Schwarzenegger turns friendly face towards tribes

Monday, June 28, 2004  

After demonizing their political and economic influence during his campaign, California Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) now says he isn't out to "get" the state's tribes.

Schwarzenegger campaigned on the claim that tribes with casinos weren't paying their "fair share" to the state. Armed with new gaming agreements, he now says he wants to be "partners" with the tribes.

Last week, five tribes said they would sign compacts with the state. The deal requires the tribes to finance a $1-billion bond for the state with roughly 10% of their annual slot machine winnings, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Based on those numbers, the five tribes would pay $100 million a year to repay the bond, meaning their slots generate $1 billion a year, the paper said.

According to the paper's calculations, the United Auburn Indian Community would pay $33.8 million a year, the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians would pay $25 million a year, the Pala Band of Mission Indians would pay $18.86 million a year, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians would pay $17.4 million a year and the Pauma-Yuima Band of Mission Indians would pay $5.75 million a year.

Get the Story:
Gov.'s Got a New Take on Casinos (The Los Angeles Times 6/26)
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Gambling Accords Offer Clue to Tribes' Revenues (The Los Angeles Times 6/26)
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