Opinion: California monitors gaming tribes

Monday, February 4, 2008  

"The North County Times recently published commentary by John Zaitz and Cheryl Schmit on the Indian gaming compacts. I want to reassure you and your readers that all of Gov. Schwarzenegger's amended compacts allow the California Gambling Control Commission to conduct independent financial audits to ensure that tribes are paying their fair share of revenues to the state pursuant to compact requirements.

To date, we have completed 29 financial audits on tribes that contribute to the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund and seven audits on tribes that contribute to the general fund.

From these audits, we have identified underpayments to the state totaling approximately $12.7 million and are collecting this money. We now have a proven track record and have no intention of letting up on our effective auditing work plan.

And contrary to claims that the provisions will reduce the tribes' payout to the state, the amended compacts require the tribes to make payments to the state based on the number of slot machines in operation, which means the total number of slot machines on the casino floor (regardless of whether the slot machines are being roped off during slow periods)."

Get the Story:
Dean Shelton of California Gambling Control Commission: Gambling commission is able to monitor tribes (The North County Times 2/2)