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Habematolel Pomo casino deal wins final approval (12/18)

A Class III gaming compact for the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake won passage in the California Senate on Thursday, clearing the way for final approval by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The deal was...

Column: Tribes and tracks can partner on casinos (12/18)

"Despite the economic downturn in the U.S. casino business, the horse racing industry continues reaching out to it as a life preserver. The common synergies are undeniable. If the citizenry doesn't want a casino anywhere...

Habematolel Pomo compact headed for passage (12/16)

A Class III gaming compact for the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake is nearing final passage in the California Legislature. The deal passed the Assembly last Thursday by a 68-0 vote. The Senate Governmental Organization...

New CNIGA leader carries message of tribal unity (12/16)

Daniel J. Tucker, the new chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, says tribes need to stay united as they face common challenges. Tucker, the chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation,...

Morongo Band revives proposal for Internet poker (12/15)

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians and non-Indian card clubs are reviving a proposal to legalize Internet poker in California. The tribe and the card clubs say the games will generate revenues for the cash-strapped...

Opinion: Debating off-reservation gaming projects (12/14)

The San Diego Union Tribune publishes opposing views on off-reservation gaming. Attorney Joe Findaro says landless and poor tribes should be given a chance to succeed in Indian gaming. He cites two cases in California...

9th Circuit lifts injunction in electronic bingo case (12/11)

Charities in California are weighing their options after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday lifted an injunction that could lead to the removal of electronic gaming machines from their facilities. The charities say...

Cost of public transit trips to casinos questioned (12/11)

Officials with the North County Transit District in southern California say it costs too much money to take passengers with disabilities to tribal casinos. Riders in the paratransit program pay $8 for a round-trip ticket...

CNIGA elects new chairman, treasurer at meeting (12/11)

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association has a new chairman and a new treasurer. Daniel Tucker, the chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, was elected chairman. He defeated Anthony Miranda, a member...

Agua Caliente Band reports dip in casino earnings (12/10)

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of California saw a 2.6 percent drop in earnings at one of its casinos. The Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa cost $400 million. The hotel at...

Employees at Auburn casino organize into unions (12/10)

About 40 percent of the employees at the casino owned by the United Auburn Indian Community of California have organized into unions. About 810 drivers, food-service workers and other employees at Thunder Valley Casino are...

Report: Tribal casino industry grew by 1.5 percent (12/10)

Tribal gaming facilities took in $26.8 billion last year, representing a growth of 1.5 percent, according to the annual Indian Gaming Industry Report. California remained the largest market, with tribes taking in $7.3 billion...

Auburn Community on track with casino expansion (12/09)

The United Auburn Indian Community of California is busy working on an expansion of the Thunder Valley Casino. The project includes a 15-story hotel, the tallest in Placer County, and a parking structure. A part...

Morongo chair testifies against Internet gaming bill (12/04)

Robert Martin, the chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians of California, testified at a House Financial Services Committee hearing on Thursday. Martin opposed H.R. 2266, the Reasonable Prudence in Regulation Act, and H.R....

Letter: Manzanita Band goes reservation shopping (12/04)

"The Manzanita Band of Mission Indians is currently engaged in “reservation shopping” to develop a casino 50 miles from its historic reservation in rural San Diego County. Their preferred new urban location is in the...

Column: Jerry Brown takes in gaming contributions (12/03)

"State Attorney General Jerry Brown is on a fundraising roll, having collected more than $1.65 million for his gubernatorial run in the past month - with more than $1 million coming from that big Hollywood...

Top executive for Dry Creek Pomo casino resigns post (12/01)

The top casino executive for the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians of California has resigned. Scott Garawitz served as chief executive officer at River Rock Casino for a little over a year. He...

Opponents of Guidiville Band casino eye Congress (11/30)

Opponents of the casino being proposed by the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians are resting their hopes in members of Congress now that supervisors in Contra Costa County voted to support the project. Sen....

San Pasqual Band now offers maximum 2,000 slots (11/24)

The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians of California is finally operating 2,000 slot machines at the Valley View Casino. The tribe signed a Class III gaming compact in 1999 that promised up to 2,000...

Gaming tribes among biggest donors in California (11/24)

Gaming tribes in California spent nearly $130 million on ballot initiatives, politicians and political action committees last year, according to the Center for Responsive Politics and the National Institute on Money in State Politics....

Opponents of Soboba casino indicted for corruption (11/23)

Four city council members in San Jacinto, California, have been indicted as part of a sweeping 155-count indictment into government corruption, tax fraud, bribery and perjury. The four have consistently opposed plans by the Soboba...

California tribes still feeling effects of recession (11/20)

People are still visiting casinos in California but they are spending less, a situation that's not expected to improve until the middle of next year. The region that includes California saw a 5.8 drop...

Dry Creek Band reports drop in gaming revenues (11/17)

The Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians of California reported an 8 percent drop in gaming revenues in the last quarter. The tribe said it took in $29.7 million at River Rock Casino.That's down from...

Twenty-Nine Palms Band sues over casino income (11/16)

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians says tribal members who live off the reservation should not pay state taxes on gaming-related income The tribe distributes revenues from the Spotlight 29 Casino to its members...

Pinoleville Band moves ahead with casino project (11/16)

The Pinoleville Band of Pomo Indians of California is moving forward with a casino project. The tribe plans to build a casino on 8.8. acres north of Ukiah. Groundbreaking is expected in the late spring...

California tribes share revenues with community (11/12)

Tribes in southern California have donated millions of dollars in gaming revenues with their communities. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has donated $30 million to charities since 2001. The tribe will be recognized...

County votes to support Guidiville Band casino (11/11)

Supervisors in Contra Costa County, California, reversed course and approved a casino agreement with the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians. The county initially opposed the tribe's land-into-trust application. But with the project moving forward, supervisors...

Paskenta chair asks Obama about gaming policy (11/09)

Leslie Lohse, the chairwoman of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians of California, asked President Barack Obama about off-reservation gaming at the White House Tribal Nations Conference last week. Lohse said the Interior Department needs...

Column: No simple bet on Guidiville Band casino (11/09)

"The people who addressed the Contra Costa County supervisors Tuesday came armed with hard-edge opinions on building an Indian casino-resort on the Richmond waterfront. One unemployed man said the Point Molate project proposed by the...

Shingle Springs casino not performing as expected (11/06)

The casino owned by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians isn't performing as well as expected, Lakes Entertainment Inc said on Thursday. The Red Hawk Casino opened in December 2008. Lakes, which manages...

Big Sandy Band withdraws plans for slot machines (11/06)

The Big Sandy Band of Western Mono Indians has dropped plans to add more slot machines to its casino in northern California. The tribe was awarded 1,650 licenses -- the most of any tribe...

North Fork Rancheria lobbies for action on casino (11/05)

Elaine Bethel Fink, the chair of the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California, is hoping the Obama administration will make a decision on its off-reservation casino. The tribe wants to build a casino...

County spent $1M fighting Guidiville Band casino (11/04)

After spending $1 million fighting the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians, supervisors in Contra Costa County, California, are now planning to back the tribe's casino. The tribe wants to share $12 million a year with...

Editorial: A county 'sell-out' for Guidiville casino (11/03)

"We are appalled by Contra Costa County officials' move to ram through today with little public review a horrible sell out deal that would ease the path to Nevada-style gambling on the shores of San...

County set to back Guidiville Band casino project (11/02)

The board of supervisors in Contra Costa County, California, is set drop its opposition to the casino sought by the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians in exchange for $12 million a year. Supervisor John Gioia...

Lytton Band opposes bill to restrict casino size (10/30)

The Lytton Band of Pomo Indians is opposing a bill to restrict the expansion of its casino in San Pablo, California. The tribe acquired the 10 acres for the San Pablo Lytton Casino through an...

Opinion: Limit casinos to 'historical' Indian lands (10/28)

"As two of the plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit, Stop the Casino 101 Coalition v. Kempthorne, challenging the U.S. Department of Interior’s decision to take 254 acres near Rohnert Park into trust for a casino...

Editorial: Dry Creek casino a 'threat' to community (10/23)

"News that the Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians is considering building a minor league baseball stadium on property it owns alongside the freeway just south of Petaluma offers some hope to local residents that...

Manchester Band lays groundwork for first casino (10/23)

The Manchester Band of Pomo Indians of California has begun work on a casino despite lack of financing. The tribe plans an 8,836 square-foot casino with 249 slot machines. The facility could be open by...

Entertainment: Enjoy tribal casinos on Clear Lake (10/23)

"Clear Lake, long a vacation and retirement locale about two hours northeast of San Francisco, is also home to three substantial Indian casinos and may soon be joined by a fourth. The 210-member Habematolel...

Editorial: Guidiville Band casino in wrong place (10/15)

"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has helped bring an expansion of casino gambling to the state during his tenure, is finally drawing the line. He has joined the chorus in opposing a plan for Las Vegas-style...

San Manuel Band hosts Sudan benefit at casino (10/15)

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians of California is hosting the Ante Up for Africa poker tournament and will donate $500,000 to help people in Darfur, a war-torn region of Sudan. The tournament takes...

Schwarzenegger against Guidiville casino bid (10/14)

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) sent a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in opposition to the casino sought by the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians. When state voters approved a gaming initiative in...

Death of Wintun casino expansion hailed (10/09)

A decision by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation to cancel a major casino project is being welcomed in Yolo County, California. Officials, business leaders and residents say the tribe made the right call not to...

County wants to ask tribes about casinos (10/09)

Officials in Contra Costa County, California, want to talk to two tribes about their proposed casinos. The board of supervisors officially opposes Indian gaming. But the cash-strapped county might enter into agreements with the two...

Big Sandy Band wins 1,650 slot machines (10/07)

The Big Sandy Rancheria Band of Western Mono Indians received the largest number of slot machine licenses in the California Gambling Control Commission draw on Monday. The tribe was awarded 1,650 licenses. With 350 slots...

Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation kills expansion (10/07)

The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation of California halted plans for a major casino expansion due to economic factors. The tribe planned to triple the size of the Cache Creek Casino Resort. The facility would have...

California tribes weather national recession (10/06)

Despite seeing drops in their gaming revenues, California tribes will emerge from the national recession "profitable," according to a report from Fitch Ratings. Fitch predicts tribal gaming revenues in the state will drop for the...

California tribes to add 3,548 slot machines (10/06)

The California Gambling Control Commission awarded 3,548 slot machine licenses to 11 tribes on Monday. The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, the Big Sandy Band of Western Mono Indians, the Colusa Indian Community, the...

California tribes in line for more slot machines (10/05)

The California Gambling Control Commission is issuing licenses for slot machines as part of a tribal-compact lawsuit. A federal judge ordered the agency to issue up to 10,549 new licenses. But it appears only a...

Attorney's tribal client opposes online poker (10/02)

Correction: The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation is NOT currently a client of attorney Howard Dickstein. The original version of the post incorrectly referred to the tribe as a client. Attorney Howard Dickstein and one of...

Court orders new trial in Pauma gaming case (10/02)

An appeals court in California threw out a jury verdict and ordered a new trial in a case between the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians and Harrah's Entertainment. The tribe was negotiating a casino deal...

California agency to issue more slot licenses (10/02)

The California Gambling Control Commission has been ordered to issue licenses for up to 10,549 slot machines as part of a tribal compact lawsuit. Tribes will have to pay $1,250 for each slot license. The...

Agua Caliente casino receives top AAA rating (10/01)

A casino owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has received a "Four Diamond" rating from AAA. The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage just underwent a major expansion. Officials said...

California weighs minimum control standards (10/01)

The California Gambling Control Commission has proposed its own version of the minimum internal control standards, or MICS, but some tribes are opposed. The MICS cover just about every aspect of Class III gaming. The...

Column: Red carpet for seniors at tribal casinos (09/28)

"You can still smoke in parts of the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, a place where time travels in reverse, sin is celebrated and inhibition does not exist. You can light one cigarette after...

Mashantucket Tribe drops Pauma casino deal (09/25)

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut withdrew from a casino deal in California due to economic concerns, a spokesperson said. The Pequots agreed to help the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians with a $300...

Opinion: Tribal casinos will overrun rural America (09/24)

"Every working day I receive fifteen to twenty emails of newspaper articles from around the country regarding issues having to do with tribal casinos. There are a whole host of different things happening around the...

Pauma Band sues to invalidate gaming compact (09/24)

The Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians is accusing California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) of tricking the tribe into signing a gaming compact. The 2004 agreement allowed the tribe to operate more slot machines in exchange...

Column: Rincon Band casino refuses military ID (09/23)

"Sam Farr went to Harrah's Rincon Casino this past Saturday night to see a rap concert. He had no intention of drinking at the event. He's recovering from a horrific car accident that left...

Augustine Band caters to local crowd at casino (09/22)

The Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians expects to post a profit at its casino this year amid layoffs and declines at other tribal gaming facilities in southern California. With 800 slot machines, the Augustine...

BIA hears from critics of Guidiville Band casino (09/21)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is winding down the comment period on a draft environmental impact statement and environmental impact report for the casino proposed by the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians. The tribe...

City votes against Soboba Band land-into-trust (09/18)

The city council in San Jacinto, California, voted unanimously to oppose a land-into-trust application for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians. The tribe wants 535 acres placed in trust. The existing Soboba Casino will be...

Opinion: Indian gaming policy shuts out critics (09/18)

"The proposed Graton Rancheria casino in Rohnert Park is a good example of how tribes are allowed to bypass regulations everyone else must abide by. The site is zoned rural residential and agricultural under the...

County opposes Soboba Band land-into-trust (09/16)

The board of supervisors in Riverside County, California, voted 4-0 to oppose a land-into-trust application for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians. The board expressed concerns about traffic, public safety and the environment. Supervisors called...

Graton Chairman: Indian gaming bill was unfair (09/15)

"In a recent editorial, “Money talks” (Sept. 4), The Press Democrat claimed that “big money and power politics” was the driving force behind a state Senate committee's unanimous rejection of Assemblyman Jared Huffman's resolution on...

Editorial: Find new location for Soboba casino (09/14)

"It is a shame that the benefits a new casino would have are lost in the uproar. The plan by the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians to build a casino complex at Lake Park...

Morongo Band to push for online poker in 2010 (09/10)

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians will spend the next few months gathering more support for a bill to legalize Internet poker in California. The tribe and some non-Indian card clubs were hoping to pass...

Morongo Band drops campaign for online poker (09/09)

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians dropped efforts to legalize Internet poker in California but the tribe will try again in 2010. The tribe and some non-Indian card clubs sought to operate online poker games...

San Pasqual casino expansion bothers neighbors (09/08)

The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians is expanding the Valley View Casino but some neighbors aren't happy with the project. The tribe is building a 12-story, 161-suite hotel at the facility. Renee Meyst...

Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake reach compact (09/07)

The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake signed a Class III gaming compact with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R). The deal requires the tribe to share 15 percent of net revenues with the state. It also...

Column: Federal law and tribal casino regulation (09/03)

"A number of readers and fellow gamblers have asked me recently about how much of the money we wager at Indian casinos actually stays on the reservation. The answer: It depends. Background in this area...

Anti-tribal gaming bill slowly dying in California (09/03)

A bill that makes it harder for tribes to open casinos is slowly dying in the California Legislature. ACR 56 bars the state governor from entering into Class III gaming compacts unless the gaming site...

City resolution questions Guidiville casino report (09/03)

The city council in Richmond, California passed a resolution that questions the environmental impact report for the casino proposed by the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians. The city hasn't officially opposed the tribe's land-into-trust application....

Referendum sought on Graton Rancheria casino (09/03)

A city council member in Petaluma, California, wants voters to decide on the casino proposed by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, also known as the Coast Miwok Tribe. Councilor Mike Healy is a critic...

North Fork Rancheria paid for politician's trip to DC (09/02)

The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians paid for a council member in the city of Madera, California, to travel to Washington, D.C., and testify in favor of the tribe's proposed casino, The Fresno Bee...

City wants more time on Guidiville casino report (08/31)

The city council in San Pablo, California, is seeking more time to comment on the draft environmental impact statement and environmental impact report for the casino proposed by the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians. The...

California tribes battle state over slot machines (08/31)

Four tribes in California have won court decisions that allow them to offer more slot machines at their casinos but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is refusing to comply. The Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, the...

Fitch sees poor outlook for California gaming (08/26)

A report from Fitch Ratings says California tribes won't emerge from the economic recession until the second half of 2010. Some tribes have seen double-digit drops in their gaming revenues. Fitch predicts continued declines...

City wants meeting over Soboba Band casino (08/26)

The city council in Hemet, California, wants to meet with the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians to discuss the tribe's casino plans. City officials want to discuss effects of the casino on traffic, public safety,...

Opinion: Guidiville casino stirs false prosperity (08/24)

"One of the greatest mistakes California voters ever made was in 1998 by approving Proposition 5 allowing Indian casinos. The proposed 415-acre casino-hotel-retail Point Molate development at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge's eastern end is no...

California tribes divided on Internet poker bid (08/20)

Another California tribe has entered the debate over a proposal to legalize Internet poker in the state. The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians opposes the proposal "out of concerns for the far-reaching legal, political and...

Editorial: No reason to ban Internet gambling (08/20)

"It's long been said the Internet is like the Wild West ---- uncivilized and ungovernable. But there was at least one thing you could do in the Old West that you can't on the Internet:...

Dry Creek Band sees dip in casino revenue (08/18)

The Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians reported another drop in revenues at the River Rock Casino in northern California. The casino took in $31.1 million during the quarter that ended June 30. That's...

Editorial: No to Internet poker in California (08/18)

"Given the state's dire fiscal circumstances, California's Legislature is ripe for a politically painless source of new revenues. On the surface, Internet poker appears to provide just that. But don't bet on it. None of...

Editorial: Bad bet on gaming in California (08/17)

"Given the state's dire fiscal circumstances, California's Legislature is ripe for a politically painless source of new revenues. On the surface, Internet poker appears to provide just that. But don't bet on it. None of...

Morongo Band pushing for Internet poker (08/17)

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians and non-Indian card clubs say the state of California will share in revenues from Internet poker games. But the tribe won't say how much will go to the state...

David Treuer: Going home from casino trip (08/14)

"Indians are famous for a few things—a kind of off-brand environmentalism, Sitting Bull, broken English, and most of all for being poor. Poverty is, for many, synonymous with the very idea of Indians and Indian...

California tribes offer dollar friendly deals (08/14)

Tribes in southern California are offering recession-friendly deals to draw customers to their casinos. Tribes are reducing restaurant prices, offering more casino rewards and emphasizing value over glitz, The North County Times reports. "This recession's...

David Treuer: A journey to Pechanga casino (08/13)

"You can pretend to be rich and get away with it. But as I found out when I golfed Journey at Pechanga, you can't pretend to be a good golfer when you're not. The course...

CTBA opposes bid to legalize Internet poker (08/13)

The California Tribal Business Alliance opposes efforts to legalize Internet poker for tribes and non-Indian card clubs in California. The CTBA sent a letter to state lawmakers that questions the proposal. The group says Internet...

BIA holds public hearing on Guidiville casino (08/13)

More than 200 people attended a public hearing on the proposed Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians casino in Richmond, California. Most people support the project, according to news reports. They welcomed the prospect of 17,000...

Morongo Band leading push for Internet poker (08/12)

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has teamed up with non-Indian card clubs to push for the legalization of Internet poker in California. The tribe and the card clubs are lobbying lawmakers in hopes of...

Column: Guidiville Band casino up for review (08/11)

"It's not exactly the shores of Gitche Gumee, but a California Indian tribe is about to take the next step in its dream to build a lavish $1 billion casino on the Richmond waterfront...

David Treuer: A journey to Morongo Casino (08/10)

"The sporty supercharged Nissan 350Z I rented at LAX that the Hertz representative said was sure to make my wife smile—"She will smile. Show her the car. She will think you are the man."—did...

BIA holds hearing on Soboba Band casino land (08/06)

More than 200 people attended a Bureau of Indian Affairs hearing on the land-into-trust application for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians of California. Most speakers oppose the tribe's plan to move the Soboba Casino...

Auburn Tribe announces new casino executives (08/06)

The United Auburn Indian Community of California announced the hiring of four top executives at the Thunder Valley Casino. Yvonne Mao will serve as vice president of finance. C.J. Graham was named vice president of...

Lakes Entertainment sees revenue turnaround (08/06)

After experiencing losses last year, Lakes Entertainment is seeing a turnaround in revenues thanks to its tribal casino business. Lakes earned $2.8 million in the second quarter of this year, a reversal of the $5.2...

Neighbors oppose Soboba Band land-into-trust (08/03)

A large crowd is expected at the first public hearing on the land-into-trust application for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians of California. The tribe wants 535 acres placed in trust. If the Bureau of...

Agua Caliente casino makes a 'Show' of boxing (08/03)

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians made a big push to promote a boxing event at its new casino theater. The tribe took out full-page ads and put up billboards to draw customers to...

Graton Rancheria partner declares bankruptcy (07/30)

Opponents of the Graton Rancheria casino in California say the bankruptcy filing of Station Casinos Inc. will hurt the project. "I'm deeply satisfied that this bankruptcy will slow it down," Chip Worthington, the founder of...

Guidiville Band moves forward with casino plans (07/27)

The Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians is moving forward with plans for a casino in Richmond, California. The tribe wants to build a resort on 85 acres at Point Molate, on the Richmond waterfront. The...

Column: Tuolumne Band opens casino expansion (07/22)

"More parking, more gaming, less smoke. Earlier this month the Black Oak Casino unveiled its new 1,000-space parking garage and larger smoke-free gaming area. The six-level parking garage doubles the Tuolumne casino's parking capacity. Glass...

County asks Soboba Band about casino proposal (07/22)

Officials in Riverside County, California, are asking the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians to make a presentation about its proposed casino. The tribe wants 535 acres placed in trust. Plans call to move the existing...

Column: Hopland casino retains small-town feel (07/17)

"Sho-Ka-Wah Casino: Nestled into a small valley northeast of Hopland, the Sho-Ka-Wah Casino is the quintessential "locals" casino. While the facility doesn't have live poker, it offers 570 slot machines and nine table games....

BIA to hold public hearings on Guidiville casino (07/14)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs will host two public hearings and two public workshops to discuss the casino proposed by the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians of California. The tribe wants to build a resort...

California tribes attract patrons amid recession (07/14)

Tribes in California are still attracting patrons to their casinos despite the national recession. But customers are spending less during their visits. And revenues have fallen 5.9 percent in the past year, the National Indian...

Opinion: Odds on Salinan casino not very good (07/13)

"The rumor scurries into town every few years, old-timers say, and it’s back again, lurking this time in that cauldron of get-rich-quick schemes so expertly stirred by our impressive local army of scam artists and...

BIA delays action on Graton Rancheria casino bid (07/06)

The Obama administration is delaying action on a proposed gaming acquisition for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria of California. The tribe was recognized in 2000 by an act of Congress. The law mandated the...

Capitol Weekly: Indian gaming, by the numbers (07/02)

"230 Number of gaming tribes nationwide, operating 425 gambling enterprises in 28 states 26.5 billion Indian gaming revenue, in dollars, 2007 40 Percentage of this money generated by the 62 top casinos in California and...

Ewiiaapaayp Band won't deny interest in casino (06/29)

The Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians won't deny that is interested in building an off-reservation casino in southern California. But the tribe says its land-into-trust application for 16 acres is not about gaming. Plans call...

Disabled woman upset with casino bus service (06/29)

A California woman who uses a wheelchair says the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. The tribe offers a free bus service to the Valley View Casino....

Jackson Rancheria shuts down parts of casino (06/26)

The Jackson Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California has shut down parts of its casino and has canceled all remaining concerts due to safety concerns. The tribe has closed 45 of the 67 hotel rooms,...

Cheryl Schmit: Gaming investors 'create' tribes (06/26)

"Nine years ago, 64 percent of the California electorate voted to give American Indians a monopoly on casino-style gambling. It was an effort to help lift California Indians out of poverty – all 32,000 enrolled...

Column: Pala Band casino billboard goes dark (06/25)

"The Pala Casino got its LED lights knocked out last week. As heavyweight bouts go, it was no contest. Score one for the much-maligned bureaucrats. This time around, the pencil-pushers showed blazing speed and...

Tribal casinos ranked on 'Satisfaction' survey (06/25)

J.D. Power and Associates released the 2009 Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study on Wednesday. The study looked at casinos in Arizona and California. In Arizona, Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino, owned by the Ak-Chin Indian Community, was...

Pala Band will take down billboard for casino (06/24)

The Pala Band of Mission Indians is removing a billboard that advertised the Pala Casino in southern California. The LED billboard was erected on property owned by the tribe. But the San Diego County...

California tribes feel recession at their casinos (06/23)

Tribes in California have been hit by the recession though their revenues haven't dropped as much as those in Las Vegas. People are still visiting tribal facilities but they are spending less money and less...

Men go to trial for $1.5M Soboba casino heist (06/23)

Two men went on trial for the theft of $1.5 million from the casino owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians. Rolando Luda Ramos, 27, is accused of organizing the theft, the largest...

BIA puts off Graton Rancheria casino decision (06/19)

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria hopes to convince the Obama administration to approve its long-delayed casino in northern California. The tribe won approval to acquire 254 acres for the project but the Bureau...

Bill in California authorizes online poker games (06/18)

Tribes would be able to offer online poker games under a bill being considered in California. Tribes with Class III gaming compacts would be allowed to offer the games. So would non-Indian card clubs, a...

Editorial: Good news for Blue Lake casino hotel (06/18)

"It's with a strong sense of joy and relief that we report this week that the Blue Lake Rancheria has completed a major construction project. The Blue Lake Casino Hotel is now ready to open...

Opponents vow fight against Sycuan liquor license (06/12)

Neighbors of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation will continue to fight liquor sales at the tribe's casino in southern California. The state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control approved an interim license for...

Opinion: Gaming tribes pay to play in California (06/12)

"The pay to play mentality has never been more prevalent than it is today. The historic special interests have been around a long time: unions, big business, medical and legal based associations, prison guards and...

California tribes see 5.6 percent drop in revenues (06/12)

Tribes in California and northern Nevada saw a 5.6 percent decline in gaming revenues last year, the National Indian Gaming Commission said in its recent report. But the number of visitors to tribal casinos...

Cachil Dehe Band lays off 42 casino employees (06/11)

The Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians has laid off 42 employee at its casino in northern California. The layoffs represent nearly 10 percent of the workforce at the Colusa Casino Resort. "There is not...

Non-Indian card clubs in California see increase (06/10)

Non-Indian card clubs in California have seen an increase in revenues, according to the state Gambling Control Commission. One facility is capitalizing on the gain. Lucky Chances Casino, the largest non-Indian card club in...

Schwarzenegger plans appeal in compact lawsuit (06/10)

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) plans to appeal a decision that would allow tribes to add more slot machines to their casinos. The Colusa Indian Community and the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians signed...

California tribes press state for more slot machines (06/08)

At least four tribes are suing the state of California in hopes of adding more slot machines to their casinos. The tribes signed compacts in 1999 that promised them up to 2,000 slot machines. But...

Middletown Rancheria opens $42.5M casino resort (06/03)

The Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians holds a grand opening for its $42.5 million casino resort this week. The gaming floor at the Twin Pine Casino and Hotel officially opened last Thanksgiving. The hotel...

San Pasqual Band files $550M claim over slot machines (06/02)

The San Pasqual Band of Missions Indians filed a $550 million claim against the state of California in an ongoing slot machine dispute. The tribe signed a Class III gaming compact in 1999. The agreement...

Chumash Tribe: Celebrating 15 years of gaming (06/01)

"It was 15 years ago this month that we first opened the doors of our Chumash Casino to an enthusiastic crowd — including many guests who continue to visit us today. We opened with 210...

Mechoopda Chair: County wrong on casino plans (05/28)

"As the chairman of the Mechoopda Tribe, I have made it my highest priority to ensure that our tribe conducts itself with honor and integrity. However, as events continue to unfold concerning the development...

Column: Shingle Springs casino great for families (05/28)

"It's fancy. It's schmancy. And Red Hawk Casino in Placerville (El Dorado County) is the newest gambling establishment in Northern California. Considering the facility is the first in the state to offer on-site day...

Column: Rumsey Band casino CEO seeks innovation (05/22)

"If you've ever thrown down some coins at Cache Creek Casino in Brooks (Yolo County), it is very likely Bill Harland knows who you are. Harland, the casino's vice president of table games and a...

Agua Caliente Band looks for 'missing' gaming money (05/22)

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is trying to find out where $14 million in tribal gaming money went in California. Tribes contribute a portion of their revenues to the Indian Gaming Special Distribution...

Dry Creek Band reports drop in gaming revenues (05/20)

The Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians of California reported a 5 percent drop in gaming revenues for the first quarter of the year. "The economic environment remains challenging," John Cirrincione, the chief operating...

Editorial: Stop fighting Mechoopda casino bid (05/15)

"Butte County keeps spending taxpayer money on a losing bet. It's time to stop fighting and start talking. Butte County supervisors decided to gamble with taxpayer money. So far they are more than $300,000 in...

Auburn Community continues casino expansion (05/14)

The United Auburn Indian Community of California expects to complete work on a casino expansion project in mid-2010. The tribe started work on the Thunder Valley Casino last year but stopped construction due to...

Mechoopda Tribe disputes criticism of casino (05/14)

The Mechoopda Tribe of California said officials in Butte County, California, are wrong about a proposed casino. The tribe is seeking to acquire 645 acres in trust. But only 100 acres will be developed, and...

Cloverdale Rancheria wins 'restored' exception (05/13)

The Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California is moving forward with plans for a casino after winning a "restored" lands exception from the National Indian Gaming Commission. The tribe recently acquired 79 acres next...

County to appeal ruling on Mechoopda casino (05/13)

Supervisors in Butte County, California, voted 4-1 to continue fighting a casino proposed by the Mechoopda Tribe "Butte County will not stand idly by while massive new casinos destroy its open space, groundwater and other...

Shingle Springs Band eliminates jobs at new casino (05/08)

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians has eliminated jobs at its recently opened Red Hawk Casino in northern California. The casino employed 1,750 full-time equivalents when it opened in December. Now it's down to...

Opinion: Legislative threats to California gaming tribes (05/06)

"Federal legislation backed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and California Senator Barbara Boxer are a dagger poised at the heart of California’s Native American tribes. Most Californians are unaware of the impact of two...

Blue Lake Rancheria set to open hotel at casino (05/05)

The Blue Lake Rancheria of California will open a new hotel at the Blue Lake Casino in June. The tribe reduced the size of the project due to the economy. The 102-room hotel was...

Auburn Community cuts 5 percent of casino jobs (05/05)

The United Auburn Indian Community of California has laid off 5 percent of employees at the Thunder Valley Casino. Fewer than 100 part-time employees were let go, a spokesperson said. The economy and competition from...

Auburn Community restarts casino expansion (04/24)

The United Auburn Indian Community of California restarted work on an expansion of the Thunder Valley Casino. The tribe started work last year but halted it amid the downturn in the economy. The project...

Quechan president cites economy in benefit flap (04/23)

The Quechan Nation didn't want to close a bridge that leads to its casino due to economic concerns, President Mike Jackson said. The tribe lost money at the Quechan Paradise Casino‎ when the Quechan Paradise...

Supreme Court won't hear gaming compact cases (04/23)

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear two gaming compact cases involving tribes in California. The Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians and the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians each signed compacts in 1999...

Twentynine Palms Band dismisses casino manager (04/17)

The Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians has fired the general manager of the Spotlight 29 Casino in southern California. Raymond DelFiandra said he was told about the decision on Monday. His administrative assistant was...

Editorial: Drop fight against Mechoopda Tribe's casino (04/17)

"Our view: It's time for the county and the Mechoopda to start talking. The dismissal of Butte County's lawsuit against the Mechoopda tribe in an effort to block a casino near the intersection of Highways...

Judge dismisses lawsuit against Mechoopda casino (04/15)

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit aimed at stopping the Mechoopda Tribe of California from building a casino. The tribe plans a casino on a 645-acre site in Butte County. The National Indian Gaming Commission...

Alturas Rancheria drops plans for first casino (04/09)

The Alturas Rancheria has dropped plans for its first casino. The tribe wanted to open a casino on an allotment. But the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the National Indian Gaming Commission say the land...

La Posta Band cuts jobs and hours at casino (04/07)

The La Posta Band of Mission Indians is cutting hours and jobs at its small casino in southern California. The La Posta Casino will close from 2am to 6am Mondays through Thursdays. The facility used...

California lawmaker seeks local approval of casinos (04/02)

A lawmaker in California is pursuing a state constitutional amendment to require local approval of proposed tribal casinos. Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D), who has criticized "reservation shopping," said the amendment could require approval by voters...

9th Circuit lifts injunction in charity bingo case (04/02)

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted an injunction in a charity bingo case in California. The charities and churches have been operating electronic gaming machines that tribes and the state say are illegal. A...

California tribes plan casino transportation system (04/02)

Tribes in southern California are developing a regional transportation system to serve their casinos and their communities. The Reservation Transportation Authority consists of 17 tribes in San Diego County. They are hoping the system will...

Dry Creek Band reports drop in gaming revenues (04/01)

The Dry Creek Band of the Pomo Indians saw an 11 percent drop in gaming revenues in the last quarter of 2008 and a 6 percent drop for the entire year. River Rock Casino reported...

Site for Pinoleville Band's casino an unknown (03/30)

The Pinoleville Band of Pomo Indians cleared a major step by signing a gaming compact with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) last week but there are still some hurdles to clear before the tribe opens...

Jamul Band 'safe' from land-into-trust decision (03/30)

The Jamul Band of Kumeyaay Indians won't be affected by the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar, Chairman Kenneth Meza said. The tribe plans to build a casino on its 6-acre reservation in...

Coyote Valley casino expansion on hold (03/26)

After spending more than $12 million on the project, the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California has put a $50 million casino expansion on hold. The tribe is waiting for the economy...

Column: Great views and more at Dry Creek casino (03/26)

"Perched high atop the Alexander Valley in Geyserville, River Rock Casino has what other casinos in the Bay Area lack: a glorious view. While you can't spot vineyards from the gaming floor, the bustling...

Pinoleville Band announces plans for first casino (03/24)

The Pinoleville Band of Pomo Indians announced plans for a casino after signing a compact with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R). The tribe plans a casino with up to 900 slot machines. The compact requires...

Ione Band worried about casino after high court ruling (03/23)

The Ione Band of Miwok Indians is worried that the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar will affect the tribe's plans for a casino in northern California. The Bureau of Indian Affairs promised...

Bill limits Lytton Band off-reservation casino (03/16)

Without debate or a hearing in the 111th Congress, the Senate on Thursday passed a bill to limit the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians from expanding its off-reservation casino in San Pablo, California. The...

Another California casino threatens Nevada (03/13)

The board of supervisors in Yuba County, California, plans to revise a letter regarding the effects of the proposed Enterprise Rancheria casino. The board voted 4-0 earlier this week to tell the BIA that the...

Shingle Springs casino blamed for Nevada declines (03/12)

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians opened the Red Hawk Casino to record crowds in December and officials in Nevada say the new facility is to blame for a whopping 23.7 percent decline...

County debates Enterprise Rancheria casino (03/11)

The board of supervisors in Yuba County, California, agreed on Tuesday to send a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs that speaks favorably of the proposed Enterprise Rancheria casino. The letter says the casino...

Column: Billy Joel ashamed of tribal casino gig (03/10)

"I must confess I have Billy Joel's entire catalog of CDs and vinyl LPs. As a high school kid in Ohio in the 1980s, I loved his songs and lyrics, especially his older stuff....

County letter favors Enterprise Rancheria casino (03/10)

The board of supervisors in Yuba County, California, will vote on a letter that takes a favorable view of the Enterprise Rancheria casino. Supervisor John Nicoletti said the letter isn't an "endorsement" of the project....

California tribes watching charity bingo fight (03/09)

California tribes are paying close attention to litigation that will determine whether charities and non-profits can offer electronic gaming machines. The tribes, who aren't parties to the litigation, say their gaming compacts promised them...

Things To Do: Surrender your iPhone at tribal casinos (03/06)

"Nevada Statute 465.075 states: "It is unlawful for any person at a licensed gaming establishment to use, or possess with the intent to use, any device to assist: 1. in projecting the outcome of...

County in court over Mechoopda Tribe casino (02/26)

A federal judge heard arguments in a California county's lawsuit that seeks to stop the Mechoopda Tribe from opening a casino. Butte County sued the National Indian Gaming Commission over an Indian lands opinion that...

Editorial: Off-reservation casino a good bet (02/25)

"We’ve long thought the Calexico casino project would be good for the city and it’s nice to finally see a bit of movement on that front, but we hope the city isn’t putting all its...

Alturas Rancheria says casino opening not near (02/24)

The Alturas Rancheria of California says rumors about a casino opening are untrue. The tribe plans to open a casino in Yreka. But after breaking ground on the project, only a smoke shop has opened...

Campo Band settles lawsuit over casino slip and fall (02/20)

The Campo Kumeyaay Nation paid a California woman $500,000 to settle a slip and fall lawsuit stemming from an accident at the tribe's casino. Celeste Bluehawk took the tribe to court after she was injured...

Auburn Community to resume work on casino hotel (02/19)

The United Auburn Indian Community of California will resume work on a hotel at its casino. The tribe halted construction at the Thunder Valley Casino amid the downturn in the economy. Work will start...

Letter: Rumsey Band casino a boost to economy (02/19)

"I am writing to take issue with Corky Faciutto's comments in the Jan. 27 Daily Democrat about the jobs provided by Cache Creek Casino Resort. I have lived in the Capay Valley for 28 years...

Pala Band expands casino amid economic concerns (02/19)

The Pala Band of Mission Indians of California expects to open a major expansion of its casino by the end of May. The tribe began work on the Pala Casino Spa and Resort last...

Column: Tribal casino sees use of iPhone card counter (02/17)

"California gaming authorities tipped off their Nevada counterparts to a blackjack card-counting program that can be used on either the Apple iPhone or the Apple iPod Touch portable music player. "The program calculates the true...

Turtle Talk: Supreme Court petition in gaming case (02/13)

"Ah, Rule 19! Here is California’s cert petition — california-petition-for-cert Just so everyone knows, I called this YEARS ago! See my “The Comparative Rights of Indispensable Sovereigns.” :) Questions Presented (from the cert petition): In...

Recession prompts shakeup at United Auburn casino (02/11)

The downturn in the economy prompted the United Auburn Indian Community of California to fire two top casino executives and place another one on leave, a spokesperson said. Daily management of the Thunder Valley...

Agua Caliente Band to debut $76M casino arena (02/10)

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of California will debut a $76 million performance arena at one of its casinos this week. With just 2,001 seats, The Show at the Agua Caliente Casino...

Gun Lake casino backer plans to file for bankruptcy (02/09)

The company behind the casino for the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan, plans to file for bankruptcy in March, The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. But Station Casinos says the filing won't affect plans...

California backs away from MICS-like regulation (02/02)

The California Gambling Control Commission has backed away from a rule that would have required tribes to open their casinos and financial records to state regulators. The commission proposed the rule after a federal appeals...

Berry Creek Rancheria lays off 50 casino workers (01/29)

The Berry Creek Rancheria is the latest California tribe to eliminate casino jobs. The tribe laid off 50 employees at the Gold Country Casino. That's about 7 percent of the workforce. "As the whole economy...

Bill seeks to limit Lytton Band casino expansion (01/29)

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) introduced a bill on Wednesday to block the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians from expanding its Class II facility without gaining state and federal approval. The tribe acquired the San Pablo...

Enterprise Rancheria continues push for casino (01/28)

The Enterprise Rancheria, Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe of California hopes to win approval of an off-reservation casino. The tribe says the 40-acre site is part of its aboriginal territory. But the Mooretown Rancheria and some...

Editorial: Indian gaming not a sure bet in California (01/27)

"Deals that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger negotiated with Indian gambling tribes have not produced the huge increases in revenue the governor predicted. Indian gambling will bring $362 million into the state general fund this year, $123...

California tribes sued over off-reservation casino (01/27)

Two California tribes are being sued over a proposed off-reservation casino in the Bay Area. The Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians plans to build a casino at former Point Molate Naval Fuel Depot in the...

Supreme Court won't hear gaming contract case (01/27)

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a petition in Harrah's Operating Company v. NGV Gaming. The case involved a dispute between Harrah's Entertainment and NGV Gaming. The two companies are litigating over contracts they...

Rumsey Chair: Disagreement about casino deal (01/26)

"I was intrigued by Yolo County Supervisor Matt Rexroad's guest opinion last Sunday in The Daily Democrat regarding the impasse between the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians and Yolo County over our planned transformation...

California tribes shed over 500 jobs at casinos (01/21)

Tribes in southern California have eliminated over 500 jobs at their casinos since last summer and more cuts are on the way. The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians laid off 400 people, the most of...

California tribes hit by economic downturn (01/19)

Tribes in California have seen double-digit drops in their gaming revenues, according to one casino executive. "Based on what I know, a lot of the Indian casinos are down double digits," Rich Hoffman, the...

Rumsey Band Chair: County wages war on tribe (01/15)

" It is unsettling that The Bee editorialized on the complex negotiations between the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians and Yolo County over our planned Cache Creek Destination Resort project without ever contacting the...

Judge dismisses Buena Vista compact lawsuit (01/15)

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the Class III gaming compact for the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California. Amador County sued the Interior Department, alleging the compact violated the Indian...

Economy an issue at California gaming conference (01/13)

The economy will be high on the agenda at the 14th annual Western Indian Gaming Conference this week. California Nations Indian Gaming Association initially thought about focusing on energy policy, a spokesperson said. But the...

California tribes to meet for gaming conference (01/12)

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association holds it annual conference this week. The Western Indian Gaming Conference attracts tribal leaders, federal officials, attorneys and gaming industry representatives for a trade show and discussions on...

Shingle Springs casino sees 19K visitors a day (01/08)

The new casino owned by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians sees an average of 19,000 visitors a day, an executive said. The Red Hawk Casino opened to large crowds on December 17,...

Auburn Community to resume casino expansion (01/08)

The United Auburn Indian Community of California will resume construction on a casino expansion in the coming months. The tribe began work on the Thunder Valley Casino last year but halted work in November amid...

Rumsey Band, county at odds over casino expansion (01/07)

The Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians says it won't give into the demands of a county over the proposed expansion of its casino in northern California. The tribe already contributes $5 million a year to...