Tribes, county frustrated with California gaming fund

Wednesday, June 1, 2005  

Tribal and local officials in San Diego County say they are frustrated with the way the state of California distributes Indian gaming revenues.

Tribes give a portion of their slot machine revenues to the Special Distribution Fund. The money is then supposed to go to local jurisdictions to support local projects.

But of the more than $2 million contributed by the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians, only 23 percent is going back to the community, The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "Sycuan, as one tribe, is very disappointed and frustrated that the money we pay into the Special Distribution Fund is not going back to local jurisdictions," an assistant tribal manager told the paper. Local officials also equally frustrated.

In total, the county will receive $5 million this year from the Sycuan Band, the Viejas Band and the Barona Band.

Get the Story:
Localities to get a cut from casinos (The San Diego Union Tribune 6/1)