California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is supportive of a tribal effort to open an off-reservation casino in Barstow, The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The Los Coyotes Band of Mission Indians is working on the deal with the Big Lagoon Rancheria. The casino would be backed by BarWest Gaming, a Michigan firm.

Schwarzenegger suggested the tribal partnership, a BarWest spokesperson said. A Schwarzenegger spokesperson confirmed that the governor wants to help the Big Lagoon Rancheria with gaming because the tribe's reservation is considered environmentally unsuitable for a casino. The state has so far refused to negotiate a compact for a casino there.

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N. County Indian band eyes pact for gaming in Barstow (The San Diego Union-Tribune 4/21)