AGE Citizens Academy gives behind-the-scenes look at gambling enforcement
April 27, 2023
During the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Citizens Academy, you will get the chance to learn about K-9 Bia (seen here) and her role in the division. Picture this: You're an agent for the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement (AGE) division and the Gambling Control Board reports an organization is missing more than $280,000 after a recent audit. It's your job to find the missing money. Would you have any idea where to start?
If you sign up for the AGE Citizens Academy next month, you could find out exactly what our agents do to prevent bad actors that operate games like pull-tabs, raffles and bingo from walking away with your cash.
Our special agents work hard to protect consumers and make sure alcohol and gambling laws and rules are followed. That includes investigating criminal and regulatory offenses. Attendees will learn about our agency, the criminal and civil processes, Minnesota's alcohol and gambling laws, evidence collection and more.
If you're 18 or older, you can sign up to
take the free class on our website. The deadline is May 16, and the classes run 6-8 p.m. each Tuesday May 23 through June 27, except June 6. They'll meet at the Maplewood Fire Department North Station on County Road C East.
“This is a great opportunity to get a look behind-the-scenes of the hard work our alcohol and gambling investigators do every day," AGE Agent Brad Rezny said.
Rezny organized AGE's first academy to show Minnesotans how we serve them. AGE oversees two highly regulated industries, both of which evolve constantly. The team balances providing service to the industry with protecting the public to make sure everyone in Minnesota can enjoy a friendly wager or alcoholic beverage responsibly.
Participants will use the information learned and apply it as they investigate their own mock investigation that compounds each week as they progress through the academy.
Our division includes sworn law enforcement officers who provide education, investigation and enforcement services to local governments, the Gambling Control Board, the Minnesota Racing Commission, the State Lottery and the 11 tribal governments that own and operate 18 tribal casinos in Minnesota. Our regulatory and licensing staff are subject matter experts who work with authorities throughout the state, as well as stakeholders in the alcohol and gambling industries, to ensure everyone can enjoy a cold beer or friendly wager safely.
It's not just about making sure people follow the law; it's about consumer protection. Without AGE, there's no way to know if the betting will be run fairly. And there are no processes in place to identify and assist with problem gambling.
Fill out an application for the class here.
