Editorial: California tops for legal gaming

Monday, February 11, 2008  

"Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97 - all of which voters approved by 12 percent margins (56-44) on Tuesday - involve a lot more than four Southern California tribes expand from 8,000 to 17,000 the number of slot machines they're permitted to operate.

When voters approved these measures, they indirectly and inadvertently signaled to other tribes that they also can be more aggressive about grabbing a larger share of the gambling take in California.

Other tribal leaders, who can claim they're simply seeking equity, now can attempt to work out similar deals with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who approved the compacts involved in the four propositions before they were forced onto the ballot by detractors.

It's not inconceivable that California ultimately will eclipse Nevada as the nation's No. 1 state for legalized gambling.

Maybe, the state, now $14 billion in debt, actually will benefit from increased gambling revenues as Schwarzenegger has promised."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Taking a big gamble (The Stockton Record 2/8)