Shawn Chase

Shawn Chase is a member of the Ko Kwel Indian Tribe and is an experienced regulatory specialist focused on tribal governmental gaming regulation and intergovernmental relations. He brings over 29 years of expertise in federal gaming law, including Class I, Class II, and Class III gaming, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), Tribal gaming ordinance development, General Welfare Ordinances, Revenue Allocation Plan development, and State‑Tribal gaming compacts. Shawn provides accurate, timely interpretations of regulations, laws, policies, and procedures to help clients achieve their objectives while maintaining strong regulatory compliance. He advises tribes and their enterprises on the development of internal controls, risk mitigation measures, and compliance systems that support effective and sustainable regulatory operations.

Shawn brings deep experience in government relations. He has a proven record of building and maintaining collaborative relationships among tribal, federal, and state governments, and of fostering mutual understanding among diverse constituent groups. His work reflects a strategic, practical approach informed by a strong understanding of governance structures and regulatory processes at all levels.

Shawn’s perspective is grounded in extensive experience working both within tribes and for tribal regulators. Prior to joining Miller Nash, he served as Director of Gaming Commission Compliance for the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. He has also worked as a policy advisor for the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Office of Indian Gaming, as a Region Director for the National Indian Gaming Commission, and as a gaming inspector, police officer, and Tribal Housing Board Commissioner for the Coquille Indian Tribe.

Shawn has also served on numerous committees and boards within his own Tribe, such as Culture and Education, Health, Natural Resources, and Strategic Visioning. This background enables Shawn to provide informed, balanced guidance tailored to the operational realities facing tribal governments and gaming enterprises across a wide spectrum of areas.