"Let's face it: California has a gambling problem. Gaming in our state has grown too quickly, with too little accounting of the impacts. Yet, we're ready to embark on what critics have dubbed "the biggest expansion of gaming in U.S. history."

Since casino-style gaming on Indian reservations was legalized in 2000, California has become the nation's biggest Indian-gaming state, with 58 casinos generating revenues of $7.6 billion last year—$1.6 billion more than Las Vegas. Applications are pending for 29 more casinos, including the Mechoopda property south of Chico. Another 67 tribes are seeking federal recognition that would make them eligible to apply.

Meanwhile, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is backing a plan to increase by 30 percent the number of slot machines permitted at Indian casinos, setting off a political battle that will likely break records for campaign spending."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Slow down on gambling (The Chico News & Review 11/2)

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