California tribes battle state over slot machines

Monday, August 31, 2009  

Four tribes in California have won court decisions that allow them to offer more slot machines at their casinos but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is refusing to comply.

The Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, the Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians and the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians signed Class III gaming compacts in 1999. The agreements promise each tribe up to 2,000 slot machines but a cap imposed by the state prevents them from reaching the limit.

In separate lawsuits, federal judges have agreed with the tribes. In the Wintun/Chukchansi case, Judge Frank Damrell ordered the state to allow tribes an additional l 10,549 slot machine licenses.

"From the tribe's perspective, the principles involved are more important than the number of machines," Rincon Chairman Bo Mazzetti told The North County Times. "It's a victory for everyone who has a contract with the state, whether it's Indians or non-Indians."

Schwarzenneger is asking for a stay in the Wintun/Chukchansi while his administration appeals.

Get the Story:
Judge's ruling could lead to more slots for two tribes (The North County Times 8/31)

Court Decision:
Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians v. California (August 19, 2009)