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California Gaming Panel Wants More Privacy

SACRAMENTO, California – As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune: "California's gambling commission, an obscure panel that regulates one of the world's largest casino industries, is pushing for permission to take more of its business behind closed doors.

"Chairman Dean Shelton has persuaded the Schwarzenegger administration that the commission needs greater freedom to meet in private to consider matters deemed confidential under California's Indian gambling agreements and state law that applies largely to cardrooms.

"With the backing of big gaming tribes, a measure granting the commission a limited exemption from open-meeting rules is moving rapidly through the Legislature. Although Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vowed to bring more sunshine to state government, his administration sponsored the bill.

"…But some say the commission should be pushing in the other direction, for more public disclosure in an industry believed to be generating more than $6 billion a year, second only to Nevada's gaming revenue.

"…The commission, a five-member panel appointed by the governor, wants more flexibility under the Bagley-Keene Act, a state law that requires government agencies to conduct virtually all their business in public. A short list of exceptions includes topics such as litigation and personnel decisions.

"…Gambling commissioners are now precluded from discussing those matters in private. At the same time, tribal compacts and state law prohibit detailed discussion of them in public session…"

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