Chumash Tribe criticized for regulating casino

Tuesday, October 19, 2004  

The Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians, also known as the Chumash Tribe, employs people at its casino that would not be hired in other gaming operations, The Los Angeles Times reports.

The paper said a year-long investigation uncovered numerous problems. Of 16 the gaming commissioners who regulated the casino over the past decade, seven have a past that would not be tolerated in Las Vegas or other states. The current chairman filed for bankruptcy four times and is awaiting trial on spousal abuse while others have felony convictions, the paper said.

Critics say the problems are to be expected at tribal casinos because tribes are the primary regulators. But the National Indian Gaming Commission has praised the tribe's management.

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