Fight brews over 'Big Four' California compacts

Thursday, December 20, 2007  

The Bureau of Indian Affairs on Wednesday published approval of four controversial California Class III gaming compacts.

But just what that means is still being debated. Supporters say the agreements are final and valid but opponents plan to press on with a February 2008 referendum on the compacts.

The deals allow the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians and Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation to add up to 17,000 slot machines to their casinos. The state will get a cut of the revenues.

Opponents include labor unions, racetracks and a couple of tribes. They say the deals are an unfair expansion of the gaming industry.

Get the Story:
Gambling compacts approved by feds (The North County Times 12/20)
Feds approve tribal gaming deals, but vote looms Feb. 5 (Copley News Service 12/20)
Gaming compacts OK'd by Feds; voters still get final say (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 12/20)

Federal Register Notices:
Agua Caliente | Morongo Band | Pechanga Band | Sycuan Band