The United Auburn Indian Community and the Pala Band of Mission Indians are joining an effort to halt new gaming compacts for four California tribes.

The two tribes each plan to donate $500,000 to a campaign committee called California Indian Tribes for Fair Play. The committee will gather signatures for a ballot referendum against the gaming compacts.

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation signed deals to add more slot machines in exchange for a share of the revenues. The agreements have not yet been approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

But if the BIA approves them before the February 5 vote, they referendum might not have much effect.

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Tribes tangle over slots pact (The Sacramento Bee 8/9)
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