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Some California Tribes Haven't Submitted Information

SACRAMENTO, California – As reported by the San Diego Union Tribune: "Gambling agreements signed by California tribes require state approval of employees who hold the most important and sensitive positions in Indian casinos.

"Most tribes have complied and the state has approved more than 2,600 key employees.

"But a third of the state's 54 gaming tribes have submitted information about only a small fraction of key employees for review and five tribes have yet to have anyone approved by the state, according to data compiled by Copley News Service and confirmed by the Attorney General's Office.

"…The lagging tribes include several that operate some of the state's biggest casinos. The Barona band in East County has moved just seven employees through the process; the Santa Rosa tribe of Lemoore, four; Table Mountain Rancheria of Fresno County, one. All three have casinos authorized for 2,000 slot machines.

"While tribes conduct their own background reviews of supervisorial and other important casino employees as a hedge against corruption, the state's scrutiny was designed to add an independent layer of protection for gamblers and tribes.

"…Failure to submit key employees for state review is a clear breach of the gambling agreements, or compacts, negotiated over the past five years, state officials said.

"But the state has preferred to cajole tribes rather than invoke a tedious process that can lead to a legal showdown…"

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