The backers of a ballot initiative that would have forced California tribes to share a high percentage of slot machines have ended their campaign.

Proposition 68 was sponsored by non-Indian card clubs and racetracks that accuse tribes of unfair competition. Their goal was to legalize slot machines for their own facilities.

The backers spent $22.5 million on their campaign. But aside from some law enforcement officials, it saw little public support. The measure, though, will remain on the November ballot.

Proposition 70, sponsored by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, remains on track. The majority of tribes have endorsed the initiative, as have some Republican lawmakers and officials. One, Board of Equalization member Bill Leonard, said the initiative is a better deal than compacts negotiated by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R).

If enacted, Proposition 70 would allow tribes to offer more than 2,000 slot machines. In exchange, they would share 8.84 percent of net revenues with the state, the same rate applied to corporations.

Proposition 70 is entirely voluntary and no tribe has to agree to it, unlike Proposition 68, which would apply to all tribes regardless of existing compacts.

Get the Story:
Prop. 68 backers calling it quits (The Sacramento Bee 10/7)
Prop. 68 Backers Fold 'Em (The Los Angeles Times 10/7)
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Supporters of racetrack slots give up support for Prop. 68 (The Contra Costa Times 10/7)
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Spending on Props. May Set a Record (The Los Angeles Times 10/7)
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Tracks, card clubs shut down Proposition 68 campaign (Copley News Service 10/6)