Indian Gaming > Schwarzenegger said to hold cards in gaming debate

June 14, 2004

Schwarzenegger said to hold cards in gaming debate

All eyes are on California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) as the state gears up for a campaign season that will focus on the future of Indian gaming.

Schwarzenegger is set to announce new compacts with a small group of tribes. The deals, and how much they are worth, are expected to influence the way voters view two rival gaming initiatives on the November ballot.

One is sponsored by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Willing tribes would share 8.84 percent of revenues with the state in exchange for unlimited slot machines under 99-year compacts. Schwarzenegger has already said he opposes the proposal.

Where he stands on an initiative to force all tribes to share 25 percent of slot machine revenues with the state is not clear. Non-Indian card clubs and racetracks will be allowed to offer slots if the tribes, or the Bureau of Indian Affairs, refuse the arrangement.

Get the Story:
Governor's deal may turn tables in gaming (Copley News Service 6/13)