 Newsletter Signup
Stay informed with the
NEW Casino City Times newsletter! |
Gaming News
California Band Proposes Off-Reservation Casino31 July 2003CALIFORNIA – As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune: “In a bold long shot like another tribe is pursuing, the Manzanita Indian band wants to build a resort-casino near El Centro, about 50 miles from its remote East County reservation. “Manzanita officials and their prospective investor have met privately with at least three of Imperial County's five supervisors in recent weeks. They were encouraged to submit a formal proposal, said John Elliott, development director for the 100-member tribe. “…A former high-ranking Interior Department official, now working with Manzanita as a consultant, wrote to one of the county supervisors, Hank Kuiper, thanking him for meeting with the tribe. The July 11 letter said the project could include a casino, hotel, golf course, RV park and factory outlet center. “…Federal law makes it extremely difficult, but not impossible, for tribes to develop off-reservation casinos. They must be approved by local officials, neighboring tribes, the governor and U.S. Interior secretary. “…Manzanita officials know the odds of success are slim but figure they have little to lose. Its 3,600-acre reservation is an hour's drive from San Diego and three miles from Interstate 8. Unlike the nearby Campo band, which is making modest profits with a midsize casino, Manzanita has no direct freeway access. “…Manzanita's prospective business partner is a firm called Liberty Gaming, incorporated in Nevada in February. It is headed by Jack R. Smith of Palm Desert, who managed Barona Casino from 1990 to 1995…” |