Column: How many Indians needed for a casino?

Monday, September 13, 2004  

"Of all the astounding figures tied to the rapid rise of Indian casinos in California, perhaps the most remarkable statistic is the number of tribe members it takes to pitch a plan for a 2,000-slot-machine gambling hall.

It turns out it's five -- the size of the California Valley Miwok tribe, which is now considering an offer from outside investors to build a sizable casino on the outskirts of Gilroy's famed garlic fields.

The idea is only in the preliminary stage, after all -- the tiny tribe doesn't even have claim to land in the area. But with California in the twitchy grip of casino fever, it's probably only a matter of time before out- of-state gambling concerns find a two-member tribe to help them expand their fortunes."

Get the Story:
Ken Garcia: Casino fever grips the Golden State (The San Francisco Chronicle 9/13)