California takes narrow view of compact ruling

Tuesday, May 20, 2008  

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) won't let being found in bad faith stop him from asking tribes to share their gaming revenues with the state.

Schwarzenegger has required tribes to share Class III revenues if they want to operate more slot machines. In a case involving the Rincon Band of Mission Indians, a federal magistrate said that practice violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The judge ordered Schwarzenegger and the tribe to negotiate a new compact. But the state is appealing the ruling and says it won't have an effect on other talks.

"The Rincon decision applies only to Rincon," a spokesperson told The North County Times.

The judge issued a temporary stay of the order. The state wants it to be made permanent until the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals can hear the case.

Get the Story:
Effects of Rincon lawsuit uncertain (The North County Times 5/20)