A disenrollment dispute -- and its effect on per capita payments -- appear to be at the heart of an inter-tribal struggle that has kept the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino closed for six months.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe commissioned a study to determine the impact of the new establishments on their facilities.

It's notable this year that the pari-mutuels, who've been ferocious competitors, have ended their 'circular firing squad' lobbying efforts and joined hands around a single call: a level playing field with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Rival factions of the tribe were staking out the casino but the sheriff and his deputies kept the peace, according to the U.S. Attorney for Eastern California.

Gov. Butch Otter (R) waited until the last minute -- some say he waited too long -- to veto a bill that would have repealed bets on historical horse races.