"Currently before the Interior Department are two California “off reservation” casino proposals that carry the support of California Governor Jerry Brown. These two tribes are being touted by Governor Brown as needing additional trust lands closer to urban population centers...

The Ramona Band of Cahuilla Indians is negotiating a Class III gaming compact with California Gov. Jerry Brown (D), Banning Beaumont Patch reports. The tribe is based on a 560-acre reservation in Riverside County. The tribe does not currently operate...

The United Auburn Indian Community filed a lawsuit aimed at stopping the Enterprise Rancheria from opening an off-reservation casino. The Auburn Community says the new development will draw revenues from the Thunder Valley Casino. The proposed gaming site is less...

The Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians, also known as the Colusa Indian Community, filed a lawsuit in federal court on Friday in hopes of stopping the Enterprise Rancheria from opening an off-reservation casino. The Cachil Dehe Band believes the...

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians of California has resolved a dispute over water service to its casino. The tribe was annexed to the El Dorado Irrigation District in 1988. But when the Red Hawk Casino opened in 2008,...

The Redding Rancheria of California is making some big changes to its casino. The tribe is spending $40 million on an 84-room hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, an arcade, a fitness center and a 3,929-square-foot spa. Construction is expected...

The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians is on track to build an off-reservation casino in California. After starting work on the project in 2003, the tribe won Bureau of Indian Affairs approval of its land-into-trust application last month. "This...

The Enterprise Rancheria of California cleared a major hurdle in its decade-long quest to build an off-reservation casino. The tribe signed agreements with Yuba County and the city of Marysville back in 2002. After a lengthy federal review process, the...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria of California has put at least 150 people to work on its $825 million casino. Most of the construction workers belong to local unions. Upwards of 750 jobs will be created during the course...

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved two land-into-trust applications for two off-reservation casinos in California. The BIA agreed to place about 40 acres in trust for the Enterprise Rancheria. The site is about 32 miles from tribal headquarters. The BIA...

The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians in California is still waiting for an answer on its off-reservation casino. Tribal leaders and officials from the city of Barstow met Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn, the new leader of the...

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians and California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) reached a new Class III gaming compact. The deal eases the revenue sharing rate. The tribe will only have to pay 15 percent of slot machine earnings,...

"We have no problem with Indian gaming, which generates $7.5 billion a year for the state's 59 federally recognized tribes with gambling operations, and which provides each of the state's 50 nongaming tribes $1 million a year. We are concerned,...

The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians in California plans to open a $36 million casino hotel in March 2013. The 128-room hotel sits next to the Viejas Casino. Construction has created 400 jobs and the hotel itself will employ...

The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians held a topping-off ceremony today for its new casino hotel. The $36 million hotel at the Viejas Casino will feature 128 rooms, a pool and hot tub with a patio area and cabanas,...

Lakes Entertainment saw a boost in revenues in the past quarter thanks in part to an improvement in business at the casino owned by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. Lakes manages the Red Hawk Casino for the northern...

Two California tribes made history when their off-reservation casinos were approved by Gov. Jerry Brown (D) in September but they are still waiting for legislative approval of their Class III gaming compacts. The Enterprise Rancheria plans to build a casino...

The Jackson Rancheria of California hosted a grand opening for its newly remodeled casino. The tribe spent $80 million on upgrades at the Jackson Rancheria Casino and Hotel. There's a refurbished hotel, five new restaurants and 35,000-square-foot gaming area. "We...

Federal authorities in California are accusing 14 people of using ATMs at tribal casinos to steal more than $1 million from Citibank. The crime ring exploited a technology flaw in Citibank's system, The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported. The defendants were able...

The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians in California will break ground this Thursday on a $150 million casino expansion project. The tribe is adding a 403-room hotel tower, a 23,000-square-foot convention center and a 2,200-seat entertainment center to the Harrah’s...

The California Online Poker Association has dissolved after the departure of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, a founding member of the group, and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The group consisted of tribes and non-Indian card room....

The La Posta Band of Mission Indians in California has closed its casino. The La Posta Casino was one of the smallest in San Diego County, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. The 20,000 square-foot facility offered just 349 slot machines...

"Sonoma County salvaged a bad hand with its casino mitigation pact. The agreement, ratified Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors, guarantees payments of at least $9 million a year to address crime, traffic, fire protection and other costs associated with...

The board of supervisors in Sonoma County, California, voted unanimously to approve a gaming agreement with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The mood was celebratory as the agreement was discussed, The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reported. Both parties said the...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria will pay at least $9 million a year, and up to $38 million a year, to Sonoma County to address impacts of its casino. The $9 million is a base payment that includes law...

A decision on a liquor license for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians is expected in December, The Solvang Valley News reports. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control began a four-day hearing on the tribe's request on Tuesday....

The Redding Rancheria of California is evicting two families to make way for a new hotel at its casino. The tribe removed Madeline Miller, a non-Indian, and her family from the property on Tuesday, The Redding Record-Searchlight reported. The tribe...

A woman was charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to an American flag inside the casino owned by the Tachi-Yokut Tribe of California. Margaret Barrios, 34, lit the flag on fire near the gift shop at the Tachi Palace...

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians will go before the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control next week for a four-day hearing on its liquor license. The tribe is seeking to expand the sale of liquor at the Chumash...

"While some tribes have simply written their members a check from their casino profits, the Tule River Reservation has been wisely reinvesting its profits and much of that reinvestment involves the youth of the reservation. As detailed in a two-part...

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians of California is donating furniture from its casino hotel to local non-profits. The hotel at the Chumash Casino Resort is undergoing a major renovation. Four groups are benefiting from the work and will...

"It is obvious that the Mishewal Wappo, if recognized as a tribe with sovereign rights in the Napa Valley, intend to build a casino. The opening of a casino here would irreparably harm the integrity of our valley’s winemaking culture...

The Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians in California won't pursue an appeal in its casino bankruptcy case, a spokesperson said. In September, Judge Peter W. Bowie ruled that the Santa Ysabel Casino isn't eligible for federal bankruptcy protection. The...

"In a recent letter to the editor in the Appeal-Democrat, Enterprise Rancheria community relations spokesman Charles Altekruse wrote, "'Crime, alcoholism, broken homes' — Hello! They're already here!" Going back to my bar simile — does he mean that since we...

The Dry Creek Rancheria of California opened a new fire station on the reservation as part of a casino service agreement. The tribe pays $336,000 a year to the Geyserville Fire District to handle calls at the River Rock Casino...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria is required to make $416,918 in annual casino mitigation payments to four cities in Sonoma County, California. The payments are listed in the record of decision that was approved by the National Indian Gaming...

"One of Southern California's most interesting local races in the runup to the election is taking place in San Bernardino's third Supervisorial District, where Democrat James Ramos is working to unseat incumbent Republican Neil Derry. Though after attending a "meet-and-greet"...

"Recently, the California Governor, Jerry Brown, authorized the Class III gaming compacts of two landless tribes, the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians and Estom Yumeka Maidu (Enterprise Rancheria), who had petitioned the state to operate tribal gaming facilities outside...

"Under the unique and somewhat unclear legal landscape in which tribal casinos operate, many tribes have wielded the threat of sovereign immunity or have rested on the leverage inherent in the limited remedy-enforcement options available to their creditors. Despite such...

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will hold a hearing next month on a liquor license at the casino owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. The tribe is seeking to expand the sale of liquor at...

The city of Barstow, California, has a hired a lobbyist to help gain approval of an off-reservation casino for the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians. The lobbyist, Joe A. Gonsalves & Son, will work at the state...

Opponents of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California plan to file a lawsuit in federal court aimed at blocking the tribe's casino. The tribe started construction of the facility after the Bureau of Indian Affairs finalized its land-into-trust...

Opponents of two off-reservation casinos in California are considering lawsuits, The Fresno Bee reports. Gov. Jerry Brown (D) approved casinos for the Enterprise Rancheria and the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians. Opponents might challenge his decision, the tribal Class...

The Redding Rancheria of California broke ground on a $40 million casino expansion project on Wednesday. The project includes an 84-room hotel, an outdoor swimming pool, an arcade, a fitness center and a 3,929-square-foot spa. The Win-River Casino is also...

The California Tribal Business Alliance, a group that represents three tribes, is calling for "strict guidelines" for future off-reservation casino projects. CTBA opposes an off-reservation casino for the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians. The group claims the project will...

"Should Congress or the U.S. Supreme Court reverse federal law prohibiting sports wagering, there appears to be a difference in opinion as to who might benefit most from sports books in California: American Indian tribes, card clubs or thoroughbred racetracks....

"When the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was passed, Congress recognized that some tribes had been so unfairly disadvantaged by historical events that there should to be a process to permit them to acquire land for economic development. The process created...

"Bring in the showgirls! Where's the booze? More gambling! More gambling! Yes, it looks like a casino is on the way to historically poor Yuba County. It's been a long, strange journey for the casino promoters, who initially wanted to...

The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians will share revenues from its off-reservation casino with two other tribes, including one that is threatening litigation against the project. The North Fork Rancheria agreed to pay up to $760,000 per quarter to...

A labor union hopes to resolve a dispute at the casino owned by the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians in California. The United Here Local 2850 lodged several complaints at the San Pablo Lytton Casino. The National Labor Relations Board...

The Redding Rancheria of California will break ground on a $40 million casino expansion project. The tribe is adding an 84-room hotel to the Win-River Casino. It will include an outdoor swimming pool, an arcade, a fitness center and a...

"In the case of In re Santa Ysabel Resort and Casino, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of California heard arguments on September 4, 2012, as to whether the alleged debtor, a tribal casino, was eligible for bankruptcy protection....

It looks like the Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians in California won't be able to protect its casino under federal bankruptcy law. The Santa Ysabel Casino filed for bankruptcy, citing more than $50 million in debts. A major creditor...

"Gov. Jerry Brown has made a bad situation worse. He's approved a troubling expansion of tribal gambling by allowing two Sierra foothill tribes to open casinos more than 30 miles from their reservations, a move sure to invite more abuse...

Opponents of the Enterprise Rancheria off-reservation casino will fight the tribe's Class III gaming compact in the California Legislature, The Sacramento Bee reports. "The compact will run into a buzz saw," Doug Elmets, a spokesperson for the rival United Auburn...

"I slept with Smokey Robinson. Now that I have your attention, allow me to clarify: Actually, I slept NEAR Smokey Robinson. What a difference a preposition makes. During a recent weekend at the Thunder Valley Casino & Resort in Lincoln,...

The Enterprise Rancheria of California cleared a significant hurdle in its quest for an off-reservation casino. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) on Friday concurred with the Obama administration's decision on the casino. The tribe plans a facility with up to...

The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians has joined a small group of tribes in winning approval for an off-reservation casino. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) on Friday concurred with the Obama administration's decision on the casino. The tribe plans...

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians of California is closing its casino hotel as part of a renovation project. The hotel will close Tuesday while all 106 rooms at the Chumash Casino Resort undergo renovations. The facility is expected...

"Gov. Jerry Brown waited until Friday's deadline to announce his support for two controversial off-reservation casinos that are likely to usher in a troubling new Indian gambling boom in California. It's unfortunate that Brown blessed these two bad deals initially...

"Most of those responding to an Argus-Courier online poll said that the city should not consider extending water and sewer services to the Dry Creek Tribe if it would mean they would agree not to build a casino on their...

The National Labor Relations Board is overseeing a union dispute at the casino owned by the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians in California. Members of the United Here Local 2850 have been working without a contract at the San Pablo...

"The California Nations Indian Gaming Association recently set out to measure the positive impact that tribal government gaming has on the state and local economies. In Santa Barbara County alone, more than 1,700 people have jobs thanks to our tribal...

The Dry Creek Rancheria of California reached a new deal for fire services at its casino. The tribe was considering its own fire department to handle calls at the River Rock Casino and on the reservation. But the tribe will...

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians of California is fighting a bill to allow a non-Indian race track that also operates a card club to stay open. Hollywood Park is the only race track with a card club. It's owned...

A bill to legalize Internet poker in California appears to be dead amid tribal dissent, according to Poker News Report. The lack of agreement prompted the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians to leave the California Nations Indian Gaming Association. And...

The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians could go into default if an off-reservation casino is approved, opponents are claiming. The state of California has invested public employee investment funds in the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. The tribe's lobbyist and...

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) is once against lobbying California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) to reject an off-reservation casino for the Enterprise Rancheria. Feinstein claims there is little local support for the casino. She also said the gaming market in northern...

"Our tribe is located in a poor, rural county with high rates of unemployment and poverty. We have a large number of needy tribal citizens but only a remote, inaccessible piece of land that is owned by individual tribal citizens...

"There long has been a legal debate as to whether businesses owned and operated by Indian tribes could either file for protection under the federal Bankruptcy Code or, correspondingly, be involuntarily taken into bankruptcy by creditors. During 2010, the issue...

The Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians in California is defending its decision to seek bankruptcy protection for its casino. The tribe says the Santa Ysabel Casino qualifies for bankruptcy as an unincorporated company. The claim comes in response to...

The Jackson Rancheria of California has scheduled a grand opening this November for a series of a casino renovations. The Jackson Rancheria Casino and Hotel boasts new gaming areas, five restaurants, a high limit room, a poker room, a gift...

Authorities in California say a man was murdered for his gaming per capita checks. Alphonso John Hyde received $10,000 to $20,000 a month from an unidentified tribe. Authorities say Frank Valles cashed $600,000 in checks belonging to Hyde, who may...

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in California is showing “stronger than expected” improvement in its gaming operation, according to Fitch Ratings. The tribe operates two gaming facilities. Earnings were up 17.9 percent in the last fiscal year, according...

"Since California voters approved Indian gambling over a decade ago, the business has exceeded all expectations and limitations. It's grown into a Vegas-sized industry that's enriched dirt-poor tribes and hired thousands more, but it's also proved hard to control as...

"Indian gambling has brought long-needed financial gains to Native American tribes as well as a measure of painful internal strife. In California, reservations where dilapidated mobile homes once dominated the landscape are now dotted with attractive new housing developments, playgrounds,...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California has secured $850 million in financing for its casino. The financing consists of a $375 million loan and a $450 million combination of bonds and a development loan. It's believed to be...

Station Casinos expects to receive a $194 million payment from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California, the company said in a press release today. Station has been financing the tribe for the last nine years. Their relationship began...

The sponsor of a bill to legalize Internet poker in California doesn't think his measure will go anywhere this session. “It doesn’t look good,” state Sen. Rod Wright (D) told The Riverside Press-Enterprise. Some tribes with casinos support the bill,...

The Mooretown Rancheria says it can open an off-reservation casino without the approval of California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) The tribe says its Class III gaming compact authorizes two facilities. One is Feather Falls Casino in Oroville. Chairman Gary Archuleta...

California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) has until August 31 to decide on two off-reservation casino projects. The Enterprise Rancheria and the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians each won approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Under the two-part determination...

"Support for community is a core value of California’s native people. Although each tribal nation takes pride in its unique traditions, we all believe that we have a fundamental responsibility to all our neighbors. Tribal government gaming is central to...

Lakes Entertainment reported a $1.1 million operating loss in the last quarter in connection with two tribal gaming projects. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians in Michigan bought out its management contract with Lakes last year. As a result, the...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California will be taking on $800 million in debt as part of its long quest for a casino. The tribe will use the money to build the casino, pay off existing debt and...

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association is announcing the results of an economic impact study today. Tribes with casinos contribute $7.5 billion to the state's economy every year, according to the study. Indian gaming also supports more than 52,000 jobs....

Opponents of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California are raising a new challenge as part of a lawsuit in state court. In 2003, the tribe signed a agreement with the city of Rohnert Park to share revenues and...

The Yavapai-Apache Nation of Arizona is opposing bankruptcy protections for the casino owned by the Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians in California. The Yavapai-Apache Nation lent $7 million to the Santa Ysabel Band and acquired $26 million in debt...

The Enterprise Rancheria and the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians are facing opposition to their off-reservation casinos from other California tribes. Both tribes need state approval to open the casinos. So other tribes are trying to convince Gov. Jerry...

The Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians has started renovations at its casino in southern California. The tribe is spending $10 million on the first major renovation project at Casino Pauma since the facility opened 11 years ago, The North County...

"Two off-reservation casino applications are now awaiting action by Gov. Jerry Brown, who should reject efforts by tribes and their allies in the gambling industry to establish casinos along busy highways far from their traditional lands. Brown has until the...

The Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians hopes to expand its casino after resolving its debt woes. The tribe declared bankruptcy in federal court last month, citing $3 million owed to San Diego County and debts to other entities. The...

The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians negotiated a new Class III gaming compact with California Gov. Jerry Brown (D). The agreement replaces one signed by former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The existing deal requires the tribe to share a percentage...

Officials in Barstow, California, continue to support an off-reservation casino for the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians. The city council approved a letter of support for the $433 million project last month. Jobs and revenue are the...

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee has drafted a bill called the Tribal Online Gaming Act of 2012. The 49-page bill is a discussion draft only. It has not been introduced in the Senate. The draft authorizes tribes or groups of...

The Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians is using solar energy to supply nearly all of the power to its casino in southern California. The tribe recently completed a two-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility on five acres next to the Augustine Casino....

Tribal casinos took in $27.2 billion in 2011, with gains seen in all regions of the U.S., the National Indian Gaming Commission reported. The figure represents gross gaming revenues for 237 tribes and 421 facilities. It marks a 3 percent...

Thanks to gaming revenues, the Dry Creek Rancheria of California purchased an $80,000 ambulance for a local service provider. Bell’s Ambulance Service has provided emergency service to the reservation for decades. “They’ve been up and down that road before there...

"Pursuant to a June 27, 2012 tribal resolution, on July 2, 2012, the Santa Ysabel Resort and Casino filed a voluntary chapter 11 bankruptcy petition. The casino is an unincorporated enterprise for economic development owned by the Iipay Nation of...

Supporters of the Kialegee Tribal Town casino say opponents, including a city council member in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, are expressing racist and threatening views. A pro-casino group called Citizens Protecting Native American Sovereignty says most of the racist comments are...

A key lawmaker doesn't think Internet gaming bills will see action before the end of the 112th Congress. Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-California) chairs the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade. She's held two hearings on Internet gaming but...

"California does not need a gambling land rush. Gov. Jerry Brown should reject two proposals for off-reservation casinos in California, to avoid setting a bad precedent. California tribes should confine gambling operations to reservations, not hunt for the most lucrative...

California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) has until August 31 to approve or reject off-reservation casinos for two tribes, The Sacramento Bee reports. The Enterprise Rancheria is seeking a casino about 36 miles from its headquarters. The gaming site for the...

"What does the Obama administration have against the residents of Amador County? Tiny Amador, home to just 38,000 people, is fighting a pitched battle with the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs to prevent the construction of two giant new Indian...

"President Barack Obama has gone out of his way to try to make amends for America's history of genocidal treatment of Indians. That's understandable, morally and politically. In this election year, Obama will need all the help he can get....

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California are reportedly meeting with landowners to discuss water issues near its gaming site. The Class III gaming compact requires the tribe to address environmental impacts. A monitoring system will be set up...

More than two years after being indicted, a former gaming executive for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians of California went on trial for defrauding the tribe. Ryan Jay Robinson was the chief financial officer of the Pechanga Resort &...

The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians of California restructured $310 million in gaming-related debt, The Fresno Bee reports. The tribe incurred the debt during the construction of the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. More than $300 million in loans...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California has been cleared to conduct Class III gaming. The Bureau of Indian Affairs allowed the tribe's compact to go into effect. It was the last major hurdle for the tribe, whose casino...

The Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians is seeking federal bankruptcy protection for its troubled casino. The tribe owes money to 50 creditors, Fox 5 News reported, including $3 million to San Diego County and $100,000 to the California Gambling...

"While all eyes were on the U.S. Supreme Court as it deliberated over the Affordable Care Act, the nation's highest court handed down an unrelated decision that may well have significant impact on one of the California Desert's most popular...

The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians in California is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its casino. As part of the event, the tribe resurrected bingo games at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. Patrons said they were happy to see the...

The Mishewal Wappo Tribe could gain federal recognition as a result of a settlement with the Obama administration but politicians in California's wine valley are wary of a casino. Chairman Scott Gabaldon told the House Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska...

Amador County in California is suing the Obama administration in hopes of blocking the Ione Band of Miwok Indians from opening a casino. Among other arguments, the county says the tribe wasn't "under federal jurisdiction" in 1934. The U.S. Supreme...

The city council in Rohnert Park, California, voted 4-0 to approve a casino agreement with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The intergovernmental agreement addresses groundwater issues and other environmental impacts of the casino. It allows the facility to be...

" The obvious benefit of building a casino near an urbanized area such as Rohnert Park with quick access to a major highway is that it brings gaming closer to more potential customers. But what should be just as obvious...

The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians of California made an early payment on its casino naming rights deal. The Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino pays $1 million each year to the Fresno Grizzlies. The team plays at Chukchansi Park....

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria expects to open its gaming facility in late 2013, according to an update posted online by Station Casinos, the tribe's partner. Station Casinos sent a letter to nearby residents. It states that construction will...

The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Salazar v. Patchak likely won't affect the casino for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Fitch Ratings said in a corrected press release. The tribe was restored to federal recognition by an act of...

Opponents of the Enterprise Rancheria casino say the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Salazar v. Patchak will help their cause. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has yet to make a final decision on the tribe's land-into-trust application. But foes say...

"Despite federal and state bans on online poker, as many as 1 million Californians spend a total of about $300 million annually playing the game — typically on websites based outside the country. Lawmakers have been debating for more than...

Opponents of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria believe the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Salazar v. Patchak will help their cause. The Stop the Casino 101 Coalition sued to block the Bureau of Indian Affairs from approving the tribe's...

The city council in Barstow, California, will consider a resolution to support an off-reservation casino for the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians. After being rejected by the Bush administration, the tribe resubmitted a land-into-trust application for 23...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California began work on its long-delayed casino on Monday. The tribe is still awaiting approval of its Class III gaming compact from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. And the tribe has to negotiate...

The casino owned by the Campo Kumeyaay Nation is serving as a command base for a growing fire in southern California. The Old Fire burned about 820 acres as of Sunday afternoon, with only about 30 percent contained. Conditions are...

The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians of California is using gaming revenues to fund language preservation programs. The tribe pledged $1 million over five years to California State University for research and classes into the language. The money had...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and Sonoma County, California, have 90 days to negotiate a gaming agreement, The Rohnert Park Community Voice reported. If the two sides don't reach a deal in that time, binding arbitration comes into play,...

A judge in California has barred San Diego County from seizing gaming revenues owned by the Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians until a lawsuit can be resolved. The tribe owes $3 million to the county under a gaming agreement....

Greg Sarris, the chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California, continues to maintain his silence on the tribe's forthcoming casino. Sarris has only spoken publicly on a couple of occasions since the tribe's land-into-trust application and its...

After seven years, the Ione Band of Miwok Indians of California finally won approval of its land-into-trust application but it will be a few more years before a casino arrives. Chairwoman Yvonne Miller said the next step for the tribe...

A bill to legalize Internet poker in California was pulled before it even got a hearing on Tuesday. Sen. Rod Wright (D) withdrew SB 1463 right before the Senate Governmental Organization Committee was due to consider it. Some tribal leaders...

"The review and approval of the Karuk Tribe of California Tribal gaming ordinance without the review of the Sovereign Shasta Nation is not acceptable. The document is flawed with abundant errors and ommissions of fact. By the Karuk Tribe’s own...

"The debate over the merits of a proposed Indian casino on the outskirts of Rohnert Park will continue on Tuesday evening at a special public hearing before the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. It's a huge project with huge implications,...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria will enter into discussions for a gaming agreement with Sonoma County, California. The tribe has agreed to "negotiate in good faith to mitigate the potential impacts"of the casino in the county, according to its...

The Rincon Band of Mission Indians of California is planning a major expansion of its casino. Details are still being finalized but The San Diego Union-Tribune said plans call for an addition of 15,000 square-feet to the gaming floor, a...

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has until July 6 to review a Class III gaming compact for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reports. The deadline comes amid a lawsuit that seeks to invalidate the compact....

The National Indian Gaming Commission is warning San Diego County, California, not to seize gaming revenues owned by the Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians. An arbitrator ruled that the tribe owes $3 million to the county under a gaming...

"Just wanted to straighten out a few things concerning the letter I submitted about the Karuk casino. A few people have gotten a bit upset, maybe a bit mixed up, as to what I really meant. I am just as...

"The Graton Rancheria was federally recognized as an Indian tribe on December 27, 2000, by an Act of Congress. The Tribe has been continuously pursuing development of a casino for the ensuing 11½ years, but casino opponents have opposed and...

The tribe submitted a land-into-trust application for a site in Richmond, about 80 miles from its headquarters.

The Obama administration approved a land-into-trust application for the Ione Band of Miwok Indians, paving the way for the California tribe to open a casino. Generally, land acquired in trust after 1988 can't be used for gaming. But the Indian...

"Now that the state legislature has moved with remarkable alacrity to approve a gaming compact enabling construction of an unwanted mega-casino in Rohneart Park, Petaluma residents can only speculate on how soon it will be before the already burdened two-lane...

Greg Sarris, the chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, has stayed away from the media but recently went on KQED radio to discuss his tribe's casino plans. Sarris said construction of the casino will generate 900 jobs. A...

The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake in California owes $30 million on its new casino, The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reports. Chairwoman Sherry Treppa said the debt is based on construction, interest payments, land purchases, and legal and legislative services...

"What if they held a public hearing but nobody came? Better yet, what if they held a public hearing but didn’t bother to tell the public about it? That’s nearly what happened this week when the California Department of Alcoholic...

The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians of California is still waiting for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make a decision on its casino land-into-trust application. The BIA published a draft environmental impact statement in July 2009 and wrapped up...

The Big Lagoon Rancheria will open a casino on its reservation in northern California, according to a press release. The tribe signed a deal with Atlantis Internet Group Corp. to offer linked gaming with other Indian gaming facilities. "As plans...

A group called the Stop the Casino 101 Coalition filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking a casino for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The group is suing California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) in state court. The lawsuit claims he...

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has delayed a hearing on a liquor license at the casino owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. The three-day hearing was scheduled to begin today. But the ABC said it...

The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake in California will open its casino to the public this Friday at 4pm. The 33,000 square-foot Running Creek Casino features 349 slot machines, six table games, a players’ club, a dining area and...

California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) signed into law a bill that ratifies a Class III gaming compact for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The signature was the last step in the process before the compact is sent to the...

Members of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians receive $30,000 a month in gaming revenues, CBS2 reports. The tribes makes per capita payments to its members. The amount used to be $22,431 but it jumped to $30,000 after 250 people...

Construction on a casino for the for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria could start this summer, the tribe's partner said. Station Casinos is financing the casino. The project is expected to cost more than $700 million. "We anticipate starting...

Internet gaming interests are donating millions of dollars to politicians and campaigns in California, The Los Angeles Times reports. In the last year alone, gaming interests donated $1.36 million into the Democratic State Central Committee of California. Democrats are sponsoring...

The Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians wants to settle a dispute over $3 million in gaming revenues owed to San Diego County, California. Chairman Virgil Perez said the tribe has offered to make a payment arrangement. But the county...

Four people were indicted on federal bribery and money-laundering charges in connection with the casino owned by the Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians in California. The tribe's attorney, Gary Edward Kovall, is accused of steering contracts for work at...

The California Assembly voted 64-3 on Thursday to approve on a Class III gaming compact for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The compact already cleared the Senate. Now it can be sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for...

Tribal casinos in California and Oklahoma are home to more gaming machines than any other state in the nation, except for Nevada, according to a new report from the American Gaming Association. As of 2011, tribes in California hosted 67,601...

Internet gaming is "inevitable," the leader of the United Auburn Indian Community said. The tribe operates a successful casino in northern California. But with online gaming on the horizon, the tribe wants to get into the action. "We see the...

The California Assembly is expected to vote today on a Class III gaming compact for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The Senate already approved the deal. If the Assembly does the same, it will be sent to the Bureau...

"Last week, the legislature held informational hearings on the proposed tribal gaming compact between the state and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. If the compact is approved by the state Legislature, signed by the governor, and received by the...

The California Senate voted 34-4 on Monday to approve a Class III gaming compact for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The deal still needs to be approved by the Assembly. After that, it will be sent to the Bureau...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria of California owes at least $230 million so far as part of its quest to build a casino, The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reports. At a second day of hearings on the tribe's Class III...

The leader of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California finally broke his silence about his tribe's plans for a casino. Chairman Greg Sarris hasn't discussed the casino since the tribe signed a Class III gaming compact in late...

Opponents of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria say a new poll shows opposition to the northern California tribe's casino. Stop the Casino 101 says 68 percent of Sonoma County oppose the casino. The group conducted poll in hopes of...

The California Senate Governmental Organization Committee will hold a hearing tomorrow on the Class III gaming compact for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The tribe signed the deal with Gov. Jerry Brown (D) in late March. It authorizes a...

The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians has taken steps to remove "swallow bugs" from a hotel at its casino. The swallow bugs, which are related to bed bugs, were found in the Chukchansi tower at the Chukchansi Gold Resort &...

"As someone who enjoys gambling, I felt a surge of excitement when I heard that a big, Vegas-style Indian casino was approved for Rohnert Park. Last month's compact between the state and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria authorizes a...

The Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians has apparently failed to pay $3 million it owes to San Diego County, California. The tribe agreed to make payments to offset the impacts of the Santa Ysabel Casino. But the county never...

At one point, nearly $200 million in tribal revenues flowed into the account but it was projected to drop to just $5 million in 2013.

"Hopes of avoiding the crushing impacts of an unwanted mega-casino in Rohnert Park may be fading, but are not yet completely dimmed. Thanks to action taken earlier this week by the Petaluma City Council, North Bay legislators will be asked...

More groups are coming forward to say Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians has pressured them to oppose the off-reservation casino sought by the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians. The Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce lost a $150 donation because...

"I have a vision of the new Karuk casino being called the “Mt. Shasta Casino” and the tribe breaking tradition of all other Indian Tribes that seem to promote heavy smoking. I see them promoting this one as the crown...

"Talk about your strange bedfellows. With the political battle over a tribal casino in Rohnert Park shifting to the state Legislature, local opponents are suddenly on the same side as other California Indian tribes. These putative allies object to a...

"It's the biggest private development ever proposed for the North Bay and probably the most controversial, but most of our leaders don't want to talk about it. That's the impression I was left with after reading Derek Moore's story Wednesday...

Greg Sarris, the chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California, still isn't talking to the press about his tribe's Class III gaming compact. Sarris has declined to comment on the tribe's casino plans since the compact was...

The city council in Petaluma, California, voted 6-0 to oppose a Class III gaming compact with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The deal requires the tribe to negotiate agreements with local governments to offset the impacts of the casino....

"I am writing this letter in support of the Enterprise Rancheria resort casino. As a person who has lived my entire life in Yuba County and has raised a family here, I see so many benefits coming out of this...

"Some bad ideas just won't go away. Case in point: a revived law to allow online gambling in California. This time around, all the big players - casino tribes, cardrooms and racetracks- want to bring online poker and its devastating...

"If Proposition 1A to amend the California Constitution in March 2000 had proposed to open up the state to billion-dollar Las Vegas gambling interests with no provision for them to pay taxes on the money they take out of our...

"It's no secret that conflict sells newspapers and generates web clicks. And when an adversary brings the fight to your front door, it's hard to hold back. That's why I have to give some credit to the North Fork Rancheria...

The Karuk Tribe of California plans to employ more than 200 people at its first casino. The tribe has spent nearly a decade trying to gain approval for the casino. Word finally came on Monday with a new Indian lands...

The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians is trying to line up opposition to the off-reservation casino sought by the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians, The Fresno Bee reports. The Chukchansi Tribe has asked local organizations to oppose the casino...

The Enterprise Rancheria of California is confident its off-reservation casino will be approved despite opposition from Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California). Last September, the Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the tribe's casino bid. But Feinstein claimed the environmental impact statement was...

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) reiterated her opposition to the Enterprise Rancheria casino, accusing the tribe of reservation shopping. The tribe lost its 40-acre reservation to the creation of Lake Oroville in the 1960s. The tribe has acquired a 40-acre replacement...

The National Indian Gaming Commission issued a new Indian lands determination that paves the way for the Karuk Tribe of California to open its first casino. In 2004, the NIGC said a 200-acre parcel known as the Yureka Trust Property...

The California Tribal Business Alliance opposes a bill to legalize Internet poker games. The CTBA represents three tribes with casinos. The group's political director called the bill a "nonstarter." "You have a high likelihood it will have an impact on...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria are set to build one of the largest gaming facilities in California. The casino plan envisions a 534,000 square-foot facility in Sonoma County. The facility would include 3,000 slot machines, a 200-room hotel, a...

The Karuk Tribe of California is getting into the Indian gaming industry. The tribe announced approval from the National Indian Gaming Commission to open a casino. Now comes the hard part, Chairman Russell Attebery said. “With this comes a lot...

"Indian gaming is creeping into the urban Bay Area. Gov. Jerry Brown signed a compact last month with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, which plans to build a 3,000-slot machine casino in Rohnert Park. The project is yet another...

"The Enterprise Rancheria now seeks partial recourse for those lost tribal reservation lands and resources by acquiring new "Indian trust lands" within its historical lands along the Feather River watershed near the City of Marysville (burial remains recently recovered along...

Opponents of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California plan to file as many as two lawsuits in hopes of stopping the tribe from building a casino in Sonoma County. Stop the 101 Casino Coalition has been fighting the...

The United Auburn Indian Community of California purchased a golf course near its casino. The tribe bought Whitney Oaks Golf Club for $3.95 million. The facility will become a part of the Thunder Valley Casino family. "Whitney Oaks rounds out...

The National Indian Gaming Association is wrapping up its annual trade show and convention today. More than 5,000 people attended this year's event, held in San Diego, California. That's the largest crowd in NIGA history. "You set a record," Chairman...

"In the nine years since the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria first proposed building a casino and resort near Rohnert Park, the plan has been the subject of a failed City Council recall, an attempt at a countywide referendum and...

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians of California named Bryan DeLugo general manager of the Red Hawk Casino. DeLugo was previously vice president of casino operations at the facility. He replaces Tracy Mimno, who resigned to "pursue other opportunities,"...

Greg Sarris, the normally outspoken chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California, has been quiet about his tribe's long quest for a casino. The effort took a significant step forward with the signing of a Class III...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, also known as the Coast Miwok Tribe, signed a Class III gaming compact with California Gov. Jerry Brown (D). The tribe plans to build a $433 million casino on 254 acres in Sonoma County....

The Jamul Indian Village of California will host a meeting next week to discuss plans for a casino on the reservation. The tribe unveiled the $230 million casino earlier this month. The project was scaled back amid concerns from neighbors....

"Another expansion of Northern California's Cache Creek Casino is on the horizon. The Yocha De He Wintun tribe has applied to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to annex 853 acres of their Capay Valley fee title farmland property into trust...

The Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians of California is no longer reporting its gaming results to the public. The tribe used to provide quarterly reports about the River Rock Casino. But those stopped after the tribe reached a...

The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians in California debuted a new bingo hall at its casino. The tribe's first bingo hall opened at the Ma Tar Awa RV Park in 1977. Bingo games eventually moved into a building at...

"Most opponents to online gaming in California approach the debate as if it is a question of whether or not there will be online gaming in the state. But that question has long ago been asked and answered. At a...

"Most residents of Imperial County are aware and have read articles in English and in Spanish about the proposed off-reservation casino of the Manzanita Band of Mission Indians (Tribe) that is to be located in Calexico. The casino development has...

The Jamul Indian Village of California is looking for a new gaming partner after parting ways with Lakes Entertainment. The tribe wants to build a $230 million casino on its 6.2-acre reservation. Plans call for a 228,000 square-foot and a...

The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake in California will be holding two jobs fairs to hire 150 people to work at its new casino. The tribe expects to open the Running Creek Casino around Memorial Day, Chairwoman Sherry Treppa said....

"Sometimes the intermingling of art and reality is just plain spooky. Last week, two of the most important figures in California's gambling picture died within hours of one another. Richard Milanovich, who as longtime chairman of the Agua Caliente Band...

Tribal gaming in northern California continues to negatively impact non-Indian casinos in Reno, Nevada, according to some experts. Tribes have enticed gamblers who would otherwise go to Reno to stay closer to home. One of the most successful facilities is...

"The Jamul Indian Village has been working for many years to develop a gaming facility on our federal tribal trust land. This effort has not been without controversy. We are now creating a new vision for our gaming project, taking...

"Over the last three months, three tribal gaming authorities have worked out consensual debt restructurings with lenders in situations that seemed destined for protracted legal battles, bringing investor attention back to the oft-maligned sector. Indeed, although some of the ugliest...

The Jamul Indian Village of California released plans for a $230 million casino on the reservation. The 228,000-square-foot casino would stand three stories and include a 10-level parking garage. The tribe expects to hire 1,600 people to work there. The...

Opponents of the off-reservation casino proposed by the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians are lobbying California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) to reject it. The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the casino last September. The tribe has the support of...

After 13 years and nearly $58 million, the Jamul Indian Village of California and Lakes Entertainment have called it quits. The tribe began working with Lakes in 1999. Plans called for a large casino resort on the reservation but that...

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) wants to know what's happening with the Enterprise Rancheria off-reservation casino. The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the casino last September. Feinstein, however, claims the environmental impact statement was incomplete because it didn't include the views...

A panel at the iGaming North America Conference in Las Vegas discussed Internet gaming and tribes. Sheila Morago, the executive director of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, said online gaming could force tribes to renegotiate their Class III compacts. Most...

The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar is placing clouds over Indian gaming, tribal leaders were told on Tuesday. Only tribes that were "under federal jurisdiction" in 1934 can follow the land-into-trust process, the high court ruled in...

The Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation in California hopes the Obama administration will approve its off-reservation casino this year. The tribe has been working with officials in Imperial County to build a casino in Calexico, near the U.S.-Mexico...

Thanks to a $66 million financing deal, the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians in California will be able to spend $10 million on a casino upgrade. The tribe is renovating the structure that houses Casino Pauma. Plans call for a...

"Plain speaking is a rarity in the law, but the introduction to U.S. District Court Judge Samuel Conti's ruling against the Redding Rancheria in its lawsuit against the Interior Department was an admirable exception. "This case," Conti wrote, "is about...

The Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians has closed on $66 million in financing, a move that benefits its gaming operation. The tribe will use the money to refinance existing debt. Upgrades are also in the works for the Casino Pauma....

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians of California has been ordered to pay $30 million to a former gaming partner but the judgement is being stayed while the tribe pursues an appeal. The tribe and Sharp Image opened a...

The Lytton Band of Pomo Indians in California could be headed for a political and legal battle with a labor union at its casino. Unite Here represents more than 250 employees at the San Pablo Lytton Casino. The union is...

The Enterprise Rancheria is waiting on California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) to make a decision on its off-reservation casino. The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the project last September. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, Brown has veto authority over...

The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians sued the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians last year over a casino ad campaign, UT San Diego reports. The San Pasqual Band offers an all-you-can-eat lobster buffet at the Valley View Casino. The...

"The Battle of Jamul, probably the fiercest fight ever involving an Indian casino proposed for rural San Diego County, is on again. Encouragingly, it began with what might be considered a peace offering. But it probably won’t bring peace. Representatives...

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control scheduled a three-day hearing on a liquor license at the casino owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. The hearing begins May 22. It will last three consecutive days in order...

"Native American tribes have been fighting for equality forever in the state of California. It's a long hard road but we keep working at it. There are many road blocks against the tribes from the feds and the state. But...

The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians in California broke ground on a hotel at the Black Oak Casino. The hotel will feature 150 rooms on three levels. It also includes a conference center and a restaurant. The hotel could open...

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Foxwoods Resort Casino on Wednesday. The tribe entered the gaming industry with a bingo hall in 1986. The effort quickly became a success and paved the way...

The Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians is urging California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) to reject an off-reservation casino for the Enterprise Rancheria. The tribe says its existing gaming facility will be hurt by the new development. A letter posted...

The Jamul Indian Village of California is reviving plans for a casino on the reservation. The tribe originally planned a 12-story, $350 million development on its six-acre reservation. But the project has been scaled back, a consultant said. Details are...

It looks like Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), who led the Congressional investigation into Jack Abramoff, has found a new target. McCain is asking the National Indian Gaming Commission to explain how a firm owned by a non-Indian attorney received a...

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control plans to hold a hearing on a liquor license at the casino owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. The tribe is seeking to expand the sale of liquor at the...

California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) is in compact negotiations with 15 to 20 tribes, his negotiator Jacob Appelsmith told The Sacramento Bee. Brown signed his first compact last year, shortly after taking office. The deal with the Habematolel Pomo of...

Howard Dickstein, a non-Indian attorney, has received a share of gaming revenues from at least two of the tribes he has represented, The Sacramento Bee reports. Dickstein and his firm received 1 percent of profits from the casino owned by...

"The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians has been trying for years to build an off-reservation casino on Highway 99 north of Madera, and has moved a step closer to its goal. But it's the wrong location for a Las...

A federal judge has ordered the Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians to pay $3 million under its gaming agreement with San Diego County, California. The tribe agreed to make payments to offset the impact of the Santa Ysabel Casino....

The board of supervisors in Madera County, California, voted 4-1 to reaffirm their support for the off-reservation casino sought by the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians. The county will send a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California), who questioned...

"It's been a long wait for Kern County's Tejon Indian tribe, which has missed out on federal recognition -- and the potential for economic independence that comes with it -- for decades, and for no good reason. The Bureau of...

"New polling data released Dec. 6 shows a vast majority of California voters strongly oppose building off-reservation casinos and believe voters should have their say in any decision to pursue off-reservation gaming. The new survey, conducted by Jim Moore Methods,...

A legal opinion from the Department of Justice is stirring the already-complicated debate over Internet gaming. The opinion essentially allows state governments to use the Internet to sell lottery tickets. That could mean tribes will be able to engage in...

"Obama doesn't mention casinos when he talks about Indians. But in recent months, the administration made several decisions that help Indian gambling interests. In September, Echo Hawk approved two casinos far from tribes' reservations. One would be near the Sleep...