The California Gambling Control Commission awarded 3,548 slot machine licenses to 11 tribes on Monday.

The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, the Big Sandy Band of Western Mono Indians, the Colusa Indian Community, the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians were among those who participated in the draw. The tribes will have to pay for each license and put the machines into play within a year.

"CNIGA is pleased that these long overdue licenses have been released," said Anthony Miranda, the chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association. "CNIGA and our member tribes have worked diligently to ensure that the terms of the compact, negotiated in 1999 between 61 tribal governments and the State of California, be honored. Today is a great day for the 41 tribes who still operate casinos under the original 1999 compact."

The 1999 compact promised each tribe up to 2,000 slot machines. But the California Gambling Control Commission imposed a cap that a federal judge said was wrongly calculated.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is appealing the judge's decision. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear the case in February 2010.

Get the Story:
Tribes get slot licenses (The San Diego Union-Tribune 10/6)
State passes out tribal slot licenses (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 10/6)
Rincon, San Pasqual get licenses for more slots (The North County Times 10/6)
Fresno gambling tribe wins big in slot licenses (The Sacramento Bee 10/6)
Tribal Casinos Win State Licenses For More Casino Slots (KPBS 10/5)
Press Release: California Tribes Draw Much Needed Gaming Device Licenses (California Nations Indian Gaming Association 10/5)