California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is threatening to take legal action against two tribes who are operating Class II machines.

The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians offer video lottery terminals at their casinos. The tribes say the games are legal to operate without state interference.

Schwarzenegger claims otherwise. He says the devices are covered under tribal-state compacts signed by his predecessor, former governor Gray Davis (D).

The compacts limit tribes to 2,000 "gaming devices" such as Class III slot machines. At issue is whether the video lottery terminals fall under this definition

California submitted an amicus brief in the Class II game classification case that was before the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year. The brief argued that video lottery terminal and other electronic casino machines are just like slot machines. The court refused to take the case.

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2 tribes accused of gaming violations (Copley News Service 11/7)