Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians ("Tribe") is pleased to announce that Philip N. Hogen, former Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission ("NIGC") has been appointed Chairman of the Picayune Rancheria Tribal Gaming Commission

COARSEGOLD, Calif., Oct. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians ("Tribe") are pleased to announce that Philip N. Hogen, former Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission has been named Chairman of the Tribal Gaming Commission.  This appointment comes on the heels of last week's announcement that Hogen had been retained to advise the tribe on gaming regulations.

The Tribe is also pleased to announce that Joe Smith, former Director of Audits and Finance for the NIGC joins as a Commissioner. 

These appointments will be bring much needed stability to the commission and ensure that experienced regulatory hands are guiding the process appropriately as the Tribe strives to reopen the Chukchansi Gold Coast Resort and Casino ("Casino").  Additionally, these appointments will help ensure that the casino operates in a transparent and appropriate fashion, with sophisticated and experienced oversight.

Mr. Hogen has a long history of working for the federal government, with a particular focus on tribal gaming regulatory related issues.  As a former Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, Mr. Hogen specializes in intergovernmental relations, litigation, tribal gaming, gaming development, and gaming regulation.  Before moving into private practice in 2009, he had spent 25 years working in the Federal government in various capacities.

Mr. Smith, a former Director of Audits for the NIGC has over 35 years in gaming experience and has been specializing in  the performance of Tribal Casino Audits for the past 4 years through his private firm, Smith Harrison LLP. 

"I am thrilled that the tribe saw fit to name Mr. Hogen as Chairman of the Gaming Commission. It makes sense that someone with his experience lead the commission as the Tribe embarks on a new day by reopening the Casino," said Christian Goode, Chief Operating Officer of CGRC.

"And Joe Smith is the right person to guarantee the casino operates in a transparent fashion and provides timely reports to all stakeholders, this will ensure that everyone is confident in its operations."

Tribal Chairman, Reggie Lewis said, "We began by looking for a lot of experience, and we landed the top two names in tribal gaming that were on our list." 

Lewis added, "These new and independent voices are exactly what we need to ensure credibility and transparency and to get the casino operating again and providing a world-class customer experience that brings jobs and economic activity to the region."

For more information, please call (559) 692-5200 or email [email protected]

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino features live table games action, reel and video slot machines, a 370-seat award winning buffet, Vintage our world-class steakhouse, over 400 luxurious hotel rooms and suites, a full service spa and various other amenities.

SOURCE Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino