The Bureau of Indian Affairs on Wednesday published approval of four controversial California Class III gaming compacts. But just what that means is still being debated. Supporters say the agreements are final and valid but opponents plan to press...

The Class III gaming compacts for four California tribes are being published in the Federal Register today. The "Big Four" compacts are for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band...

The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians is planning a casino on hotel on 290 acres it wants to have placed in trust. The tribe is proposing a 90,000-square-foot casino, a 300-room hotel a 2,200-space parking garage; restaurants, shops, a...

The Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians says its proposed casino will fit in well in the desert community. The Nüwü Casino Resort and RV Park will utilize "green" materials for construction and will be powered in part by...

The Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians is announcing plans for a casino and recreational-vehicle park. The California tribe will build a 60,000-square-foot casino with 350 slot machines table games and a bingo parlor. The facility includes a 100-space RV...

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association has re-elected Anthony Miranda, a member of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, as chairman. Miranda won his third two-year term at CNIGA's membership meeting last week. "It is an honor to once...

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has approved a liquor license for the Barona Band of Mission Indians. The tribe can sell liquor to certain customers and guests at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino. Alcohol sales will...

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association is in San Diego today for its membership meeting and election. Chairman Anthony Miranda, a member of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, hasn't decided whether to seek re-election. If he doesn't run,...

"The federal government has given the nod to compacts between the state and four native tribes to expand casino operations. It's a positive step that will ultimately pump millions into the state and the Coachella Valley. The compacts amount to...

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved controversial Class III gaming compacts for four tribes in California. Now what? Nobody seems to know for sure. The anti-compact No on the Unfair Gambling Deals says approval was premature because the compacts...

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved four Class III gaming compacts in California that are the subject of an upcoming referendum. The approval means the compacts will become legally effective once they are published in the Federal Register....

"Every once in a while voters get a chance to correct a legislative mistake. The Secretary of State has officially qualified four referenda, Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97, for the February 5, 2008 ballot. That means voters will...

Another battle is brewing at the polls over the Indian gaming industry in California. Four tribes signed Class III gaming compacts to add more slot machines to their casinos. In exchange, they are sharing a portion of the revenues...

"When an Indian tribe bought property just south of Petaluma hoping to establish a casino complex there, then-Petaluma City Councilman Mike Healy suggested giving residents an opportunity to vote on the proposal. Healy’s reasoning was based on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s...

A judge in California said a voter referendum on the gaming compact for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians can go forward. The tribe sued in state court to stop the February 5, 2008, election. The tribe said...

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is taking a more public stance on four gaming compacts that are being put to a statewide vote. Schwarzenegger recently filed arguments against the four ballot measures. Voters are being asked to approve or...

"The bad news for four SoCal Indian tribes that want voters to approve deals allowing their already-big casinos to get bigger is that the public is kind of lukewarm about the idea so far. Both public and private polls...

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) filed a brief in a case that seeks to halt a February 2008 vote on four Class III gaming compacts. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians sued to block the referendum. The tribe...

Voters in Sonoma County, California, could head to the polls in 2008 for an advisory referendum on the proposed Graton Rancheria casino. The tribe wants to build a $450 million resort in Rohnert Park. The project is still in the...

"It was predictable months ago that the Democratic Party in California would find itself stuck in between two of its major constituencies. And it has. So what's the so-called working man's party to do when faced with the choice...

Four Class III gaming compacts will be on the February 2008 ballot, Cailfornia's Secretary of State said on Friday. The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the...

The Mechoopda Tribe of California is moving forward with plans for a casino near Chico. The tribe has a management contract with Station Casinos. The National Indian Gaming Commission on October 25 issued a finding of no significant impact on...

Two California tribes plan to appeal after losing lawsuits that challenged a state referendum on their Class III gaming compacts. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians sued to block the secretary of state...

The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians has started a management services firm to offer its gaming expertise to other tribes. The tribe operates the Valley View Casino. Executives said they want to share their knowledge in running the facility....

The Senate on Monday approved S.1347, a bill to restrict the use of a gaming site in northern California. The bill blocks the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians from turning its existing Class II facility into a Class III...

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has sued California's Secretary of State over a pending referendum on four tribal gaming compacts. The tribe wants to block the state from certifying the referendum, which is scheduled for February 2008. The...

"Let's face it: California has a gambling problem. Gaming in our state has grown too quickly, with too little accounting of the impacts. Yet, we're ready to embark on what critics have dubbed "the biggest expansion of gaming in U.S....

"Since the Rohnert Park casino project was first introduced to the public four years ago, the size of the facility has gone from 350,000 square feet (2003) to 690,000 square feet (2005) to a monster 729,000 square feet with multi-story...

A majority of California voters support four gaming compacts that are the subject of an upcoming ballot initiative. According to The Field Institute, 52 percent of voters back the agreements. Only 35 percent said they opposed. Another 13 percent...

The Los Coyotes Band of Cahullia and Cupeno Indians has apparently dropped its gaming partner but will continue to pursue an off-reservation casino. The tribe partnered with a developer called BarWest for a casino in Barstow. The Big Lagoon Rancheria...

The Middletown Rancheria Pomo Indians began construction on a $36 million expansion of its casino in northern California. The tribe is currently operating a casino in a tent-like structure. The permanent facility will be four times the size. The expansion...

The Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians is planning a $36 million expansion of its casino in northern California. The tribe plans to quadruple the size of the Twin Pine Casino. "We're very excited. This secures our economic future," chairman Jose...

An administrative law judge says the Barona Band of Mission Indians should be allowed to serve liquor at its casino. Opponents blamed the Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino for a rise in drunken-driving accidents and violent crime. But the...

Two tribes have sued California's Secretary of State to halt a ballot referendum against their gaming compacts. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians say the petitions for the referendum were turned in too...

Opponents of four gaming compacts in California have turned in signatures on a petition to force a vote on the agreements. A coalition of unions, racetracks and tribes organized the campaign. They say the compacts allow for an unfair expansion...

INDIANZ.COM LISTENING LOUNGE Senate Indian Affairs Committee on backlogs at the Department of the Interior. • Opening Statements • Panel 1: Carl Artman | Q&A • Panel 2 | Q&A [includes more of Carl Artman] • Webcast | Written Testimony...

A California lawmaker has introduced a bill to force newly recognized tribes to wait 25 years before pursing a casino. Rep. John Campbell, a Republican, says he wants to make sure tribes who seek recognition are doing so for cultural...

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Thursday approved a bill to restrict the use of a gaming site in California. S.1347 bars the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians from turning a Class II facility into a Class III facility without...

Two California tribes have joined racetracks in a campaign to overturn four new gaming compacts. The Pala Band of Mission Indians and the United Auburn Indian Community were among the first tribes to sign compacts with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R)....

"Many Pauma Valley residents and visitors want their elected and appointed government officials to act so that the big business of American Indian gaming does not result in deadlier business -- more traffic accidents, injuries and fatalities -- and so...

The district attorney in San Diego County, California, won't file charges in a casino eviction dispute on the Jamul Reservation. The Jamul Band of Kumeyaay Indians evicted several longtime residents in order to make way for a casino. The dispute...

Two tribes who want to build off-reservation casinos in Barstow, California, are reviewing their options to keep the project alive. The Big Lagoon Rancheria and the Los Coyotes Band of Mission Indians signed compacts to build two side-by-side casinos off...

Compacts for two off-reservation casinos in Barstow, California, expired on Monday. The Big Lagoon Rancheria and Los Coyotes Band of Mission Indians signed the compacts with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) two years ago this month. But since lawmakers failed to...

In 2004, the Pauma Band of Mission Indians signed a compact with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) to add more slot machines to Casino Pauma. As part of the agreement, the tribe has to address the impacts of the...

Two groups are claiming the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians is violating its compact with California. The Preservation of Los Olivos and Preservation of Santa Ynez filed a complaint with the state Gambling Control Commission. The group say the...

The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians plans to add a hotel to its Valley View Casino. The hotel is still in the preliminary stages of discussion and won't be open for at least two years. But the tribe plans...

California lawmakers ended their 2007 legislative session without approving compacts for two off-reservation casinos. The Big Lagoon Rancheria and Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians wanted to open side-by-side casinos in Barstow. But other gaming tribes opposed the...

The city council in Garden Grove, California, rejected an unrecognized tribe's casino proposal. A faction of the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe promised the city $5.1 billion over 30 years, $100 million in infrastructure improvements and 10,000 jobs. But the council voted in...

A California appeals court has revived a lawsuit that claims tribes with casinos owe more than $330 million to the state. Under compacts signed in 1999, 28 tribes pay a percentage of their "net win" into a state fund. But...

Four California tribes have poured $11 million into the fight to keep their gaming compacts alive. The Legislature approved compacts for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians...

The Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe's plans for a casino in Garden Grove, California, appear to be doomed. The Los Angeles Times says two of five city council members oppose the plan. A third says the project is in danger. The tribe lacks...

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians signed a side agreement with California in order to gain legislative approval of its gaming compact. The tribe had been holding out after Democrats scuttled the compact. But the tribe changed its mind...

The Pauma Band of Mission Indians held a second public meeting about its casino plans on Wednesday. The tribe operates a temporary casino on its reservation. Plans call for a new $300 million facility with up to 2,500 slot machines,...

Two California tribes launched a media campaign on Wednesday in hopes of getting their off-reservation casinos approved. The Big Lagoon Rancheria and the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians want to open side-by-side casinos in Barstow. They...

A study from the University of California-Riverside finds that families living near reservations with gaming have higher income levels. According to UC Riverside's Center for California Native Nations, families within 10 miles of a casino saw their income rise...

A proposal for two off-reservation casinos in Barstow, California, is dead this year, according to a lobbyist for the city. The Big Lagoon Rancheria and the Los Coyotes Band of Mission Indians want to build side-by-side casinos in Barstow, hundreds...

Two people have pleaded guilty in connection with the theft of $1.58 million from the casino owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians. Ricky Aban, 19, pleaded guilty to being an accessory and to receiving stolen property. He was...

The Pauma Band of Mission Indians held a public hearing on its plans for a new casino. The tribe wants to replace Casino Pauma with a larger facility. The new casino would include 110,000 square-feet of gaming space, a...

The fight over four new gaming compacts could get even uglier, The Los Angeles Times reports. A union and a racetrack owner are gathering signatures for a petition to put the compacts to a public vote. But the four tribes...

Jonathan Stein, a 50-year-old lawyer, is single-handedly pushing a faction of the Gabrielino-Tongva Nation of California towards a casino even though the tribe lacks federal recognition. Stein, who is non-Indian, calls himself the chief executive officer of the Gabrielino-Tongva...

Two California tribes are contributing $1 million to help defeat four new gaming compacts. The Pala Band of Mission Indians and the United Auburn Indian Community say the new deals will hurt tribes with smaller casinos. They say the compacts...

The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians announced plans on Thursday to add a second casino to the reservation. The $800 million hotel and resort would sit next to the existing casino. It makes the tribe the first in the...

California tribes are overwhelmingly opposed to a referendum that seeks to overturn four new gaming compacts. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association, the largest inter-tribal organization in the state, and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, which represents 14...

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association has named Lee Acebedo, former chairman of the Jamul Band of Kumeyaay Indians, as its executive director. Acebedo recently lost a bid for re-election as chairman of his tribe. He is a Vietnam veteran...

The La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians is trying to get out of its management contract with Nevada Gold, a gaming compact. The tribe and Nevada Gold have been working on a small casino. But Chairman Tracy Lee Nelson told...

About a dozen people attended a public meeting on the Campo Band's plan to expand its casino. The tribe wants to add a hotel, bowling alley and RV park to the Golden Acorn Casino and Travel Center. An environmental impact...

It took less than 72 hours for authorities to arrest three people in connection with the theft of $1.58 million from the casino owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians. But how did the case get solved so quickly?...

The Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians and the state of California argued in court on Monday over negotiations for a new gaming compact. The tribe wants to add more slot machines to its casino. But the state wants a...

The city of Temecula already gets $2.7 million from a state gaming fund every year but stands to gain more now that the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians has negotiated a new compact. The compact allows the tribe to add...

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians went to the National Conference of State Legislatures in Boston last week to try to win support for amendments to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. But the effort failed when Jacob Coin, a...

The Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians is accusing California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) of negotiating in bad faith. The tribe wants to add more slot machines at its casino. But the state is demanding a cut of the revenues....

The United Auburn Indian Community and the Pala Band of Mission Indians are joining an effort to halt new gaming compacts for four California tribes. The two tribes each plan to donate $500,000 to a campaign committee called California Indian...

Two people have pleaded not guilty in connection with the theft of $1.5 million from the casino owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians. Rolando Luda Ramos, 25, is believed to be the mastermind behind the heist. He worked...

The Pauma Band of Mission Indians plans a $300 million expansion of its casino in southern California. The tribe currently operates a 1,090-slot machine casino in a temporary building. The new casino will boast 110,000 square feet of gaming...

Two California tribes are "thinking" about financing a challenge to new gaming compacts signed by four tribes. The Pala Band of Mission Indians and the United Auburn Indian Community signed compacts in 2004. They were among the first to...

Two men and a woman were charged in connection with the theft of $1.5 million from the casino owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians. Rolando Luda Ramos, 25, a security technician at the Soboba Casino who allegedly carried...

A California appeals court has dismissed a lawsuit against the Barona Band of Mission Indians. The tribe's Class III gaming compact contains a limited waiver of immunity. Casino patrons may pursue negligence claims to the tribe's insurer and can appeal...

Authorities arrested a man suspected of stealing $1.5 million from the casino owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians. Rolando Luda Ramos, 25, was a surveillance technician at the Soboba Casino. He allegedly used a gun to make his...

The casino owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indian was robbed by an employee on Thursday, authorities said. The suspect is Rolando L. Ramos, a security technician. He allegedly used a gun to enter a vault at the...

San Diego County supervisors approved a $38 million agreement with the Pala Band of Mission Indians on Wednesday. The agreement calls for the tribe to improve the highway leading to its casino. The tribe also agreed to pay for law...

A coalition led by labor unions and racetracks is seeking to put four new gaming compacts before California voters. The UNITE HERE union and the racetracks need to gather 443,971 valid signatures of registered voters by October 10. If they...

The Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe of California has submitted a proposal to build a casino in Garden Grove. The tribe lacks federal recognition. But Jonathan Stein, who works with one faction of the tribe, says the state could pass special legislation...

A highway that leads to the casino owned by the Barona Band of Mission Indians is the subject of debate as the tribe defends its liquor license. Some local officials say alcohol-related crashes on Wildcat Canyon Road have increased...

An administrative law judge in California began a hearing on Monday to consider the liquor license for the Barona Band of Mission Indians. The tribe won a state license to serve alcohol at its casino. But opponents say drunk-driving crashes...

The Big Lagoon Rancheria blames wealthy tribes for blocking its off-reservation casino proposal. The tribe originally planed to build a casino on its rancheria in northern California. But conservation groups and local officials are concerned about the impacts on the...

The Pala Band of Mission Indians of California will spend more than $38 million to improve roads near the Pala Casino. The tribe reached the agreement with San Diego County in order to expand the casino. The tribe's 2004...

Two tribes, one in California and the other in New York, are facing challenges to serving liquor at their casinos. The Barona Band of Mission Indians in California won a state liquor license in 2004. Since then, the local sheriff...

A diverse group of interests -- including labor unions, racetracks and some tribes - is considering a challenge to five new gaming compacts. The state Legislature approved the compacts in June. The deals allow four of the wealthiest tribes...

The California Bureau of State Audits issued a report on the use of gaming revenues by local communities. Tribes share a portion of their revenues with local communities to address the impacts of gaming. A committee of local and...

The Buena Vista Band of Miwok Indians and Amador County extended negotiations over a casino agreement. The tribe and the county agreed to a 30-day extension. Talks were supposed to have concluded yesterday. The tribe wants to build a 328,521...

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed five gaming compact bills into law on Monday, starting the process for review by the Interior Department. The bills ratify compacts for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuila Indians, the Morongo Band of...

The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians in California wants to buy a casino in Henderson, Nevada, for $15 million. The Roadhouse Casino is currently shuttered. But the tribe entered into escrow on the eight-acre parcel in hopes of selling it...

After months of political wrangling, California lawmakers ratified five Class III gaming compacts on Thursday after the tribes reached side deals to address certain issues. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, the Sycuan...

Two more California have reached side agreements in order to gain approval of their stalled gaming compacts. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians each signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday. They...

Two California tribes have agreed to sign side deals with the state in order to receive legislative approval of their stalled gaming compacts. The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians and the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians signed a memorandum of...

Hundreds of labor union supporters rallied at the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest gaming compacts with five California tribes. UNITE-HERE, the union responsible for the anti-sovereignty ruling from the National Labor Relations Board, organized the rally. The group...

The California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, is holding a rally at the state Capitol today to oppose new tribal gaming compacts. Labor unions oppose the deals, saying they don't protect workers. Their concerns have blocked the state Legislature from approving the...

Attempts to resolve a dispute over five California compacts appear to be slowing down, The Palm Springs Desert Sun reports. The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians, the...

The Gabrielino-Tongva Nation, an unrecognized tribe, wants to build a casino near Los Angeles. The tribe and its backer approached the city of Garden Grove last month. They are offering $100 million upfront for infrastructure and $70 million per year...

The Concow-Maidu Tribe of the Mooretown Rancheria held a grand opening for the new Lodge at Feather Falls Casino on Monday. The three-story, 82-room lodge features a fitness room, indoor and outdoor pool, a hot tub and sauna. It...

"The Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians showed off expansion plans this week to expand the Cache Creek Casino Resort to a "world-class destination resort." The proposed expansion includes 467 additional hotel rooms and 27 hillside casistas, new restaurants and retails...

Top California lawmakers who have opposed six new gaming compacts are reaching out to the affected tribes in hopes of getting the deals approved, Copley News Service reports. Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, a Democrat, opposed the compacts out of concern...

The Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians has sued the California Gambling Control Commission over the number of electronic gaming machines allowed at the Colusa Casino Resort. The tribal-state compact limits the casino to 2,000 Class III machines. The state...

A California man won $3.2 million on penny slot machines at the casino owned by the Pauma Band of Mission Indians. Robert Wilkie Jr., 76, won the jackpot on progressive slot machines. It's the largest penny slot payout in California...

A slight majority of residents in southern California oppose new gaming compacts that would allow five tribes to expand their casinos, The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. When asked whether the number of slot machines should increase, stay the same or...

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians plans to build a new casino in downtown Palm Springs, California. Officials unveiled preliminary designs for the project. The tribe wants to demolish the existing Spa Resort Casino and Hotel and replace...

The Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians of California plan a second expansion of its Cache Creek Casino Resort. The tribe plans to add more gaming space, nearly 500 additional hotel rooms, several eateries and an event/conference center. Construction is expected...

An agreement for an off-reservation casino in California has been extended. The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians and the Big Lagoon Rancheria want to open side-by-side casinos in Barstow. The site is located along a major interstate,...

The Big Lagoon Rancheria has until the end of the week to extend its plan for an off-reservation casino in Barstow, California. The tribe is based hundreds of miles from Barstow. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) agreed to an off-reservation casino...

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians of California has chosen a new general manager for its casino resort. Sean Sullivan comes to the tribe from Las Vegas, where he has 25 years of experience. "Sullivan is a widely respected veteran...

"For almost two years, a pair of Indian tribes have watched their gaming agreements sit in limbo in the Legislature. And time may be running out. On this morning's edition of The California Report, my story examines the status...

"This report demonstrates why the compacts negotiated with five tribes by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2006 should be rejected by the Legislature. Although increased state revenue sharing is the principal argument in favor of the compacts, in reality, the agreements...

The Redding Rancheria in California unveiled plans for a $90 million expansion of the Win-River Casino. The tribe will add a hotel, parking garage, event center and restaurants to the facility. The gaming floor will grow to 200,000 and the...

Construction crews are working around the clock on a new hotel for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The 16-story hotel will be located at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage. It will be the tallest building...

"Among the unfortunate aspects of Gov. Schwarzenegger's budget is its reliance on a vast expansion of tribal casino gambling to reinforce the state's revenues. There's nothing wrong with consenting adults enjoying a game of chance, but counting on a jackpot...

"Two recent events suggest the tide may be turning against the governor’s proposal to grant lucrative expansion deals to the State’s five richest tribes. First, on Saturday, the Morongo Tribe abruptly pulled its $20 million campaign aimed at Assembly Democrats....

When he ran for governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger angered tribes by accusing them of not paying their "fair share" to the state. He later accused tribes of "ripping off" the state and called them "special interests." But now...

The Ione Band of Miwok Indians will probably drop its fight to preserve an agreement for a proposed casino in Amador County, Vice Chairman Gil Jamerson said. The tribe signed a municipal services agreement with the city of Plymouth. But...

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is set to release a draft environmental impact statement for the Enterprise Rancheria's proposed casino in Yuba County, California. A BIA official in Sacramento said the document has been sent to Washington, D.C., for final...

National Indian Gaming Commission Chairman Phil Hogen testified on the need for minimum internal control standards (MICS) to ensure adequate oversight of tribal gaming operations. Hogen appeared at a California Assembly hearing on Monday. He said tribes needs MICS to...

Regulation of Indian gaming will be discussed at California State Assembly hearing today on six new Class III gaming compacts. Tribes say their casinos are well-regulated, citing tribal, state and federal oversight. But the expansion envisioned by the compacts has...

"There has been much written regarding the five tribal gaming compact amendments currently being considered for ratification by the California Assembly. I am chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. While our Tribal Council understands opinions may vary,...

"The California State Legislature is debating whether to allow a few tribes to greatly expand the number of slot machines in their casinos in return for sharing up to 25 percent of the revenue with the state. The major...

The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians of California has spent more than $90,000 to lobby California lawmakers to approve new gaming compacts. The tribe spent about $19,000 on concert tickets, basketball tickets, hotel rooms and meals for lawmakers, staff...

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) introduced S.1347, the Lytton Gaming Oversight Act of 2007, on Wednesday. The bill allows the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians to continue operating a Class II facility in the city of San Pablo. But if...

Officials in Plumas County, California, are learning about the potential for casino development by the Greenville Rancheria. The tribe was terminated but restored to recognition through litigation. A local law firm, however, claim the tribe's restored land base in the...

When he ran for governor of California back in 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) accused gaming tribes of not paying their "fair share" to the state. He later accused tribes of "ripping" off the state and refused to take campaign...

"Last summer, Schwarzenegger struck deals with five Southern California tribes allowing them to expand their gambling operations well beyond their original limits. From 10,000 slot machines, they would be able to install 32,000 — enough to make some of these...

"Perhaps you've seen the new 60-second TV spots: a bald eagle soars, a narrator talks about the jobs and opportunity that casinos have brought to California and the additional benefits that new agreements reached with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would bring...

A large number of California tribes have expressed opposition to a proposal to implement minimum internal control standards at the state level, Copley News Service reports. Dozens of tribes met Wednesday to consider a proposal by the state Gambling Control...

Regulation of tribal casinos is one of the issues at stake as California lawmakers debate six new gaming compacts. The agreements already passed the state Senate. But Assembly leaders have concerns over regulation and labor unions. To address the...

The Dry Creek Rancheria of California says it has no plans to develop an off-reservation casino. The tribe submitted a land-into-trust application for 277 acres. But since the land is not part of a reservation, the Interior Department sent...

California tribes are meeting with the state today to discuss the potential implementation of the Minimum Internal Control Standards, or MICS. The MICS were issued by the National Indian Gaming Commission to cover just about every aspect of Class III...

"Listen closely, and you can hear a "ka-ching" sound emanating from the state Capitol. Armed with a jackpot of campaign dollars, wealthy Indian tribes are pressuring key state leaders to approve one of the largest expansions of casino gambling in...

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians of California is reportedly threatening to defeat an upcoming referendum if state lawmakers don't ratify six new tribal gaming compacts. The deals were approved by the Senate. But they face opposition in the Assembly,...

"Even with the current housing slump, a paltry $1.6 million still won’t buy you much of a house on the Westside. Maybe an older 3 + 2 with a fiberglass carport. Better to invest your money in Sacramento, where the...

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...

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians of California began running television ads to generate support for six tribal gaming compacts. The spots urge viewers to contact their lawmakers to support the deals. The state Senate has ratified the compacts but...

The casino owned by the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians reopened on Thursday after an early morning bomb threat. The Shodakai Casino was shut down around 4am following a call from a man who threatened to set off an...

SIx California tribes easily won approval for their gaming compacts in the state Senate on Thursday but face a tough fight in the Assembly. The compacts for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseno...

Six California tribes are expected to win approval for their gaming compacts in the state Senate today. The deals would allow five tribes -- the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band...

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians denied a five-year-old girl entry to a country music concert, causing the artist to cancel the show. The San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino doesn't allow anyone under 21 to enter the facility....

The California Senate will vote Thursday on gaming compacts for six tribes. The compacts would allow five tribes -- the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians, the...

Six California tribes are expected to face a tough audience when their compacts go before the state Assembly. The state Senate held hearings last week on the agreements. With Democrats as sponsors the compact bills are expected to gain...

"The thing politicians like best about legal gambling is that it's an opportunity to put their fingers in your pockets without leaving prints. Take the lottery. You plunk down a buck for a ticket. About 65 percent of the money...

"You'd think the millions of dollars the tribes deposit in the state coffer would be enough incentive for our selfless representatives in Sacramento to allow American Indians pretty much free rein when it comes to operating their casinos on...

California Democrats who are sponsoring gaming compact bills have received an influx of tribal campaign contributions, the Associated Press reports. During last year's election, the tribes with new compacts donated $540,000 to help two Democrats. The lawmakers are now sponsoring...

Three California tribes are sharing more than $4 million in gaming revenues with local communities. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of California is holding its annual donation event today. The tribe will distribute $1.3 million to nearly 100...

Two more California tribes went before lawmakers to seek approval of their gaming compacts. The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians testified yesterday. They followed the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians,...

"The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians finally has everything set in place to build its casino off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. The tribe has a court-blessed environmental document. It has an agreement with El Dorado County. And...

The Santa Ysabel Band of Diegueño Indians celebrated the opening of the 10th casino in San Diego County, California. The Santa Ysabel Resort and Casino has 349 slot machines. The $27 million, 35,000-square-foot was financed by a bank loan guaranteed...

Two California tribes want lawmakers to consider their compacts for an off-reservation casino in Barstow. The Big Lagoon Rancheria and the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians have proposed side-by-side casinos in Barstow. Both tribes are based hundreds...

Three California tribes went before lawmakers on Tuesday to seek approval of their new gaming compacts. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Yurok Tribe signed deals with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger...

The California Senate Governmental Organization is holding a hearing today on gaming compacts for three tribes. The deals would allow the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and Morongo Band of Mission Indians to operate more slot machines and expand...

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians plan to break ground on a casino on April 26. The tribe proposed the 85,000-square-foot Foothill Oaks Casino but ran into local opposition. The tribe eventually signed an agreement with El Dorado...

Five California tribes are headed to the Legislature this week to seek approval of their new gaming compacts. The deals would allow the already successful tribes to add as many as 22,000 new slot machines and expand their facilities....

In an unpublished opinion, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked a California county from conducting fire inspections at a tribal casino. The Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians operates the River Rock Casino. The county claimed it had...

The Concow-Maidu of Mooretown Rancheria opened a 64-unit hotel at the Feather Falls Casino last weekend. The Lodge features a natural, Native-inspired look. "They wanted to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with natural materials and warm colors," the director...

The Tule River Tribe of California shared more gaming revenues with the county than expected, providing a windfall for Tulare County. The Tulare County Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee awarded $535,000 in grants this year. That was about $150,000...

"A new chapter in the storied history of the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians took shape Sunday afternoon when the familiar clang of coins and the ring of slot machines echoed inside the tribe's new Red Earth Casino on Highway 86,...

SIx California tribes will go before state lawmakers next week to seek ratification of their gaming compacts. The tribes include five of the most successful in the state. The compacts would allow them to operate more slot machines in exchange...

'For anyone with concerns about the many negative impacts that a proposed mega-casino in Rohnert Park would have on the quality of life in southern Sonoma County, now is the time to speak up. Public hearings and workshops on the...

The Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians of California opened the Red Earth Casino on Monday. The 10,000-square-foot casino features six table games and 349 slot machines. The tribe has plans to add 1,650 more slots and a racetrack. The $10...

Some California lawmakers are raising questions about provisions in new gaming compacts for eight California tribes. Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez and Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, both Democrats, are concerned that five wealthy tribes with successful casinos received better deals than three...

Amador County, California, has filed suit against the Interior Department in hopes of stopping the Ione Band of Miwok Indians from opening a casino. The county says the Ione Band doesn't qualify for an exception under the Indian Gaming...

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians is not negotiating a new compact with the state of California, Chairman Vincent Armenta said. Opponents of the tribe have suggested the tribe wants up to 5,000 slot machines at the Chumash...

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association is concerned about Sacramento County's proposal to limit the use of electronic bingo machines. CNIGA says the county's proposed rules are more restrictive than the federal government's definition of Class II games. The organization...

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians has been sued for breach of contract by its former gaming partner. The tribe was working with Sharp Image Gaming Inc. to open a casino in the late 1990s. An attorney said the...

Six California tribes are renewing their push to have their gaming compacts ratified by the state Legislature. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, the Pechanga Band of...

After running into problems last year, the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians enlisted a Democratic lawmaker to sponsor the tribe's gaming compact bill in the California Senate. Under the compact, the tribe would be able to operate up to 7,500...

As a person with disabilities, Robin Lackie, a member of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians of California, knows what it's like to feel invisible. That's why she's making a special effort as the Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator...

The Jamul Band of Kumeyaay Indians will open California's first Class II-only facility after running into opposition to a full-scale casino. The tribe is building a casino on its 6-acre reservation and wants to negotiate a new compact. But local...

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the city of Rancho Mirage, California, signed a major agreement on Thursday. The tribe agreed to have the $205 million Agua Caliente Casino placed within the boundaries of the city. The...

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the San Pasqual Band Of Mission Indians over the number of slot machines allowed under the tribe's compact with the state of California. The judge said the tribe's request could affect other...

Amador County in California has filed suit against the Interior Department to challenge the Indian lands determination for the Ione Band of Miwok Indians. When he was serving as Interior's solicitor for Indian affairs, Carl Artman said the tribe could...

"Marc Cooper's tirade against tribal self-reliance misses the point that gaming produces billions of dollars a year in good salaries and benefits to employees, sales for local businesses, state taxes and direct aid to communities and charities. Now California...

The Jamul Band of Kumeyaay Indians broke its promise not to demolish homes to make way for a casino, San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob said. Jacob said Jamul Chairman Leon Acebedo went back on his word to wait...

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria are offering to keep the Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, California, up and running. The tribe wants to open a casino in the Bay Area. The project is still in the federal review process...

Horse racing interests are teaming with labor unions to seek changes to a new gaming compact in California. Five tribes signed compacts with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) last year. But Democrats, acting on behalf of unions, blocked approval of the...

The Jamul Band of Kumeyaay Indians demolished the homes of long-time residents of the reservation in order to make way for a casino. Chairman Leon Acebedo had promised not to destroy the homes of Walter Rosales and Karen Toggery...

"The $7 billion that passes through California's Indian gaming facilities already surpasses the collective take of all the casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Our state is home to more than 50 Nevada-style gambling resorts, more than 60,000 slot machines...

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians plans to sign an agreement with the city of Rancho Mirage over the addition of a $205 million at the Agua Caliente Casino. Details of the agreement aren't being released until the signing...

"A California Senate committee recently learned that while many of us love to gamble, quite a few suffer from addiction as casinos empty their pockets. The state's legal gambling operations make $13 billion a year — and rising -- yet...

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has entered into a one-year partnership with a horse track. The tribe and Santa Anita Park signed the deal in December. They work together on major horse races, cross-promotion, television advertising and...

"The most important federal Court of Appeals below the U.S. Supreme Court has declared that, at least for labor law, tribal casinos are to be treated exactly the same as casinos that are owned by private citizens. In other words,...

"Indian gaming is the fastest-growing segment of legalized gambling in the United States, fed by our seemingly insatiable appetite for high-stakes poker, slots and even bingo. How did Indian gaming become a $25 billion industry fueled by more than 400...

Top Democratic lawmakers in California will sponsor bills to ratify the gaming compacts for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians The tribes signed agreemeents with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) to add more...

"Twenty years ago this month, the Cabazon and Morongo tribes were running exceedingly modest bingo halls, fueled as much by hope for a better future as by bettors' dollars. Today, they're running not only full-fledged casinos replete with slot machines...

The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians has reached a settlement with Madera County of California to clear the way for a casino expansion. The tribe will pay the county $13 million to resolve four pending lawsuits. The tribe also will...

The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians of California will debut the first phase of its casino expansion next month. The tribe is spending $114 million to increase the size of the Valley View Casino to 62,000 square-feet. More table...

$stalker "The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla Indians of San Diego County is easily more than 100 miles from Barstow, while the Big Lagoon Rancheria of Humboldt County is well over several hundred miles away. Barstow has no reservation lands...

If you object to American Indian casinos, you might not laugh at a joke circulating in what is commonly called Indian Country.

The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians says it welcomes the chance to discuss plans for a sewage treatment system at the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in California. The tribe applied for a federal permit to send treated wastewater...

$stalker "What happens in the state legislature this spring may make or break our chances of getting a casino in Barstow. The compacts with the state for the Los Coyotes and the Big Lagoon Rancheria tribes to build a dual-casino...

$stalker Two California tribes seeking to open side-by-side casinos hundreds of miles from their reservations face opposition from rival tribes. The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians and the Big Lagoon Rancheria signed a compact with Gov. Arnold...

"The rather odd and often prickly relationship between the state of California and the state's casino-owning Indian tribes, as it always does, is looming large as the Legislature cranks up anew. Money -- big money -- lies at the center...

Indianz.Com Casino StalkerTracking casino proposals across Indian Country. Two California tribes who want to build side-by-side casinos hundreds of miles from their reservations were back at the state capitol on Wednesday. The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cuperno Indians...

The Buena Vista Band of Me-Wuk Indians of California released a new draft tribal environmental impact report for its proposed casino. The tribe plans to open a Class III gaming facility on its 67.5-acre reservation. The project will be...

California is home to nearly 1 million problem gamblers, according to a study released by the state on Tuesday. The state Office of Problem and Pathological Gambling commissioned the 2006 California Problem Gambling Prevalence Study. The research was conducted...

Facing rampant poverty and unemployment, the Yurok Tribe of California hopes two small gaming facilities with less than 100 slot machines will provide needed revenues on the reservation. But the tribe's compact has languished for more than two years....

"Note to Legislators: don't get snookered. Specifically, don't ratify ill-conceived deals with Indian gambling tribes just because the state is in the red and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is waving promises of big money for state coffers under your nose. Instead,...

Richard Milanovich, the chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, has been lobbying California lawmakers in hopes of passing the tribe's new gaming compact. The tribe negotiated a deal last year with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) to...

Three people were indicted for stealing $198,000 from the casino owned by the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria. Peter Daniel Collins, 35, Emily Katherine Weitzel, 22, and Daniel Ivan Porter, 37, were charged in federal court. They...

The California Court of Appeals rejected a challenge to the tribal-state gaming compact. California Commerce Casino, a non-Indian card club, sued state officials for entering into the agreement in 2004. The card club claimed the compacts violated the state constitution....

The 12th annual Western Indian Gaming Conference wrapped up on Thursday as California tribes discuss the state of affairs in Washington, D.C. In the 109th Congress, tribes had to fight a slew of anti-gaming proposals. California was singled out as...

More than 600 people attended the opening day of the 12th annual Western Indian Gaming Conference on Wednesday. The conference, sponsored by the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, is taking place at the casino owned by the Pechanga Band...

The Jamul Band of Kumeyaay Indians of California issued eviction notices to the last two remaining residents of the reservation. The tribe is evicting the two non-members in order to build a $200 million casino. About 12 other families on...

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association is holding its 12th annual Western Indian Gaming Conference this week. The conference takes place in Temecula, on the Pechanga Reservation. Tribal leaders will discuss gaming, politics and other issues today and tomorrow. Anthony...

The La Posta Band of Mission Indians of California opened its first casino on Monday. The $23.5 million La Posta Casino is small by southern California standards. The 20,000-square-foot facility east of San Diego has 349 slot machines but no...

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is depending on $506 million in tribal gaming revenues to fund part of his new budget. But the money might not come through because it depends on payments from four tribes whose compacts have been...

The Shingle Springs Rancheria of California faces more delays as opponents of the tribe's casino continue to fight the project in court. The tribe hopes to break ground this spring on a $100 million casino and hotel. But a...

The Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Tribe of California plans to open its first casino on March 15. The 14,000-square-foot Red Earth Casino will feature mostly penny slots, the director of operations said. Combined with truck stop, travel center and a...

The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians released a draft tribal environmental impact report last month, detailing plans for a major new casino on the reservation. The tribe wants to build a 105,750 square-foot, a 200,000 square-foot hotel, a 25,000...

Five California tribes will have to defend their proposed gaming compacts again this year. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians...

The Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians has hired a new general manager for its casino. Stephen Lloyd comes to the tribe from the Cherokee Nation, where he served as vice president of gaming operations. He helped the tribe bring in...