The California Senate will vote Thursday on gaming compacts for six tribes.

The compacts would allow five tribes -- the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation -- to operate more slot machines and expand their facilities. The tribes operate some of the most successful casinos in the state.

A sixth compact would allow the Yurok Tribe to open its first casino, with 99 slot machines. The tribe is one of the most impoverished in the state.

All the tribes have agreed to share revenues with the state. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) says the deals could bring in as much as $500 million a year.

The Senate is expected to approve the compacts before they go before the Assembly.

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State Senate to vote on gaming compacts (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 4/17)