A compact between the Quechan Nation and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is close to approval after a 14-month delay.

The tribe signed the deal to open a modest casino on its land in California. But other tribes with existing casinos said the compact would adversely affect their sovereign rights.

But now that the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, one of the opponents, has signed its own compact, lawmakers finally took action on the Quechan compact. It was approved by a 50-1 in the Assembly on Thursday and is expected to win approval in the Senate.

The well-connected Agua Caliente Band already operates a successful casino and received more favorable terms than the Quechan Nation, according to news reports.

Get the Story:
Assembly gives OK for Quechan casino in Imperial County (Copley News Service 8/25)
Assembly committee discusses Agua compact (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 8/24)