Schwarzenegger said to want tribal gaming to flourish

Monday, March 15, 2004  

Negotiations continue between several California tribes and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) for new casino compacts.

There is little official word about the talks but sources close to the negotiations say Schwarzenegger wants to see tribal gaming expand. They say everything is on the table, including an expansion on the number of slots each tribe can offer.

"It has the potential to be limitless," one source was quoted as saying. Another said Schwarzenegger wants gaming to "flourish."

One of the tribe working with Schwarzenegger's gaming team is the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians. Former governor Gray Davis (D) refused to negotiate with the tribe for its urban casino in the Bay Area.

In exchange for new deals, Schwarzenegger is asking for more revenues from tribes -- an estimated $500 million a year. He also wants more state regulation of gaming, sources said.

Get the Story:
What will tribes get for paying 'fair share'? (Copley News Service 3/14)