Schwarzenegger threatens to close six casinos

Friday, June 30, 2006  

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is threatening to close six tribal casinos over the way gaming devices are counted.

Under the 1999 tribal-state compact, tribes are limited to 2,000 slot machines. At issue is whether multi-player station games are considered separate machines or just one machine.

Depending on the way the devices are counted, the six tribes in question are beyond the limit, according to the state. A handful of other tribes have signed new compacts that allow more than 2,000 slot machines.

The move comes after Schwarzenegger sought to mend fences with the tribes, whom he has accused of "ripping" off the state and not paying their "fair share" to the state. “Why would the governor meet with you and two weeks later stick a dagger in your chest?" Michael Lombardi, a prominent gaming commissioner, told The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Get the Story:
Governor in dispute with 6 tribes over slot tallying (The San Diego Union-Tribune 6/30)