In order to ensure that companies are true disadvantaged or minority- or women-owned businesses, most casinos require these types of suppliers and vendors to be certified as a disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE), minority business enterprise (MBE) or women's business enterprise (WBE) before engaging in a purchasing agreement.

A supplier/vendor can be certified by any recognized U.S. certifying agency, such as a state department of transportation (DOT). Below are links to state DBE programs in the 11 commercial casino states.

• Colorado DOT DBE Progam
• Illinois DOT DBE Program
• Indiana DOT DBE Program
• Iowa DOT DBE Program
• Louisiana DOT DBE Program
• Michigan DOT "Doing Business" Programs
• Mississippi DOT DBE Program
• Missouri DOT DBE Program
• Nevada DOT DBE Progam
• New Jersey Department of Commerce MBE/DBE Uniform Certification Program
• South Dakota DOT DBE Program
  

The AGA Diversity Task Force is currently developing definitions for DBEs, MBEs and WBEs that are specific to the casino industry. Check back here soon for updated information.