California tribal revenue sharing fund took in $369M last year

Tuesday, February 19, 2013  

California tribes that contribute gaming revenues directly to the state's general fund shared $369 million in 2011-2012, The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports.

A handful of tribes negotiated Class III gaming compacts with governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) that required them to put money into the fund. But not all of them seem happy with the arrangement in light of a court decision that said the provision violates the spirit of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

“We’re all asking ourselves that same question," an attorney for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, whose leaders signed one of the newer agreements, told the paper.

The payments to the general fund are expected to dip to $337 million because two "financially struggling" tribes are suspending their shares, the paper reported.

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Case may affect previous slot-machine deals (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 2/19)

Rincon Band wins BIA approval for Class III gaming compact (2/12)