City reaps benefits of Lytton Band casino

Wednesday, October 29, 2008  

One city in California seems immune from the downturn in the national economy, thanks to a successful Class II casino operated by the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians.

The tribe opened San Pablo Lytton Casino amid heavy opposition. But officials in San Pablo backed the facility and now they see about $13 million a year in revenues, or 7.5 percent of the casino's gross.

"I laugh right out loud when I think about it. It's been the best thing that's happened to this community," City Manager Brock Arner told The Contra Costa Times.

The tribe wants to offer Class III games but some area officials are opposed. Some members of Congress have tried to limit the tribe's expansion plans because they say the casino site was taken into trust without the state's input.

The tribe obtained the land through a special act of Congress in 2000.

Get the Story:
San Pablo's gamble pays off (The Contra Costa Times 10/29)