Indian Gaming > Schwarzenegger says deal with tribes almost ready

March 31, 2004

Schwarzenegger says deal with tribes almost ready

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) on Tuesday said he is ready to announce new compacts with gaming tribes but some tribal representatives say a deal is not near.

According to The Riverside Press-Enterprise, Schwarzenegger said the new agreements will allow tribes to expand their operations. In exchange, tribes would share more revenues to the state and be required to address impacts their casinos have on local communities. The amount would be based on the number of slot machines a tribe operates, tribal sources told Copley News Service.

Schwarzenegger has suggested the tribes contribute $500 million in the first year but tribal sources said he expects closer to $1 billion. At one point, an up-front payment of $2 billion was discussed, according to Copley News Service. Currently, the tribes contribute $130 million annually to a special distribution fund.

Seven tribes had been negotiating with the state but talks grew to include other tribes. But about two weeks ago, some tribes, including the Agua Caliente, Morongo, San Manuel, Sycuan and Barona, broke away from the discussions.

Get the Story:
'Monster' gaming deal near (Copley News Service 3/31)
Tribal agreement said close (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 3/31)
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