Lawmakers at the state and federal level are concerned about off-reservation gaming, with much of the controversy coming from California.

Voters in the state approved tribal gaming in 2000 but lawmakers say off-reservation casinos weren't envisioned at the time. But several tribes in the state are seeking casinos far away from their existing land bases.

Sens. John McCain (R-Arizona), the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, has held several hearings on the subject and is considering legislation. Rep. Richard Pombo (R-California), the chairman of the House Resources Committee, has submitted a draft bill that would limit off-reservation casinos.

At the state level, some lawmakers are calling for a bar to off-reservation casinos. One proposal, by the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians, was derailed in the State Legislature earlier this year.

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Building casinos off tribal land decried (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 8/20)
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