Indian Gaming

Two California tribes are still pursuing off-reservation casinos although the Bureau of Indian Affairs appears to be moving very slowly on the projects.

The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians plans to build a casino in Barstow, about 100 miles from the reservation. But there's been little movement on a environmental impact statement that was published two years ago in July 2011.

The Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation wants to build a casino in Calexico, near the U.S.-Mexico border. But the BIA hasn't issued a record of decision on a final environmental impact statement that was published in October 2011.

Both projects have local support. But after California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) supported off-reservation casinos for the Enterprise Rancheria and the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians, tribes with existing casinos, state lawmakers and opposition groups have been looking for ways to stop new developments.

Get the Story:
Casinos may stray from the reservation (Capitol Weekly 8/15)

Federal Register Notices:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians' 23-Acre Fee-to-Trust Transfer and Casino-Hotel Project, City of Barstow, San Bernardino County, CA (July 1, 2011)
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Manzanita Band of Kumeyaay Indians Fee-to-Trust Transfer and Casino Project, Calexico, CA (October 7, 2011)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Governor breaks promise on off-reservation casinos (8/12)