Two rival Indian gaming initiatives have qualified for the November ballot in California.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians wants tribes to pay an 8.84 tax to the state. In exchange, the tribes would be able to offer an unlimited number of slot machines and other Class II games under a 99-year compact. Only those tribes who agree to pay the tax would be subject to the arrangement.

The rival initiative calls for all tribes to pay 25 percent of slot machine revenues to the state. If any refuse, a group of race tracks and card clubs would be allowed to offer slot machines.

Spending on the initiatives could top the record $89 million spent on an Indian gaming proposition in 1998.

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Gambling initiatives qualify for the November ballot (Copley News Service 6/1)