"In addition to establishing the all-important number of slot machines allowed, California gaming compacts can regulate nearly every other aspect of casino operations. States can require tribes to reach agreements with local governments about the scale and scope of casino operations. States can stipulate environmental protection standards for casino operations. States may require tribes to follow minimum wage laws, or establish higher ones. Although tribal casino employees are not covered by state employment laws, states can impose similar regulations within the compacts.

The all-inclusive power of the state to structure the amount and nature of tribal gaming operations is evidenced by the political activities of the tribes. Since1998, the California tribal gaming interests have spent $250 million on politics in the State.

To help sway a positive outcome for its California compact amendments, the Agua Caliente tribe previously hired infamous lobbyists Jack Abramoff and Michael Scanlon, paying them more than $10 million in fees."

Get the Story:
Peter Dreier: California Tribal Casino Compact Amendments: High Stakes Bring Heavy Spending [part 2] (California Progress Report 5/24)
Peter Dreier: A bad deal for the state, local communities and most California tribes [part 1] (California Progress Report 5/23)

Another Article:
Frank D. Russo: Documents Connect the Dots Between Money, Tribal Casinos, Abramoff, Doolittle, Bush White House, and State Government (California Progress Report 5/24)