Indian Gaming > Schwarzenegger threatens to cut off MGAM

November 19, 2004

Schwarzenegger threatens to cut off MGAM

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is threatening to stop Multimedia Games from doing business in the state unless the company removes its video lottery terminals from two tribal casinos.

Schwarzenegger's legal adviser Peter Siggins wrote a letter to MGAM saying the use of the machines is illegal. The letter said MGAM "has an obligation to cooperate with the state in securing the removal of these" games.

The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians and the Morongo Band of Mission Indian operate the terminals at their casinos. The tribes say they are valid to use because they are not slot machines. Therefore, they do not violate a limit of 2,000 slot machines per tribe, they say.

Get the Story:
Governor presses for removal of games at Pechanga, Morongo (The North County Times 11/18)
Governor wants video lottery devices out of 2 casinos (Copley News Service 11/17)