The California Gambling Control Commission has backed away from a rule that would have required tribes to open their casinos and financial records to state regulators.

The commission proposed the rule after a federal appeals court struck down the federal government's minimum internal control standards (MICS). But instead of adopting it, officials say they will work with tribes on an alternative.

"We would like to keep the dialogue open," Evelyn Matteucci,. the commission's chief counsel, told The Sacramento Bee.

Howard Dickstein, an attorney who represents several tribes with casinos, said the rule, as proposed, trampled on tribal rights. "The state apparently doesn't have adequate respect for tribal governments and their gaming agencies' independence," he said.

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State gambling board backs off oversight demand for Indian casinos (The Sacramento Bee 2/2)