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California Gambling Compacts Give Insight to Casino Revenues

SACRAMENTO, California – As reported by the LA Times: "While California Indian tribes do not disclose their casino revenue, compacts signed this week by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and five bands of Native Americans provide insight into their wealth.

"The deals require that the tribes finance a $1-billion bond for the state with roughly 10% of their annual slot machine winnings. Combined, the five tribes would pay $100 million a year, meaning their slots generate $1 billion a year.

"Owners of Thunder Valley casino in suburban Sacramento promise to make annual payments of $33.8 million. If that is 10% of the take from slots, Thunder Valley, owned by the 255-member United Auburn Indian Community and managed by Station Casinos Inc. of Nevada, earns $338 million a year from its slot machines.

"…The 46-member Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians, which has a newly expanded casino-resort west of Sacramento, agrees to pay $25 million a year to repay the bond, suggesting that the tribe earns $250 million a year.

"The compacts imply that the 918-member Pala Band of Mission Indians' annual profit from slot machines is $188.6 million, while the 289-member Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians earn $174 million a year from slots.

"…The fifth tribe, the Pauma-Yuima Band of Mission Indians, also in San Diego County, has a smaller operation, with 850 machines. Its annual slot machine take is pegged at $57.5 million…"

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