The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians contributed $10 million to Proposition 70, a ballot initiative that would allow tribes to expand the casinos in exchange for sharing 8.84 percent of revenues with the state.

The donation is the first of several expected by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the tribe sponsoring Prop 70. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association voted to endorse the initiative.

Prop 70 competes with Proposition 68, which would allow non-Indian facilities to operate slot machines. It also competes with five compacts Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed last month. Prop 70, like the compacts, would eliminate the 2,000-per-tribe slot machine limit. But the compacts require tribes to pay more up front and along the way.

Get the Story:
Tribe Antes Up for Gambling Initiative (The Los Angeles Times 7/24)
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Tribal split threatens governor's gaming pact (The San Francisco Chronicle 7/24)
Tribe donates $10 million to back gambling measure (The Sacramento Bee 7/24)
Indian gaming initiative gets $10 million lift (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 7/24)
San Manuel tribe gives $10 million to Proposition 70 (AP 7/23)