Officials in Barstow, California, are welcoming the possibility of an off-reservation casino in their city halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

The city has signed a deal with two tribes -- the Los Coyotes Band of Mission Indians and the Big Lagoon Rancheria -- to host two side-by-side casinos. A deal with a third tribe, the Chemehuevi Tribe, is also in the works.

The casinos would need state and federal approval. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) has already signed a compact for the Los Coyotes/Big Lagoon casino.

The casinos, however, would be defeated if Congress restricts off-reservation gaming. Bills pending in the Senate and in the House eliminate the procedure that would be used by the three tribes to open a casino.

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Barstow woos tribes from afar (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 4/17)
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