Indian gaming has benefited tribes nationwide but they've been slow to come for the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians in northern California.

The tribe opened its casino four years ago. But unemployment remains high -- 39 percent in 2005, up from 34 percent in 2003, according to a forthcoming Bureau of Indian Affairs report.

The casino and the tribe employ more than 90 tribal members. But even among those who have a job, 38 percent live below the poverty line, up from 31 percent, the BIA report said.

Tribal officials say gaming has brought positive changes. They cited increased social services, scholarships and monthly $600 checks for tribal members.

Cynthia Smith gets the check on top of her teacher's salary but says tribal members were promised "wheel barrows full of money." "When someone tells you something that's too good to be true, it probably is," she told The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat.

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Casino no windfall for Dry Creek Pomos (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 8/6)