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California Governor Helped Gambling Expansion

"Since Davis signed compacts with Native American tribes in 1999, his first year in office, revenue at Indian casinos has more than tripled, from $1.5 billion in 1999 to about $5 billion a year, and the number of casinos has grown to 50, up from 38 in 1999.

"Davis also has signed legislation expanding off-track betting on horse races and ensuring that card rooms can continue to operate.

"…Altogether, revenue to casinos, card rooms and racetracks approaches $6 billion a year. Under Davis' watch, California operators' winnings has surpassed New Jersey's $4.3 billion, and is second to Nevada's $9.3 billion.

"…The rise of tribal casinos has created a new political force in California, evident in campaign contributions and in local land-use disputes. Taken together, tribes have become among the state's richest campaign donors, having spent more than $120 million on ballot measures and legislative and statewide races since 1998. Davis has accepted $1.34 million from the tribes since he took office in 1999, and gambling interests altogether account for about $2.5 million of the $67 million he has raised in that period.

"…Davis and tribal representatives cite economic gains for California Indians brought about by gambling. Employment by tribes grew to 35,000 in the last year, a 12% jump…"

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