Ruling awaited on bid to block new California compacts

Tuesday, July 6, 2004  

A federal judge in California is expected to issue a ruling today in a bid to block new tribal-state gaming compacts.

The Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians asked for a temporary restraining order at a hearing on Friday. The tribe says the deal will lead to "mega-casinos" around the state.

The tribe presented a study claiming its revenues would be cut if other tribes are allowed unlimited slot machine rights. At the hearing, attorneys for the state argued that the restraining order was unwarranted because the five tribes that signed the compacts won't be expanding their operations for several months.

The compacts have been sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for review. If they are approved, the Rincon Band faces a problem in court because the tribes would likely need to be part of the suit but wouldn't consent to it. The tribes filed a brief saying they are protected by sovereign immunity.

Get the Story:
RULING EXPECTED IN S.D. COUNTY TRIBE (KFMB 7/6)
Rincon's opens its bid to block compacts (The San Diego Union-Tribune 7/6)