The main role of the SMSC Gaming Commission, a tribal government entity, is to ensure that gaming conducted by the Community is conducted fairly, honestly, and in compliance with all applicable laws. The Gaming Commission serves as the regulatory body. The Commission regulates all gaming operations on the reservation and issues licenses to all gaming facilities, gaming devices, employees, and vendors. The Commission ensures that all applicable ordinances, regulations, and laws are followed to ensure the complete and uncompromised integrity of the game. They also monitor compliance with internal controls.

The Commission itself is comprised of five elected shareholders (Community members) of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community who serve staggered, four-year terms and are called Gaming Commissioners. The Gaming Commission is made up of a Commissioner of Gaming, an Assistant Commissioner of Gaming, and three general members of the Commission. The Commissioner of Gaming serves as the administrative head of the Commission staff. The Commission meets twice a month to vote on resolutions for formal actions. Gaming Commissioners and staff are subject to a background check and must qualify to be licensed. The Gaming Commission also inspects, reviews, and oversees all gaming contracts, records, books, and financial documents relating to the conduct of gaming to determine compliance with all applicable laws.