California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed five gaming compact bills into law on Monday, starting the process for review by the Interior Department.
The bills ratify compacts for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuila Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation and the Yurok Tribe.
The compacts finally won approval last month after the tribes agreed to "side deals" that address regulatory and other issues.
Only the compacts will be sent to Interior for review. The department has 45 days to approve, reject or allow the agreements to become law.
Labor unions and racetracks continue to oppose the new compacts. They are considering a referendum to collect signatures to put them to a statewide vote.
Meanwhile, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is looking for ways to revive its compact. The tribe refused to enter into a side deal, citing the precedent it would set.
Get the Story:It's official: More slots (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 7/11)
Gov. Schwarzenegger signs gambling deals with tribes (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 7/11)
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With gambling compacts ratified, foes could push for referendums (Copley News Service 7/11)
Governor signs Indian slot deals (The Sacramento Bee 7/11)
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Schwarzenegger signs Yurok Tribe's gaming compact (The Eureka Reporer 7/10)
