Training Services
At Finley & Cook, we use our knowledge, certifications, and experience to develop training presentations to help you attain the knowledge you deserve, while developing the skills, and understanding to enhance performance and staff morale. Register for one of our available classes, attend an educational seminar at a tradeshow or conference we attend, or contact us directly for customized on-site training at your location. Either way, our advisors are here to share their knowledge to help you succeed.
Continuing Education Opportunities:
April 13, 2018
How I Bought a House with Bitcoin
In this easy introduction to Bitcoin, we will begin by learning how Bitcoin came about and how it works in the real world. Then, you’ll hear the real story of my harrowing journey of buying a house with Bitcoin. Finally, we’ll discuss how to keep your Bitcoin safe if you want to hang onto it.
Click here to register to the BSides OK Conference in Glenpool, OK and hear Bob’s seminar.
BSides Oklahoma is a free information security conference focused on practical, hands-on training for improving security.
May 1, 2018
Native American Tribal Training: Understanding Indirect Costs
Osage Casino, Ponca City, OK
Native American Tribal Training – Understanding Indirect Costs
Indirect Costs can inevitably benefit your grant funded programs and organizations fiscal health. Understanding these costs and how to manage them will help you prepare accurate budgets for your funding agencies. Most importantly, as a Program Director, you will gain a thorough understanding of how Indirect Cost is charged to your program, how the Tribe spends those dollars, and why it is so important to the Tribe.
Topics will include:
- Identifying the Indirect Cost Base
- Acceptable Indirect Cost Expenditures
- Understanding the Proposal Process
- Indirect Cost Rates
- Indirect Cost Billings
April 18, 2018
Regulating Your Relationship: Gaming Commissions & Casino Operations
National Indian Gaming Association Annual Conference Workshop
April 18, 2018 – 10:15am-11:15am
Often, the relationship between a Gaming Commission and the casino operations is tested. Finding the balance between oversight and assistance can cause friction. This workshop focuses on ways to help minimize issues that almost certainly will arise in the process. Key elements including communication, education, and documentation will be discussed in detail in order to establish a foundation for healthy, mutually beneficial relationship.
To attend this workshop, register here for the NIGA Tradeshow & Convention
April 18, 2018
Labor and Benefits in Tribal Casinos: Critical Tools and Opportunities to Save Money
National Indian Gaming Association Annual Conference Panel Discussion
April 18, 2018 – 2:00pm-3:00pm
Labor is our largest controllable expense, yet we struggle with finding ways to control this cost. This discussion is even more relevant today as businesses face low unemployment rates and the difficulties of attracting people to rural markets. Additionally, managing the benefits expense can often be outside of the control of operations die to the often very generous benefit packages of Tribal Government.
To attend this panel discussion, register here for the NIGA Tradeshow & Convention
April 18, 2018
Hidden Marketing Costs
National Indian Gaming Association Annual Conference Workshop
April 18, 2018 – 3:15pm-4:15pm
More than ever, marketing and loyalty programs are key components of any casino’s business model. This session will examine case studies and determine internal auditor’s necessary controls to avoid overspending on marketing. Topics for discussion will include: Learn potential costs and risks associated with marketing and player’s club, Understand the importance of internal controls, and Explore real life examples of lack of control in the casino industry.
To attend this workshop, register here for the NIGA Tradeshow & Convention
April 24, 2018
Do You Have Year-End Grant Money You Must Use or Lose?
Native American Finance Officers Association Conference Panel Discussion
April 24, 2018 – 2:00pm-3:15pm
In this session, Tribes will learn different options for managing their excess year-end grant money including responsible spending techniques, grant-extension options, and situations when the best decision is to return excess funds to the grantor.
To attend this panel discussion, register here for the NAFOA Conference
May 1, 2018
Evaluating Statistical Reports (3% Variance Report)
Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Association Conference Workshop
May 1, 2018 – 1:45pm-2:45pm
Gaming Machines are the primary source of revenue for most casinos. Because of this, it is important to verify machines are behaving like they are supposed to behave. It is NOT the job of the regulator to do this investigation, but it is the role of the regulator to verify that the operations is evaluating this information. Understanding these Statistical Reports can be challenging. This session will discuss how to interpret the reports and what information regulators can look for to ensure the analysis and investigation is meaningful.
To attend this workshop, register here for the OTGRA Conference
May 1, 2018
Title 31 & Surveillance - What Would You Do?
Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Association Conference Workshop
May 1, 2018 – 3:00pm-4:00pm
Surveillance is called upon to be the “eyes in the sky” for gaming operation and monitor many activities occurring a casino floor. With everything that Surveillance should already be monitoring for MICS Compliance, adding Title 31 Compliance almost seems unfair. This session will cover specific behavior that may indicate possible structuring or money laundering activity by patrons at gaming machines, kiosks, and table games. We will also discuss best practices for reporting suspicious behavior to the Casino’s Title 31 Office, as well as some best practices to be considered by the Surveillance team.
To attend this workshop, register here for the OTGRA Conference
May 1, 2018
Check Yourself! A Guide To Internal Policies
Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Association Conference Workshop
May 1, 2018 – 3:00pm-4:00pm
One of the Commission’s primary tasks is to regulate the casino through the approval of their policies and procedures. This adds an effective and necessary level of control to the casino operation. By the same token, those controls are a critical part of the commission, itself. This session will discuss the importance of creating, implementing, and maintaining internal policies to mitigate risks, add control, and increase the chances for success of regulators.
To attend this workshop, register here for the OTGRA Conference
May 2, 2018
Back to the Basics - Why do TGRAs Exist?
Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Association Conference Workshop
May 2, 2018 – 9:00am – 10:00am
Successful teams consist of players that all know their role and do their role well. The role of the Gaming Commission is sometimes clouded by many things outside the realm of control of the TGRA. This session goes back to the basics, exploring and surveying the historical role of the regulatory body, as well as the current struggles that commission’s might encounter.
To attend this workshop, register here for the OTGRA Conference
July 23 – 25, 2018
OIGA Conference and Trade Show
Don’t miss the biggest Little Show in Indian Gaming.
Join more than 2,500 industry professionals from all over the country at this premier event specifically devoted to all aspects of the Indian Gaming industry.
Stop by and see us at Booth #514!
June 13, 2018
Native American Indian Casino Training: Title 31 It's Not Complicated!
River Spirit Casino, Tulsa, OK
Native American Indian Casino Training – Title 31 It’s Not Complicated!
- What is it?
- Why do I need to comply?
- How do I comply?
- What are the industry BEST PRACTICE?
Guess What?! It’s Not Complicated.
Once we help you understand what the regulations are and the best practices for compliance, you can develop a Title 31 Compliance Program that is right for your organization.
September 22 – 25, 2018
The 44th Annual Convention of The Independent Bankers Association of Texas
Hilton Austin Hotel, Austin TX
BAT’s Annual Convention is a four-day event that takes an in-depth look at key issues impacting the banking industry, specifically those related to community banks. General sessions (often featuring renowned national speakers), learning labs, regulator roundtables and banker-peer resource sharing sessions are offered on the education front. Networking opportunities and entertainment options, including the Chairman’s Tailgate Party, PAC Auction/Dinner and Songwriters’ Late Show, round out the Convention schedule.
October 1 – 2, 2018
NAFOA Fall Finance & Tribal Economies
Hyatt Regency Tamaya, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM
The fall conference is an opportunity to meet with tribal leaders, federal agencies, and accounting professionals to discuss important issues facing Indian Country. The two-day conference offers a number of educational sessions and two general sessions made up of industry-leading expert panelists.
October 9 – 11, 2018
Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2018
Global Gaming Expo presented by the American Gaming Association (AGA), is the world’s largest gathering of gaming professionals.
Join us at “the show” in the casino-entertainment industry. Our event showcases the technologies, services and products of exhibitors and provides an atmosphere to buy/sell, network and learn.
October 2018
OTGRA Fall Conference 2018
Details coming soon!
OTGRA – supporting and promoting knowledge and education in Tribal Gaming Regulation