place it in a protective covering, such as an envelope.
7. Surrender the note only to a properly identified police officer or a U.S. Secret Service special agent.