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California Delays Disbursement of $40 Million in Tribal Casino Revenue

"Instead, nearly $40 million in funds from tribal casinos is sitting in state coffers while some of California's neediest tribes are waiting for money.

"`This is one of those things that could have been clarified,' said Robert Traverso, interim executive director of the California Gambling Control Commission.

"Traverso said the payout process was further complicated because a count of the state's slot machines sponsored by the state Attorney General `was not anywhere near a complete census.'

"…The attorney general's report counted 4,698 machines in Coachella Valley casinos. Local reports indicate that number is closer to 6,400.

"… The money was held up for months while the commission awaited accounting details it says gaming tribes are required to provide before it could ask the Legislature to release the money.

"Statewide, nearly 40 tribes have provided information the commission requested, about 25 have not.

"…But critics say the compact directs Traverso's group to collect and distribute the money without asking questions.

"…Difficulty interpreting the compact could have a negative impact on California Indian tribes and the state, said Nelson Rose, a professor of law at Whittier College in Costa Mesa who specializes in gaming.

"…Rose said there is no way to know whether tribes have too many slot machines or are being restricted to too few.

"Without clear legal authority to collect information from tribes, the gambling commission would be wise to cooperate with tribes, Rose said…"

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