Gaming deals not equal for California tribes

Monday, August 21, 2006  

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) recently signed two gaming compacts that allow tribes to expand their facilities but only one is on the fast track to approval.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians negotiated a deal to offer up to 5,000 slot machines. The tribe has 400 members and is already one of the most successful in the state. The state Legislature is expected to approve the deal as early as deal.

The Quechan Nation, on the other hand, won't get to offer as many slot machines to support its 3,600 members. And the tribe has to share a larger percentage of its revenues with the state. Still, the tribe's compact has stalled at the Legislature.

The favorable terms and swift action on the Agua Caliente compact have some questioning why tribes are being treated differently. "We just don't have that political clout, that's just the bottom line," an attorney for the Quechan Nation told Copley News Service.

Get the Story:
2 tribes' casino deals say a lot about clout in Legislature (Copley News Service 8/19)