Three California tribes went before lawmakers on Tuesday to seek approval of their new gaming compacts.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Yurok Tribe signed deals with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R). The tribes agreed to share slot machine revenues with the state.

The Agua Caliente Band and the Morongo Band will be able to install an additional 8,500 slot machines. The Yurok Tribe will open its first casino.

The compacts fell apart last fall when Democrats and labor unions opposed them. But this year, Democrats have signed on as sponsors for the tribes and the major labor unions will announce their support today.

The hearings will continue this week for the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Get the Story:
Labor is throwing its weight behind gambling compact (Copley News Service 4/11)
Valley tribes lobby for deal (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 4/11)
Tribal compact hearings begin (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 4/11)
Battle lines drawn over tribal compacts (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 4/11)
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Groups oppose casino growth (The Sacramento Bee 4/11)
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Casino expansion puts lawmakers between tribes, labor groups (AP 4/10)