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Rival Initiatives Qualify for California Ballot

SACRAMENTO, California – As reported by the San Diego Union Tribune: "A pair of rival gambling initiatives have qualified for the November ballot, setting the stage for a donnybrook pitting Indian casinos against the state's racetracks and cardrooms.

"…Both are proposed constitutional amendments. One is backed by the state's biggest cardrooms and horse racetracks. The other has been bankrolled exclusively by the Agua Caliente band of Palm Springs, the only California tribe with two casinos.

"…If Schwarzenegger gets agreements that substantially increase the revenue tribes pay to the state, he has indicated privately that he will oppose the measure backed by the tracks and cardrooms.

"That initiative would require tribes to pay 25 percent of gross slot machine revenues to the state and comply with state environmental and political reform laws. If one gaming tribe refuses, 16 card clubs and racetracks would divide 30,000 slot machines in exchange for a 33 percent cut of gaming revenue for disadvantaged children, law enforcement and local fire protection.

"…Agua Caliente's initiative would give tribes 99-year rights to unlimited gaming, including prohibited games such as roulette and craps, if they agree to pay the state's 8.8 percent corporate income tax rate…"

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