The California Senate Governmental Organization Committee held a hearing on Wednesday into a controversial proposal for a Bay Area casino.

The Lytton Band of Pomo Indians and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed a compact to create a large Class III facility in San Pablo. The casino would have up to 2,500 slot machines.

The casino is supported by officials in San Pablo, which will receive casino profits, and the Schwarzenegger administration. The state would receive 25 percent of slot machine revenues.

But area lawmakers are concerned about the precedent the urban casino would set. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association said the tribe isn't guaranteed a compact simply because the land in question has been taken into trust.

Get the Story:
Casino backers lobby lawmakers to OK deal (The San Francisco Chronicle 1/13)
Legislators still skeptical of plans for urban casino (Copley News Service 1/13)
Legislators begin review of compact for casino (AP 1/13)
State Senate Discusses San Pablo Casino (KTVU News 1/12)
Tribe airs casino plan at Capitol (The Santa Rosa Press Democrat 1/11)