Opponents and observers of Indian gaming say the political tide is turning against tribes.

On Tuesday, voters in California overwhelmingly defeated a pro-tribal gaming initiative. "The tribes spend a ton of money and money always buys them whatever they want. Not this time," Cheryl Schmit, co-director of Stand Up for California, told The Hartford Courant.

William N. Thompson, a University of Nevada Las Vegas professor who studies gambling, said the public is not buying Indian gaming anymore. "The Indians have run out of gas. The idea that we have to help the poor downtrodden native American is beginning to get out of our psyche," he was quoted as saying.

Proposition 70, a pro-tribal initiative sponsored by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, was rejected by 76 percent. But voters also rejected Proposition 68, a bid to allow slot machines at non-Indian facilities, by 83 percent.

Over in Washington, voters appeared to support existing Indian gaming. They rejected Initiative 892, to allow slot machines at non-Indian facilities, by 61 percent.

Get the Story:
Votes Boost Mohegans (The Hartford Courant 11/4)
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Voters reject six gaming expansion proposals (The Las Vegas Review-Journal 11/4)
About face for California tribes' political fortunes (Copley News Service 11/3)
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Gambling loses in 4 states; backlash cited of empty promises (BP (Baptist) News 11/4)
Mohegans' Diversification Plans Take Big Step Forward (The New London Day 11/4)
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