At least five more tribes are planning to sign new gaming compacts with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), according to The Los Angeles Times.

Attorney Rob Rosette, of Monteau & Peebles, said his clients are close to reaching a deal. His clients include the Fort Mojave Tribe, the La Posta Band of Mission Indians and others in rural areas of the state.

The tribes already on board are the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians, the United Auburn Indian Community, the Pala Band of Mission Indians, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and the Pauma Band of Mission Indians. The first three tribes are represented by attorney Howard Dickstein.

Not all tribes are eager to join, though. Leaders of the Colusa Tribe, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians questioned the arrangement, pitched as a way to bail out the state of California by pumping $1 billion into the state coffers up front plus up to $275 million annually in casino revenues.

Get the Story:
Momentum Builds Toward Casino Deals (The Los Angeles Times 6/17)
pwpwd
Colusa tribe cautious about agreement (The Marysville-Yuba City Appeal-Democrat 6/17)
Deal Is Near on Casinos in California (The New York Times 6/17)
pwnyt