Indian Gaming > New Agua Caliente compact comes under fire

August 17, 2006

New Agua Caliente compact comes under fire

Attempts to fast track the new gaming compact between the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) were met with resistance on Wednesday.

Some lawmakers, union representatives and allies of the horse racing industry questioned the need for quick approval of the deal. The tribe is hoping for ratification before the Legislature ends its session on August 31.

Meanwhile, the tribe and the Schwarzenegger administration sought to make some last-minute changes to the compact. The changes would free the tribe from sharing slot machine revenues if voters allow Vegas style gaming at horse tracks and card clubs.

Under the compact, the tribe will be able to offer up to 5,000 slot machines and open a third casino. The tribe will share up to $1.83 billion in revenues with the state.

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Tribe's slots deal being altered (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 8/17)
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Tribe deal hits snag at Capitol (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 8/17)