The Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement division (AGE) is made up of sworn special agents and non-sworn liquor investigators who help oversee both the alcohol and gambling industries throughout the state of Minnesota. 

AGE plays a crucial role in investigating crimes and violations associated with both legal and unlawful forms of gambling, oversees the licensing of manufacturers and distributors of gambling devices and ensures compliance with state tribal compacts. 

AGE also oversees and enforces regulations in regard to issuing alcohol licenses and permits. The alcohol division of AGE is responsible for pre-licensing background checks, educating applicants and conducting inspection and compliance visits to licensed liquor establishments. Our special agents also help investigate underage consumption and unlicensed alcohol sales. 

Carla Cincotta has been with the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGE) since 2005 and has served as director and chief law enforcement officer since 2016. Prior to that, she worked as a special agent, senior special agent, and special agent in charge within AGE, where she directed, coordinated, and reviewed investigations to ensure proper regulation and enforcement of state and federal laws.

Cincotta also served as a police officer and investigator at the Stillwater Police Department from 1995 to 2005, and briefly as a police officer at the New Brighton Department of Public Safety in 2006.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration and is a graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command. Cincotta has completed the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy, the IACP Leadership in Police Organizations program, and the IACP Women’s Leadership Institute. She is also the recipient of the Ninth Annual Leadership in Alcohol Regulation Award from the Center for Alcohol Policy.