The California Senate voted 22-11 on Thursday to ratify a Class III gaming compact for the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians.
The deal authorizes an off-reservation casino, a first in California. Tribes with existing gaming facilities opposed the compact, which was approved with the minimum number of votes. Once the bill is signed by Gov. Jerry Brown (D), the compact can be sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for final review. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act gives the agency 45 days to take action. The BIA approved a two-part determination application and a land-into-trust application for the casino. Rival tribes have already filed lawsuits in hopes of stopping the project. Get the Story: