"The big question remains, can gambling revenues continue to grow in a deepening recession? Historically, gambling has been more resistant to recession than other businesses, but the nation's current massive downturn is beginning to challenge even that industry. Nevada casinos...

The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California has renamed its casino and brought in a new management team. The facility will be known as the Coyote Valley Casino. The original name was the Coyote Valley Shodakai Casino. Heading...

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians said 10,000 people lined up for the opening of the Red Hawk Casino on Wednesday. Traffic was backed up on a major highway leading to the $530 million facility. But customers were...

Large crowds are expected this evening as the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians opens its first casino in northern California. The 278,000 square-foot Red Hawk Casino is located off a major highway. The tribe anticipates 10,000 car trips...

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will be promoting its casino at a major venue in southern California: the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The tribe signed a five-year contract to place advertising for the San Manuel Indian Bingo...

"The proposed North Fork destination hotel and casino resort will immediately jump start our region's faltering economy by providing nearly $2.5 billion in economic activity over the next 20 years - if it's given a chance. At a time when...

The The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians of California opens its first casino on Wednesday. The Red Hawk Casino features 2,000 slot machines, 75 gambling tables, six restaurants and four bars. It's located off a major highway near Placerville,...

Gaming revenues in Nevada took another big hit in October, the state Gaming Control Board reported. Gross casino revenue fell 22.3 percent compared to October 2007. In Las Vegas, which generates more than half the state total, revenue fell 25.7...

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department in California were honored for solving the theft of $1.58 million from the casino owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians. The August 7, 2007, robbery at the Soboba Casino was the...

"The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors just acted to comply with a new law banning electronic forms of charity bingo – one the Legislature crammed through in 11 days at the end of the 2008 session. How nice. Our state...

The Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians of California expects to receive an answer on its casino proposal from the new administration of president-elect Barack Obama. The tribe plans a gaming facility at the former Point Molate Naval Fuel Depot in...

Citing the sour economy, the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians has dropped its gaming expansion plans. The tribe signed a Class III gaming compact to add 3,000 slot machines to the Sycuan Resort and open a second facility. But the...

The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians signed a Class III gaming compact earlier this year for a casino in California. But it could be some time before the tribe breaks ground on the $250 million project. Station Casinos, the...

The United Auburn Indian Community of California is scaling back a $1 billion expansion of the Thunder Valley Casino. A spokesperson said the tribe is responding to the downturn in the economy. "It's important given the uncertainty about future market...

The Jamul Band of Kumeyaay Indians has sued the California Department of Transportation, accusing the agency of unfairly blocking the tribe's casino plans. The tribe wants to open a Class II facility on its reservation. But opposition from Caltrans...

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians announced the December 17 opening of its casino after winning federal approval of its tribal-state Class III gaming compact. The Red Hawk Casino features 2,000 slot machines, 75 table games, a high-stakes room...

The Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians of California reported an 8 percent drop in gaming revenues. The River Rock Casino saw revenues of $32.3 million in the last quarter. That's down from $35 million during the same time...

"If there’s one true thing about casinos, it’s that they all feel alike. Walk through that big smoked-glass door and you know where you are in an instant. The casino floor, where the money is won and lost, could be...

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians of California is laying off 95 casino employees. The Morongo Resort Casino & Spa cited the downturn in the economy as the reason for the job cuts. They represent about 5 percent of...

The Pauma Yuima Band of Mission Indians of California will be eliminating employees at Casino Pauma. The tribe cited the economy in making the cuts. It's not known how many employees will be let go. The tribe has been planning...

The casino owned by the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians of California is featured in a national ad campaign that aims to attract gay and lesbian customers. The "Marry in San Diego, Honeymoon in Paris" campaign uses the Harrah's Rincon...

The Fort Mojave Tribe is hoping voters in Needles, California, will support an off-reservation casino at the polls today. The tribe wants to build a casino on 300 acres just outside the city. Plans call for a 125,000 square-foot facility...

"The voters in the city of Plymouth will once again have the opportunity on Nov. 4 to express their desires on the tribal casino proposed for Plymouth. Depending on how you count, this will be at least the third referendum...

Voters in Needles, California, will have their say on November 4 on an off-reservation casino sought by the Fort Mojave Tribe. Voters are being asked to approve the location of a casino outside of city limits. The San Bernardino...

One city in California seems immune from the downturn in the national economy, thanks to a successful Class II casino operated by the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians. The tribe opened San Pablo Lytton Casino amid heavy opposition. But officials...

The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians is looking for ways to reduce traffic around its casino in southern California. The tribe is considering a proposal to reduce the number of seats at the arena at Soboba Casino. The plan...

After years of debate, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria of California, also known as the Coast Miwok Tribe, finally won approval for its casino project in May. But the tribe's proposal for a $1 billion gaming facility is...

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday said it won't rehear a gaming compact lawsuit involving the Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians. The tribe sued the state over the number of gaming devices allowed under the 1999 compact....

A tribal gaming regulator accused the state of California of trying to take control of tribal casinos by imposing rules for minimum internal control standards. Michael Lombardi, the chairman of the gaming commission for the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians,...

The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians broke ground on a hotel at the Valley View Casino on Monday. The 161-room hotel is expected to open in early 2010. It includes a spa, fitness center, pool, restaurant and bar. The...

A lot has changed for California tribes since the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act became law 20 years ago this month. Some tribes have become incredible successes. Gaming in California is an $8 billion business. “What a difference,” Anthony Pico,...

"In Sacramento's immigrant neighborhoods last weekend, Laotian families celebrated ancient funeral rites, laying to rest elderly victims of a horrific bus crash that killed nine people on their way to a night of gambling at a Northern California Indian casino....

The California Gambling Control Commission voted unanimously to adopt minimum internal control standards at tribal facilities. Tribes oppose the agency's regulations. They say Class III standards should be included in the tribal-state compact. The state proposed the rules after a...

The Jamul Band of Kumeyaay Indians is suing the California Department of Transportation in federal court over roadwork to the tribe's proposed casino. The tribe plans to widen a road and add a traffic light on a highway leading...

A family whose members were disenrolled from the Redding Rancheria of California protested work the tribe is doing to expand its casino. The Foremans, who were removed from the tribe in 2004, attempted to block construction of a road...

The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians can sue the state of California over the tribe's Class III gaming compact, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said in an unpublished decision. The tribe signed a compact in 1999 that allowed...

The Quechan Nation is looking for new financing to continue a $214 million casino expansion project, President Mike Jackson said. The tribe needs $25 million to finish work at the Quechan Casino Resort. The project is 60 percent completed...

After announcing plans to scale back an expansion of the River Rock Casino, the Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians of California has put the entire project on hold. The tribe planned a $600 million upgrade but earlier this week...

Charities and churches won't be able to offer electronic bingo games under a bill signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) on Tuesday. Large churches will be allowed to offer bigger paper bingo games. But small charities said they...

The Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians shared $5.16 million in gaming revenues with Yolo County, California. The tribe makes the annual payment under a memorandum of understanding with the county. The payment is meant to offset the impacts of the...

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians of California says it's on track to open its casino in December. All that's needed is for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to approve the tribe's Class III gaming compact. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger...

"If there is one politician in the country that should be credited with the rapid growth of the casino industry in the United States, it is California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is signing Indian tribe casino compacts on what seems...

Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) led the fight against an off-reservation casino in the Bay Area while protecting another one whose partners were close associates, The Berkeley Daily Planet reported. McCain backed legislation that would force the Lytton Band of Pomo...

The Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians has scaled back plans to expand its casino in California. The tribe planned a $600 million expansion of River Rock Casino. But due to the national economic crisis, the project has been...

More than 14,000 people have applied for jobs at the casino being opened by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians of California. The Red Hawk Casino is scheduled open later this year. With only 1,750 positions to be...

"The Bee's editorial regarding tribal gaming failed to mention that the standards the California Gambling Control Commission seeks to impose unilaterally on tribes are duplicative, unnecessary and discriminatory. Ill-considered commentaries like The Bee's leave a clear – though completely erroneous...

"In a win for California gaming tribes, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Aug. 9 revived two gaming device licensing suits brought by the Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community and the Rincon Band...

The Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians is opposing the location of a prison in Yolo County, California. The prison would be located along the same highway as the Cache Creek Casino Resort. The Sacramento Bee said gamblers will pass by...

"Why did Attorney General Jerry Brown side with Indian gaming tribes over his own regulatory partner, the California Gambling Control Commission? Does he genuinely believe that the vote, for a set of desperately needed casino security standards, was just...

"When charities went up against casino-owning Indian tribes in Sacramento recently, they got schooled in who wields the real political power. The outcome raises serious questions about whether Californians meant to forever guarantee tribes that there would be no meaningful...

The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians of California has named Tracy Burris, a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, as a tribal gaming commissioner. Burris has a long career in Indian gaming. He served as treasurer of the...

California attorney general Jerry Brown is prepared to defend the state's gaming rules even though he voted against them at a recent meeting. The state Gambling Control Commission spent 18 months developing the minimum internal control standards (MICS). They cover...

The casino owned by the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians will continue to sponsor the popular Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival. The Fantasy Springs Resort Casino has sponsoring fair for 14 years. The partnership will extend another three...

The California Gambling Control Commission is prepared to enforce its version of the minimum internal control standards (MICS) on tribes even though most of them oppose the effort. The state developed the MICS after a federal appeals court invalidated the...

The California Gambling Control Commission meets this week to determine whether the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians is violating the tribal-state compact by offering "one-touch" bingo machines. The tribe says the machines fall into the Class II category. But state...

The California Gambling Control Commission is looking into a virtual casino being offered by the Pauma Band of Mission Indians. The tribe launched the games on the Casino Pauma website last month. Players can try their luck on slot machines,...

"In recent years, charity bingo has been unable to compete with the richer prizes and slot machine-type bingo games allowed at Indian casinos in California. Alarmed by dwindling bingo revenues, the Catholic Church, one of the state's biggest charity bingo...

A judge in California invalidated a casino agreement between the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians and the city of Richmond. The tribe agreed to pay $335 million over 20 years for emergency services, roadwork and other impacts of a...

"This is a story about how laws are made in California. It's about poor kids in Los Angeles who lack tuition for parochial school, and disabled kids in Sacramento whose beloved therapy program is threatened. It's about casino tribes,...

The National Indian Gaming Commission is still looking into safety issues at the casino owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department and some citizens' groups want the Soboba Casino shut down due to...

Connections to Indian gaming helped bring down former Congressman Tom DeLay (R-Texas) but that isn't stopping him from speaking at the casino owned by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. DeLay, the former House majority leader, is the keynote speaker...

The California Assembly passed a bill on Wednesday to ban electronic bingo machines at churches and charities. The California Tribal Business Alliance, which consist of six tribes represented by the same attorney, is pushing SB 1369. The tribe say...

"Any time the crew can hit the road and get away from the stressful environs of Los Angeles is time well spent. Departing from Long Beach by car and first driving over the never-ending “Grapevine” of Interstate 5, these travelers...

A judge in California has invalidated a casino agreement between the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians and the city of Richmond. The tribe agreed to pay $335 million over 20 years for emergency services, roadwork and other impacts of...

"I had seen the casinos numerous times, rising into Sunday-morning skies, but I had never seen their neon against the dark hillsides on a Saturday night, never mind from a seat at one of their tables. Sure, I blew...

"Every session of the Legislature offers several examples of some big interest groups ganging up to kick the stuffing out of a smaller interest group. In this session, the premier example centers on the seemingly innocuous game of bingo. The...

"When it comes to the proposed mega-casino in Rohnert Park, Sonoma County supervisors certainly can talk the talk. Unfortunately, they talk the talk of opposition, but quickly turn their backs and walk the other way. The five supervisors all claim...

Small charities won't benefit from a bill that expands bingo operations, the California Charity Bingo Association said. The bill allows charities and churches to offer bigger bingo games and run games simultaneously at multiple sites. Electronic bingo machines would...

The Barona Band of Mission Indians donated a 4,000-gallon tanker of gas to Meals on Wheels as part of a promotion at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. The donation enables Meals on Wheels to deliver food to...

California churches and charities will be able to expand their bingo games under a compromise announced on Monday. The deal allows churches and charities to hold bigger games with bigger prizes But they won't be able to offer electronic Class...

"Millions of dollars a year in gaming revenue are spent by county Indian tribes on hundreds of charitable organizations and causes that benefit a wide segment of San Diego’s population. Schools, chambers of commerce and groups that serve the...

"Public discussion of Indian gaming has become a common part of California’s politics. Each election, it seems, Indian gaming issues are pushed front and center by one group or another. In the latest of these elections, Californians voted overwhelmingly in...

Some California tribes are warning of casinos on every corner if charities are allowed to operate electronic bingo machines. The California Tribal Business Alliance says some charity bingo halls are offering games that don't comply with state law. The devices...

The Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians is reporting a slight drop in gaming revenues amid the downturn in the national economy. Revenues at the River Rock Casino were $33.7 million in the quarter that ended June 30. That's down...

Supervisors in Sonoma County, California, missed a deadline to put an advisory vote on the Graton Rancheria casino on the November ballot. But the county could put the issue on another ballot if an anti-gaming bill passes the state Legislature....

The Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians faces opposition to its application to serve liquor at the Sycuan Resort The tribe is the only one in San Diego County without a liquor license. A prior application was rejected in 1993 over...

The Sacramento Bee interviews Howard Dickstein, an attorney who represents a small group of tribes in California, about Indian gaming issues in the state. Q: "Two major casino tribes, Viejas and Pechanga, recently announced layoffs amid a weakening economy. Is...

In just four months, three tribes have contributed $65.1 million in gaming revenues to the state of California. The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians signed new...

Catholic churches and charities say they are ready to boycott tribal casinos over a gaming dispute. The churches and charities want to be able to offer a new form of paper bingo. Tribes say the game would turn nonprofit operations...

The National Indian Gaming Commission inspected the casino owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians in California on Thursday. The visit was described as routine though it comes amid fears of violence on the reservation. Three tribal members were...

"The North Fork Rancheria has worked in a partnership with local, state and federal entities to bring jobs and economic opportunity to our region through a proposed casino resort project. At the local level, every Madera jurisdiction has joined our...

The board of supervisors in San Diego County, California, approved a $38 million deal with the Pauma Band of Mission Indians. The tribe has agreed to pay $25.5 million for numerous road improvements around its new $300 million Pauma Casino....

Can the Bureau of Indian Affairs rescind a Class III gaming compact that has already been published in the Federal Register? That's the question being considered with respect to the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians of California. The state submitted...

The board of supervisors in Butte County, California, won't schedule a voter referendum on Indian gaming due to lack of support. Supervisors instead decide to hold a hearing to address the impacts of gaming. The hearing is tentatively set for...

The company that runs the casino owned by the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians is seeking to reassure investors. The tribe is going through a leadership crisis but the San Pasqual Casino Development Group is "100 percent confident" that...

Supervisors in Butte County, California, are considering a referendum that asks voters about future tribal casinos. The county is suing the National Indian Gaming Commission in hopes of blocking the Mechoopda Tribe from building a casino. The county is already...

After trying to lure a younger crowd to its casino, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians is focusing on its core customers. The tribe debuted a $250 million expansion of the Morongo Casino Resort in late 2004. With flashy...

"There were so many influential state legislators at the party celebrating the expansion of the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino the other night in Coarsegold that they could have solved the state's budget mess in between cocktails and gambling. Instead,...

"Gambling on gambling is a big gamble. So it is more than a little alarming that gambling is such a big part pf Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to close the state's $15.2 billion budget gap. As luck would have it,...

Three California tribes whose Class III gaming compacts were approved by state voters in February have contributed $64.9 million to the state. The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians has given the largest amount so far. The tribe shared $30.8...

The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians made a $30.8 million compact payment to the state of California on Wednesday. The tribe's Class III compact was approved by voters in February. It allows the tribe to add more slot machines in...

The United Auburn Indian Community says California tribes are being threatened by a proposal to expand the state lottery. The tribe says a draft of the proposed constitutional amendment would allow the state to offer Keno and devices similar to...

Tensions between the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department don't seem to have eased following the signing of a mediation agreement. Citing a lack of cooperation from the tribe, Sheriff Stanley Sniff is asking the...

The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake plan to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with the state of California before breaking ground on the tribe's first casino. The tribe's land-into-trust application was approved on July 18. Plans call for a...

The Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians reached a memorandum of understanding with San Diego County, California, over the tribe's $300 million casino resort. The tribe will pay $38 million for road improvements around the new Casino Pauma. The agreement...

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has issued a finding of no significant impact for the casino sought by the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake in California. The tribe plans a $35 million casino on 11.25 acres in Upper Lake. The...

The Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians has applied for a license to serve liquor at its casino in southern California. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control rejected the tribe's first license in 1993. Opponents were worried about safety on remote...

"The latest, best hope to stop a gargantuan Las Vegas-style casino from being built in Rohnert Park may come from Assemblyman Jared Huffman. With the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors unwilling to place an advisory measure on the ballot regarding...

The United Auburn Indian Community of California broke ground on a casino expansion that analysts say could cost up to $1 billion. The tribe opened the Thunder Valley Casino in 2003. The facility has been highly successful and will...

Supervisors in Sonoma County, California approved a casino-related deal with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, also known as the Coast Miwok Tribe. The deal doesn't affect the tribe's plans for a casino in Rohnert Park. The Bureau of Indian...

The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians will lay off as many as 400 employees at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. Officials blamed the economy for the layoffs, which represent about 9 percent of the casino workforce. “Contrary to public...

The Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians has found a new backer for its proposed casino in the Bay Area. The tribe is seeking to build a casino at the former Point Molate Naval Base in Richmond. The Rumsey Band of...

A Democratic lawmaker in California says a deal with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, contains "loopholes" that could allow the tribe to pursue more than one casino. Sonoma County and Marin County are weighing agreements to limit the tribe...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, also known as the Coast Miwok Tribe, are nearing an agreement with two counties to limit future casinos. The tribe received federal approval to open a casino in Rohnert Park in Sonoma County. The...

"When Californians approved Propositions 1A and 5, they were told -- and believed -- that these landmark gaming initiatives would give our state's Indian tribes the right to operate casinos on Indian lands. Voters never dreamed that a few short...

The United Auburn Indian Community of California will begin construction on a major expansion of its casino. The Thunder Valley Casino will see more gaming space, a poker room, a 5,000-car parking structure, three restaurants, a 650-room hotel and...

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians has delayed construction of its casino due to the discovery of an endangered species. The tribe was moving forward with plans for the Nuwu Casino Resort and RV Park when tortoises were found...

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians unveiled a granite sculpture at the tribe's casino in Palm Springs, California. The sculpture outside the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa depicts four men playing peon, a traditional tribal game. It was...

"When the tribal-state gaming compacts were first negotiated back in 1999 with then-Governor Gray Davis, a special fund was created in the State Treasury called “the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund” (SDF). The SDF was established to receive payments from...

A group called Voices for Rural Living plans to sue to stop water service to the casino owned by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians of California. The tribe plans to open the Red Hawk Casino in December....

For two years in a row, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) has refused to release gaming revenues to local communities. Tribes with Class III gaming compacts contribute to a special distribute fund to address the impacts of gaming. But Schwarzenegger...

"The proposed casino on Highway 99 in Madera County is still a bad idea, even if the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs has rejected the Old Mill site near the mountain town of North Fork as an alternative location. Trading...

California tribes are monitoring legislation that could pave the way for online poker in the state. AB 2026 authorizes the state Department of Justice to create guidelines and regulations for online poker. Final approval of Internet games would be required...

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed a Class III gaming compact with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians on Tuesday. The deal allows the tribe to install a maximum of 5,000 slot machines at its new Red Hawk Casino....

The Bureau of Indian Affairs won't require the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California to consider another casino site. In one of his final actions as assistant secretary, Carl Artman asked the BIA's Pacific region to study another...

A federal judge issued a stay in a Class III gaming compact dispute between the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and the state of California. Judge William McCurine said he won't force the two parties to negotiate until the 9th...

The Tule River Tribe of California seeking federal approval for an off-reservation casino. The tribe operates the Eagle Mountain Casino on its reservation. A location closer to the city of Porterville would draw in more customers, administrator Rodney Martin said....

"An article in Monday's edition was about the Sycuan tribe being allowed to skip on a payment to the state until next year, costing California a much-needed revenue of $30 million. What happened to the larger payments agreed on after...

A federal magistrate said he will issue a ruling as early as next week in a Class III gaming compact dispute between the Rincon Band of Mission Indians and the state of California. On April 29, Judge William McCurine Jr....

A federal judge in California put a halt to the state's campaign to remove electronic machines in bingo halls. Attorney general Jerry Brown claims the machines violate state law. But Judge John A. Mendez of the Eastern District of...

The California Assembly Governmental Organization Committee rejected a bill that would have allowed tribes to operate more slot machines. In 1999, 61 tribes signed compacts that allowed up to 2,000 slot machines. But a statewide cap imposed by the Gambling...

"Almost any trip to the mailbox reveals just how wrong is the current perception that because of proliferating casinos, most American Indians have now become wealthy. Mailed appeals arrive daily throughout California from charities like the American Indian Education Foundation,...

The Jamul Indian Village is building a casino entirely within its reservation boundaries but nearby residents are stalking the small California tribe tribe's every move. Casino opponents take pictures of every minor change on the reservation. Through constant e-mails,...

"Efforts to stop a gigantic, Las Vegas-style casino complex from being built in Rohnert Park have been disappointing to date. But a lawsuit filed earlier this month could slow the momentum of casino developers and buy time for opponents to...

The Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians and three other California tribe spent $100 million to convince voters to approve their Class III gaming compacts. But the Sycuan Band has yet to make the deal official under tribal law. The tribe's...

The National Indian Gaming Commission has warned the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians that the tribe's casino could face closure due to violent incidents on the reservation. Three tribal members were killed in shootouts with Riverside County sheriff's deputies last...

The board of supervisors in Yolo County, California, approved a letter objecting to the casino expansion sought by the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians. The tribe plans to double the number of hotel rooms at the Cache Creek Casino Resort...

Revenue-sharing provisions in Class III gaming compacts raise a "red flag," a Bureau of Indian Affairs official told lawmakers in California. Paula Hart, director of the BIA's Office of Indian Gaming Management, said states cannot "impose" taxes, fees or other...

A non-Indian couple in California is trying to get the state courts to hear a lawsuit against the Barona Band of Mission Indians. Gloria and Robert Chisley stayed at the Barona Resort & Casino in August 2005. They say...

"In the first three months of 2008, charity bingo operators in Sacramento County say they took in a combined $1.5 million for local charities. The money was used to fund school band programs and sports activities, among other things. About...

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is giving an off-reservation casino in California a second review after it was rejected by former assistant secretary Carl Artman. In a notice being published in the Federal Register today, the BIA said it will...

Bingo halls in California can continue to use electronic bingo machines thanks to a temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge on Thursday. Last month, attorney general Jerry Brown ordered 15 bingo halls to remove the machines. He...

The Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians can finally serve liquor at the River Rock Casino. Officials in Sonoma County, California, opposed the tribe's application for a liquor license. Opposition was dropped after the tribe agreed to a $100...

The Redding Rancheria of California is scaling back a $90 million expansion of the Win-River Casino. The tribe planned a 170-room hotel, a 1,500-care parking garage and a new events center. But due to a downturn in the economy, the...

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians of California has reached an agreement to supply water to its new casino. The tribe will pay $3.7 million in connection fees to get water from the El Dorado Irrigation District to the...

State and federal regulators are looking at the electronic bingo machines being operated by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation in California. The tribe offers about 300 of the machines at the Sycuan Resort & Casino. Earlier this year,...

The city council in San Jacinto, California, is opposing plans by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians to acquire 535 acres for a gaming project. The city cited a rash of violence on the reservation in opposing the tribe's...

"I am not opposed to casinos and while I don’t think putting a casino in Twentynine Palms is a good idea for a variety of economic and sociological reasons, my letter is not about that. I’m also not going to...

Assistant secretary Carl Artman has been busy in the weeks leading to his resignation today and his latest action could delay the off-reservation casino being sought by the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California. The draft environmental impact...

"Grassroots efforts to stop a gigantic, Las Vegas-style casino complex from being built in Rohnert Park suffered a setback earlier this month when the U.S. Interior Department unexpectedly announced that it would dedicate 254 acres to the Federated Indians of...

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has ended the environmental review for a controversial Bay Area casino. The Lower Lake Rancheria Koi Nation sought to build a casino on 65 acres near the Oakland International Airport. Local governments were opposed to...

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) won't let being found in bad faith stop him from asking tribes to share their gaming revenues with the state. Schwarzenegger has required tribes to share Class III revenues if they want to operate more...

As chairman of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, Harvey Hopkins has been mending fences with neighbors who haven't been happy with the tribe's casino. Hopkins, who was first elected in 2004, said prior tribal leaders were...

The city council in Cloverdale, California, voted 4-0 on a resolution against the casino sought by the Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians. The tribe wants to build a casino on about 80 acres in the city. Sealaska, an Alaska Native...

"Proponents of the ill-advised Highway 99 Indian casino in Madera County may have overplayed their hand when they cut an early deal with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on a revenue-sharing agreement with the state. The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians...

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut broke ground on the final project of a $925 million casino expansion. The $682 million "Earth" expansion will bring a House of Blues music hall and a hotel with House of Blues-themed rooms to...

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians plans to open the Red Hawk Casino in December. The tribe gave the media a preview of the facility, which broke ground earlier this year. The casino features 2,000 slot machines table...

"Slip and fall at one of California's 57 Indian casinos and you might have a case in court. But hurt yourself at another of them, perhaps one just miles down the highway, and your claim might be headed to a...

A federal magistrate agreed to stay a decision that ordered California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) to negotiate a new compact with the Rincon Band of Mission Indians. On April 29, Judge William McCurine Jr. ruled that the state was negotiating...

The California Senate voted 31-4 on Monday to pass a bill that limits compact negotiations. The bill bars the governor from negotiating a compact for casino sites that are not yet in trust. Sen. Dean Florez, a Democrat who sponsored...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, also known as the Coast Miwok Tribe, is one step closer to a casino in Sonoma County, California.. The tribe wants to build a 760,000-square-foot casino and 300-room hotel near Rohnert Park. The Bureau...

The United Auburn Indian Community of California hopes to break ground this summer on a huge hotel at the Thunder Valley Casino. The 24-story hotel would be the largest in the area. It includes two ballrooms, a spa and...

The Pauma Band of Mission Indians is scaling back plans for its new casino resort. The $300 million project originally called for a 23-story hotel, a gaming floor and an outdoor amphitheater. In response to local concerns, the tribe...

"I sang the virtues of The Club at Soboba in San Jacinto. I pointed out that it is a smart marketing tool for Soboba tribal leaders in their campaign to annex land into their reservation so they can build a...

Some members of the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians don't agree with the tribe's proposal for a casino in North Richmond, California. Former chairman Les Miller and others accuse the tribe of reservation shopping. They say Pomo territory doesn't...

"We are perplexed by The Bee's opposition to the tribal-state gaming compact recently signed by the North Fork Rancheria and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The gaming facility proposed by the tribe has the support of the local community in which it...

The Rincon Band of Mission Indians has won an important court ruling that could affect future compact negotiations in California. The tribe wanted to add up to 900 slot machines to its existing 1,600 machines at the Harrah's Rincon Casino...

"Gamblers tell you there are no sure things, but it's a near certainty that a deal made this week by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would increase pressure for a vast and ill-advised expansion of casino gambling in California. Schwarzenegger signed an...

A federal magistrate has ruled that California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) negotiated in bad faith with the Rincon Band of Mission Indians. Judge William McCurrine Jr. said Schwarzenegger can't force the tribe to share its gaming revenues without offering a...

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) can't seem to catch a break over his tribal gaming compacts. In February, four of his agreements were the subject of a costly statewide referendum. Voters approved the compacts but one key lawmaker is already...

"California's gambling tribes compete furiously and disagree frequently about a wide range of issues. But they appear united when it comes to a belated attempt by the state's gambling regulators to impose minimum internal control standards. All tribes that are...

"Soboba tribal officials made a compelling argument to annex land into their reservation for a new casino when they opened the $11 million Club at Soboba on Friday on the thoroughly renovated golf course they purchased in 2004. The building...

The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians is and the Wiyot Tribe signed Class III gaming compacts with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) on Monday. The deals allow the North Fork Rancheria to proceed with a controversial off-reservation casino. The...

Two tribes in southern California say business at their casinos is down this year. The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians predicts a slight drop in revenues at the Soboba Casino. "We have the same volume of people, but they're...

A study claims a casino built by the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians would increase traffic in the Bay Area. The tribe wants to build a 225,000-square-foot casino in unincorporated North Richmond. The gaming is near two major interstates...

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians hosted a public meeting last week on its proposed casino. The tribe plans a casino with 350 slot machines and some table games. The project includes a an RV park, hotel, restaurants and...

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians will donate $1.3 million today, on the anniversary of its casino in Palm Springs, California. This year, 84 charities and civic groups in the region will receive money. "We look forward to this...

Robert Salgado, the chairman of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, received the Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award from the National Indian Gaming Association on Tuesday night. Salgado, 65, was selected for his decades of leadership to his tribe. He...

Supervisors in Yuba County, California, are submitting their comments on the draft environmental impact statement for the Enterprise Rancheria's proposed casino. The county is concerned about wastewater treatment and traffic at the casino site. The county wants the tribe to...

A water district in northern California will hold a workshop next Monday to discuss providing services to the Shingle Springs Rancheria. The El Dorado Irrigation District is limited to providing service to 40 homes on the reservation. That means the...

Lawmakers in California are debating a bill that would allow tribes who signed compacts in 1999 to offer up to 2,000 slot machines. A total of 61 tribes signed the compact that promised each up to 2,000 machines. But due...

Tribes in southern California are launching new advertising campaigns in hopes of luring gamblers to their gaming facilities. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians just opened a $300 million hotel at its Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. The...

Three candidates for California State Senate debated the casino sought by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Incumbent Carole Migden, a Democrat, said she opposes the casino. So does challenger Joe Nation, a Democrat. Mark Leno, a Democratic state Assemblyman,...

The Palm Springs Desert Sun sits down with Richard Milanovich, the chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, to talk about the grand opening of the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa's $300 million hotel. QUESTION: What's the...

A California lawmaker has withdrawn a bill that would expand the charitable gaming industry. Sen. Darrell Steinberg, a Democrat and the incoming leader of the Senate, wanted to allow charities to operate electronic gaming machines. Tribes were opposed to the...

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is preparing to open a new hotel at its casino in Rancho Mirage, California. The $300 million Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa features a 230-room hotel, spa, pool and conference center....

California's Senate Governmental Organization Committee voted 9-1 on Tuesday on a bill that restricts compact negotiations. SB1695 was introduced by Sen. Dean Florez, a Democrat. He is apparently targeting the casino sought by the North Fork Rancheria of Mono...

The Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians reported record revenue at its River Rock Casino in California. The casino took in $139.4 million in 2007, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. That's a...

An inspection of slot machines at tribal casinos in California turned up multiple problems, according to the state. Inspectors said 40 percent of machines were running obsolete software. This could result in shortchanges to gamblers, tribes and the state, the...

"Few people realize that San Diego County is arguably the gambling capital of California. We have five first-rate hotel/casinos plus another three smaller casinos. More casinos are on the planning board. All are owned by small local Indian tribes ----...

The Rincon Band of Mission Indians and the Colusa Band of Wintun Indians are trying to add more slot machines to their facilities.

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians in California plans to hire about 1,750 for its new casino. The Red Hawk Casino opens this fall. Applications are being accepted online and at locations in the El Dorado Hills area. Get...

California tribes are opposing a bill that would expand gaming for the Catholic Church and other charitable groups. The churches and charities want to use electronic bingo machines and increase their payouts. But the California Nations Indian Gaming Association and...

The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians is facing tribal opposition as it seeks to gain federal approval for an off-reservation casino. The tribe wants 305 acres placed in trust. The site is about 35 miles from the reservation and...

"A few days back, Paul McIntosh, the former chief administrative officer of Butte County, wrote a letter to the editor accusing this paper of misrepresenting the county's position in regard to the Mechoopda Indians. This paper, reporting the county's lawsuit...

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) opposes the casino being sought by the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians. The tribe wants to build a 225,000-square-foot casino in North Richmond. But Schwarzenegger says the site is too far -- over 100...

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is opening a $300 million of its casino in Rancho Mirage, California, in two weeks. The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa will open to the public on April 18. The tribe signed...

A California lawmaker has introduced a bill that seeks to limit where a tribe can open an Indian gaming facility. SB1695 was introduced by Sen. Dean Florez, a Democrat. He is apparently targeting the casino sought by the North...

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is taking public comments on the casino sought by the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians in California. The tribe wants to build a 225,000-square-foot casino on about 30 acres in North Richmond. The site...

Supervisors in Butte County, California, voted last week to sue the Interior Department over the casino sought by the Mechoopda Tribe of California The tribe wants to build a casino on 645 acres in the county. The land has not...

Three California tribes whose gaming compacts were approved by state voters have added thousands of slot machines to their casinos. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has added more than 900 machines at two casinos. The tribe is looking to...

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is preparing for the opening of a $300 million hotel at its Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California. The 16-story, 340-room hotel isn't the only addition at the facility. There's a...

The Santa Ysabel Band of Diegueño Indians has hired a new manager for the Santa Ysabel Casino and Resort. Don Trimble has managed other tribal gaming facilities. He says he was hired to get the casino back on track....

The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians has closed two nightclubs at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. The Pechanga Development Corp. said the Eagle's Nest and the Silk club had too many alcohol-related problems. Silk attracted up to 3,000 patrons...

"The tribal perspective was missing in a recent article on state Sen. Jim Battin's legislation that deals with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration's artificial limit on machine licenses. I. Nelson Rose, a professed expert on gambling, was quoted as saying that...

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has rejected a Class III gaming compact for the Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians in California. The compact stated that the tribe would operate a casino on the Viejas Reservation. The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay...

Officials in San Diego County, California, are raising concerns about the hotel being proposed by the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians. The county says the $85 million hotel next to the Valley View Casino will have significant impacts...

Supervisors in Sonoma County, California, voted 4-1 on Tuesday to approve a $100 million deal with the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians. The agreement requires the tribe to spend about $75 million to address the impacts of...

"The Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians is looking to open a casino on land that, according to a federal opinion, is legitimate American Indian land and eligible for such use. There's a lot of call-my-bluff action going on between...

"Thanks to the Rumsey Band of Wintun IndiansCache Creek Casino, transit service in Yolo County just got a lot bigger. The Yolo County Transit District announced last week that the tribe has agreed to provide $1 million a year to...

The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians announced an $800 million expansion of its casino. The tribe selected Marnell Corrao Associates as its architect. The firm designed the Bellagio and Wynn casinos in Las Vegas. The project includes a second...

Supervisors in Amador County, California, once again deadlocked on a casino agreement with the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians. At a meeting yesterday, the board rejected a deal that the county proposed just last week. Chairman Richard Forster in...

Supervisors in Amador County, California,will once again consider a casino agreement with theBuena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians. Last week, supervisors deadlocked by a 2-2 vote on the agreement. But the county made a counter-proposal, which the tribe accepted. The...

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians of California didn't have a gaming compact on the ballot last month but nearby voters expressed their displeasure with the tribe anyway. According to The Lompoc Record, 62 percent of voters in...

Last month, voters in California approved four gaming compacts with 56 percent of the vote. But people who live nearby the casinos backed the agreements in higher margins, The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. According to the final results, 67 percent of...

"There are many seductive arguments for supporting the Indian casino planned for 305 acres on Highway 99 north of Madera. You could get blinded by them if you weren't paying attention. The casino would help members of the North...

Supervisors in Amador County, California, killed a casino agreement with the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians on Tuesday. The board debated whether to accept the deal, which comes with $18 million up front, plus about $8 million a...

California voters approved four gaming compacts a month ago but there's still some disagreement about some key provisions. The compacts require the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians...

The Santa Ysabel Band of Diegueño Indians has failed to make over $400,000 in gaming payments to San Diego County and owes an undisclosed amount to the state of California. The tribe opened the Santa Ysabel Casino and Resort...

"With more than a bit of fanfare, a local taxpayers group has released a report touting the economic benefits of the Chumash Casino Resort in the Santa Ynez Valley. That the Chumash Casino is a major economic engine in...

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) won't help a county fight the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians. Schwarzenegger's legal department said it would be "inappropriate" to join Amador County's lawsuit against the Interior Department. A February 28 letter said Schwarzenegger...

The leader of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California says the tribe's proposed casino could cost more than $1 billion. Chairman Greg Sarris said costs are rising in part due to the tribe's decision to build an environmentally-friendly...

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians in California is moving closer to opening its first casino. The tribe placed the final beam for the Foothill Oaks Casino earlier this week. "This is a dream long in the making for...

The board of supervisors in Amador County, California, will once again consider a casino agreement with the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians. The tribe wants to build a Class III facility with 950 slot machines on its rancheria. It...

"Sonoma County residents were cheated out of a chance to voice their opinions on the critical issue of local casino development this week when the Board of Supervisors turned thumbs down on a proposal for a countywide advisory vote on...

Local governments in California are asking the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be consulted about gaming decisions. The League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties plan to meet with assistant secretary Carl Artman on March 7....

The board of supervisors in Amador County, California, voted 3-2 on Tuesday to delay action on a casino deal with the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians. The tribe wants to pay the county $18 million up front, plus...

The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians is building a 161-room hotel at its Valley View Casino but you won't be able to stay there unless you're a high roller. The tribe intends to "comp" every single room at...

"In Amador County, all the smart money says take the deal. Allow the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians to build a casino near the hamlet of Ione, 40 miles southeast of Sacramento. In exchange, the county will pick up...

Voters in Sonoma County, California, might be asked to decide whether they want more casinos in their backyard. The county is home to the River Rock Casino, owned by the Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians. The Federated Indians of...

The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians is asking the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to reinstate a lawsuit over the number of slot machines at its casino. The tribe's 1999 compact theoretically allows 2,000 slot machines at the Valley...

Four California tribes whose gaming compacts were on the February 5 ballot paid for a Republican party mailer. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians and the Sycuan...

The Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians is finalizing an environmental assessment for its proposed casino in southern California. The Nuwu Casino Resort and RV Park would feature a 60,000-square-foot casino, 100-space RV park, restaurant, bar and hiking trails. The...

California State Sen. Jim Battin, a Republican, has introduced legislation to allow tribes who signed compacts in 1999 to operate up to 2,000 slot machines. The 1999 compacts with former governor Gray Davis (D) promised each tribe 2,000 machines, Battin...

The 13th annual Western Indian Gaming Conference> kicked off in Palm Springs, California, on Wednesday. Richard Milanovich, the chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, welcomed tribal leaders to the Palm Springs Convention Center. He said tribes...

The San Ysabel Band of Diegueño Indians has fallen behind in its gaming payments to San Diego County, California. The tribe's 2003 compact requires payments to the county for the impacts of its Santa Ysabel Resort and Casino. But a...

The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians is seeking to install a water pipeline for its casino in Temecula, California. The line would irrigate the new golf course at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. The course is set to open...

California tribes are meeting later this week for the 13th annual Western Indian Gaming Conference. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association, which represents more than 60 tribes with and without casinos, hosts the event. It's being held at the...

"Last fall, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger unexpectedly announced, immediately before the Legislature recessed for the November elections, that he had signed new compacts with five tribes. The tribes - the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño...

"Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97 - all of which voters approved by 12 percent margins (56-44) on Tuesday - involve a lot more than four Southern California tribes expand from 8,000 to 17,000 the number of slot machines they're...

Fresh off their big win on Super Tuesday, four California tribes are already installing new slot machines at their casinos. Voters approved compacts for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga...

Four California tribes won resounding support for their gaming compacts on Tuesday. While ballots are still being counted, results from the Secretary of State show that at least 55 percent of voters backed compacts for the Agua Caliente Band...

Officials in San Jacinto, California, are raising concerns about the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians' plan to acquire land for a casino and hotel. The city wants the Bureau of Indian Affairs to address "potential environmental and social impacts" of...

Voters in California are going to the polls today to decide on four controversial gaming compacts Propositions 94-97 ask voters to approve or reject compacts for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians,...

"On February 5, 2008, Californians will vote on whether four tribes can triple the number of slot machines in their casinos, from 8,000 to 25,000. But, no matter who wins, the losers will sue. And they will have good...

"The most confusing measures on Tuesday's state ballot are the four Indian gambling propositions. But, cutting through all the fabrication and jargon, there's one simple way to look at this. The central question is: Should the state grab, by whatever...

"As the principal negotiator for two of the four tribes whose amended gaming agreements are on Tuesday's ballot as Propositions 94 to 97, I am appalled that the IJ opposed the agreements based purely on the false and misleading claims...

"Remember when Californians voted in 1998 to approve Indian gaming? Most of us thought we were giving Native Americans throughout the state an opportunity to lift themselves out of decades of poverty. Now, 10 years later, we have Propositions 94,...

"As Super Tuesday looms, mail boxes across California have been stuffed with slick fliers, plus a thick Voter Information Guide, about Propositions 94-97, which ask voters whether or not they approve new gaming compacts that would triple the slot machines—by...

"The North County Times recently published commentary by John Zaitz and Cheryl Schmit on the Indian gaming compacts. I want to reassure you and your readers that all of Gov. Schwarzenegger's amended compacts allow the California Gambling Control Commission to...

"Faced with a $14.5 billion deficit, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger already announced we may have no choice but to release tens of thousands of prisoners early. He has declared a "fiscal emergency" and proposes major cuts in state services to try...

"It is very hard to believe the ads against the four Indian gaming propositions — 94, 95, 96 and 97. It is also hard to believe the ads in favor of the measures. It is hardest of all to believe...

"This Super Tuesday, Feb. 5, one of the most controversial contentions coming to a polling station near you is Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's personal cause célèbre-Indian gaming. Propositions 94-97 would allow four reservation casinos in San Diego and Riverside County to...

An economist hired by four California tribes says they could share up to $10.2 billion under their Class III gaming compacts. Economist Alan Meister, who puts together the annual Indian Gaming Report, was given access to proprietary information. By...

"As the gaming tribes the Pala Band of Mission Indians and the United Auburn Indian Community, is tagged, “It’s amazing what millions in political contributions can get you.” But if you’re like most California voters by now, you’re thinking...

"Critics of four ballot measures that could drum up as much as $9 billion in state operating revenue over the next two decades say those agreements are really nothing more than sweetheart deals struck between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and...

"Propositions 94 through 97 on the California primary ballot on Tuesday are all about the same thing: They allow four Indian tribes to increase the number of slot machines at their existing casinos. The new deals would increase the amount...

The Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday heard a lawsuit over the legality of the Seminole Tribe's Class III gaming compact The tribe reached the deal with Gov. Charlie Crist (R). It authorizes slot machines and certain card games for...

"To the citizens, business and civic leaders of Twentynine Palms who joined us for our recent media event at our reservation announcing our NŸwŸ Casino Resort and RV Park project, we thank you for coming out and expressing such strong...

"Seven propositions will appear on the Feb. 5 ballot. Among the most controversial are four propositions dealing with Indian casinos. The four measures, Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97, ask voters to approve four gaming compacts with Indian tribes in...

Officials in Amador County, California, are weighing an appeal after losing a court case over the casino sought by the Ione Band of Miwok Indians. In December, a federal judge dismissed the county's suit against the Bush administration. Judge Lawrence...

Tribes in California are no longer united on gaming issues, Manuel Hamilton, the vice chairman of the Ramona Band of Cahuilla Indians says. Hamilton isn't taking sides in the fight over four controversial Class III compacts. But he doesn't have...

"Vote Yes on Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97. The Indian gaming compacts that have already been negotiated and approved by the California Legislature and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will pump billions into the state and the local economy,...

February 5 is fast approaching for voters in California. If you're unsure about ballot propositions for four gaming tribes, here's some advice on both sides of the debate. The Banning/Beaumont Record Gazette urges a yes vote on Propositions 94-97....

"Four statewide propositions on the Feb. 5 ballot would allow four Southern California Indian tribes to increase the number of slot machines at their casinos on reservation land. Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97 affirm agreements worked out between Gov....

"There are 105 tribal entities in California with approximately 56,158 tribal members. There are 31 gaming tribal casinos. Yes, Indian gaming revenue has been used to build houses, schools, roads and sewer and water systems and to fund health...

Officials in Butte County, California, are weighing a challenge to the Mechoopda Tribe's proposed casino. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has issued a finding of no significant impact for the project. The next step is for the 631-acre site...

Only 42 percent of California voters support four controversial gaming compacts, according to a new Field Poll. The poll showed 37 percent of respondents opposed the compacts that are on the February 5 ballot. Another 21 percent said they were...

The Jackson Rancheria of California says it won't be laying off any casino employees. Rumors of layoffs surfaced after the tribe shut down part of the gaming floor at the Jackson Rancheria Casino and Hotel. But that was due to...

"Earlier this month, the citizens of California were given the news that their state was suffering from a whopping budget deficit of approximately $14 billion. As a means of comparison, this amount is approximately equal to the gross domestic products...

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians can add up to 5,500 more slot machines now that its Class III gaming compact has been approved by the federal government. The Bureau of Indian Affairs published a notice in the Federal...

Supervisors in Sonoma County, California, are debating a referendum on the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria’s proposed casino. A local attorney is leading the push to put the casino before county voters. But any referendum needs approval by the county...

Supporters and opponents of four Class III gaming compacts have spent more than $100 million to influence California voters. Propositions 94 through 97 are on the February 5 ballot. They ask voters to support of compacts for the Agua Caliente...

Five California newspapers are urging voters to vote "yes" on four Class III gaming compacts that are on the February 5 ballot. The Los Angeles Times says the deals benefit the state and the tribes. "Voters would be foolish to...

"The Star supports the Indian gambling compact amendments the state Legislature and governor approved last year for four tribes and, thus, supports yes votes on Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97 on the Feb. 5 ballot. The compact amendments were...

As the Democratic candidates head into the Nevada and California votes, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-New York) says Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois) doesn't support the gaming industry. Clinton told The Los Angeles Times she supports gaming as an economic development...

Special Trustee Ross Swimmer said the Interior Department is investigating how four controversial gaming compacts were misplaced in Washington, D.C. Swimmer doesn't have any direct authority over gaming matters. But he told The Palm Springs Desert Sun the issue...

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has issued a finding of significant environmental impact for the casino proposed by the Mechoopda Tribe of California. Notice of the FONSI was published in The Oroville Mercury-Register, the paper said. A notice also will...

A suspect under multi-jurisdictional investigation was shot and killed by police outside the casino owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of California. Authorities attempted to arrest Nino Joseph Garcia, 24, as he was leaving the Spa...

"If there's one thing California voters pride themselves on, it's their ability to make their own laws via ballot initiatives. A corollary of this is their ability to use popular referenda for vetoing laws passed by elected officials. So it...

"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a "fiscal emergency" because the state faces a $14.5 billion deficit. He has said we may have no choice but to release 22,000 nonviolent offenders from prison early, and he has proposed deep spending cuts...

Five California tribes have agreed to comply with the National Indian Gaming Commission's minimum internal control standards, or MICS. The MICS cover nearly every aspect of a Class III operation. But the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals said the NIGC...

The Jackson Rancheria of northern California relocated part of its casino after structural defects were discovered at the facility. A 28,000-square-foot portion of the gaming floor at the Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel is affected. Some slot machines and gaming...

Four controversial gaming compacts were sent to the wrong room at the main Interior Department building in Washington, D.C., but no one appears to know why it took so long for them to end up in the right place at...

"To watch the endless television ads, one would think that the four Indian gaming measures on the Feb. 5 ballot were all about raising money to save the state budget. In fact, tribal casinos will barely dent California's fiscal crisis....

The Big Sandy Rancheria Band of Western Mono Indians is planning to expand its small casino but not everyone is happy with the work. The tribe operates the Mono Wind Casino on its reservation. Exploratory work has begun to build...

"These days, one of the greatest threats to the public’s safety is our state’s budget crisis. It can jeopardize funding for all manner of police, fire and emergency protection services in communities throughout the state. Faced with a $14.5...

The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians is one of the first in Indian Country to offer automated "virtual" poker tables. The southern California tribe installed five PokerPro machines at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino last month. Each table seats...

"Though supporters are reluctant to admit it, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s rejections of the applications to three tribes to take land in Barstow for off-reservation casinos brings about a likely end to this venture. The Los Coyote, Big...

"By the time voters approach their touch-screen booths on Feb. 5, they’ll probably know what there is to know about Indian gaming compacts and the state of California. The tribes and their opponents will have spent tens of millions...

Three tribes sought off-reservation casinos in Barstow, California. The Bureau of Indian Affairs rejected all three last week. The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians and the Big Lagoon Rancheria sought side-by-side casinos on about 43 acres. But...

"The decision on Props. 94 through 97 on the Feb. 5 ballot depends on voters sorting through a battle between competing special interests to find the public's stake. One crucial point should make that task easier: California is better off...

"On Friday, the Pechanga Band of Temecula, one of the big four tribes who stand to gain from passage of Propositions 94 to 97 and 17,000 new slot machines, contributed $30.8 million in support of these propositions. This brings the...

"Here's what happened. After the Legislature approved the compacts last summer, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger sent them to the California secretary of state's office. Even though the compacts were not set to become law until Jan. 1 and opponents were collecting...