The Enterprise Rancheria and the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians are facing opposition to their off-reservation casinos from other California tribes.

Both tribes need state approval to open the casinos. So other tribes are trying to convince Gov. Jerry Brown (D) to reject the proposals.

“It’s really sad right now in Indian country with the divide between the haves and have-nots,” Enterprise Rancheria Secretary Cindy Smith told The New York Times.

“They don’t want to see other Indians prosper, I guess,” observed Alvin McDonald, a member of the North Fork Rancheria.

The tribes are proceeding under the two-part determination section of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. At least one tribe that has been fighting the proposed casinos -- the United Auburn Indian Community -- opened a gaming facility without going through that same process.

Brown has until the end of the month to make a decision on the projects.

Get the Story:
Lucrative Gambling Pits Tribe Against Tribe (The New York Times 8/5)

Related Stories:
Editorial: California governor must reject off-reservation casinos (08/02)