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California casino neighbors support expansion10 March 2008CALIFORNIA -- As reported by the Press Enterprise: "The prospect of living in the shadow of some of the world's largest casinos did nothing to dampen neighbors' support for Inland tribal gambling-expansion deals on last month's ballot, final election results show. "The four agreements passed with about 56 percent of the statewide vote in the Feb. 5 election. Up to 63 percent of voters in San Bernardino and Riverside counties approved the measures. "Voters in some precincts closest to casinos offered even stronger endorsements. Any qualms about more traffic, higher crime or other problems linked to gambling seemed trumped by goodwill for the tribes and their casinos' roles as job and entertainment centers. "The deals will let the tribes install up to 17,000 slot machines, in addition to the 8,000 they already have. In return, the tribes will pay the state a share of slot-machine revenue through 2030, with Gov. Schwarzenegger's office estimating the state will receive $276 million in 2008-09. "...Most voters opposed the deals in the San Francisco area, where there are no casinos. Opposition also was strong in areas such as Sonoma and Amador counties, where there has been conflict over plans to build tribal casinos. "...That was not the case for neighbors of Inland casinos, even in areas where there has been casino-related discord in the past..." |