September 16, 2008 09:17 AM Eastern Time 

Viejas Names New Tribal Gaming Commissioner

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians today announced the appointment of Tracy Burris as Tribal Gaming Commissioner.

Burris, a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, most recently was Treasurer of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA). Prior to that, he served as Vice Chairman and then Chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) and Chairman of the Chickasaw Gaming Commission. Burris is a board member for the National Tribal Gaming Commissioners/Regulators Association and is a gaming advisor to the State of Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission.

Viejas Tribal Chairman Bobby L. Barrett stated: “We are very proud to have Mr. Burris assume this critical leadership position. He has the experience, expertise and energy that will help Viejas build upon its reputation as a national leader in tribal gaming regulation.”

Burris will serve as chief administrator of the Viejas Tribal Government Gaming Commission, which has 52 full-time regulatory staff members and a multi-million dollar annual budget to oversee the surveillance, inspection, auditing and licensing departments, as well as compliance officers at the Viejas Casino. Located east of San Diego, Viejas Casino has thousands of slot machines, more than 80 table games, a poker room, bingo and off-track wagering.

“I am truly honored to be selected for this position,” said Burris. “The Viejas Tribal Gaming Commission is one of the most respected in the nation and Viejas Casino is among the most successful in California. I am dedicated to continuing the Tribe’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the casino through effective regulation and oversight.”

Burris has also worked on the floor and in management at a class II facility in Red Rock, Oklahoma and worked in tribal programs for his Chickasaw Nation. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University.

About the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians

The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians is a sovereign nation whose people have inhabited the San Diego County area for thousands of years. The 1,600 acre Viejas Indian Reservation is located near Alpine, California, approximately 35 miles east of San Diego. Viejas Enterprises operates the Tribe’s business entities, including the Viejas Casino; Viejas Outlet Center; Viejas Entertainment & Production; Three Fires LLC and Four Fires LLC, two partnerships that have developed hotels in Sacramento, California and Washington, D.C.; Borrego Springs Bank; three radio stations and two RV parks. For more information, visit www.viejasbandofkumeyaay.org.