The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is prepared to spend up to $20 million on a public relations blitz to support new gaming compacts.

The tribe launched a seven-figure television ad campaign earlier this week. But Internet, direct mail and door-to-door canvassing could raise the price tag even higher.

The blitz asks residents to contact their lawmakers to support six new tribal gaming compacts. The state Senate easily approved the deals but they face opposition in the Assembly.

The compacts allow six of the most successful tribes to add up to 22,500 slot machines to their casinos. A sixth compact, for the Yurok Tribe, allows a small casino with 99 slot machines.

The tribes will share revenue from the games. The state estimates the new machines will bring in up to $500 million a year.

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Morongo ad blitz for state compact may total $20M (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 4/26)