Lytton Band opposes bill to restrict casino size

Friday, October 30, 2009  

The Lytton Band of Pomo Indians is opposing a bill to restrict the expansion of its casino in San Pablo, California.

The tribe acquired the 10 acres for the San Pablo Lytton Casino through an act of Congress. The move allowed the tribe to bypass the land-into-trust process.

S.338, sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinsten (D-California) would force the tribe to seek state and federal approval if it wants to increase the size of the facility or add Class III games to the casino. Currently, the tribe only offers Class II games.

The tribe initially supported the measure as a compromise but is now worried about competition from other potential casinos in the Bay Area. "With two casinos proposed for the Richmond area, Senator Feinstein's legislation puts Lytton at a significant competitive disadvantage," a spokesperson for the tribe told The Contra Costa Times.

The bill passed the Senate in March. It was referred to the House Natural Resources Committee but no action has been taken, mainly due to opposition from the city of San Pablo, whose budget depends heavily on gaming revenues.

Get the Story:
San Pablo casino expansion limit weakening (The Contra Costa Times 10/30)