California | Casino Stalker

Guidiville Band prepared to start with Class II at Bay Area casino

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians is prepared to open a Class II facility in the Bay Area if the state of California won't negotiate a Class III gaming compact.

The tribe wants to build $1.2 billion Point Molate Resort at the Point Molate Naval Fuel Depot in Richmond. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has released a draft environmental impact statement and environmental impact report on the project.

If the BIA approves the land-into-trust application, the tribe still needs a compact for slot machines, table games and other Class III games. But Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) has said he won't agree to casinos in "urban" areas like Richmond.

Schwarzenegger had signed a compact for an urban casino in San Pablo, not far from Richmond. But the deal with the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians fell apart due to political opposition.

The Lytton Band has continued to operate what appears to be a successful Class II facility. The Guidiville Band is prepared to do the same but would prefer a Class III compact.

"It's in the state's interest to negotiate," tribal CEO Michael Derry told The Sacramento Bee.

Get the Story:
Tribe's East Bay casino plan tests California, U.S. policies (The Sacramento Bee 7/14)

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