"Now we are on the verge of the next big political battle over Indian gaming, and the results could determine the future of the enterprise in California.

The question is fundamental: Why not build Indian casinos in urban areas closer to the gamblers that frequent them?

A tribe tried to push a casino into a heavily populated part of the San Francisco area. Another casino is being considered in Orange County, not far from Disneyland.

The San Joaquin Valley is facing this issue, too. There's a casino and hotel proposed for Highway 99 in Madera County. If approved, that area would quickly become urban and congested because it would sit on the Valley's main highway.

With all the money at stake, the old rules about Indian gaming don't seem to apply. Build them anywhere, and let the cash roll in.

The casinos don't even have to be on tribal land anymore. Their backers have found out how to overcome legal hurdles."

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State's gambling tribes risk killing their golden goose (The Fresno Bee 1/19)
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