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California, tribal officials meet for talks

CALIFORNIA – As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune: "State and tribal officials will meet behind closed doors today to consider adopting federal rules, scuttled by a court ruling last year, that address internal security at Indian casinos.

"But some are warning that such a move might exceed the state's authority and lead to the same kind of legal challenge that thwarted federal oversight of tribal casinos.

"At stake is at least the perception of integrity at California's nearly 60 Indian casinos, which generate more than $7 billion a year in revenue.

"Tribes have the primary regulatory role, but the National Indian Gaming Commission established basic criteria for the internal security that monitors casino operations. The guidelines covered cash handling and counting, audits, surveillance and the games – from technical standards to how often decks of cards should be changed.

"…Assembly Democrats and others have said those compacts, which authorize a huge expansion of gambling in California, should be renegotiated to include language to cover the stricken federal standards. The tribes have adamantly opposed revising the compacts.

"The Schwarzenegger administration and some tribes are pushing the alternative proposal – to substitute state oversight – which will be debated today at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio…"

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