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Some California Tribes Softening Stance

PALM SPRINGS, California – As reported by Reuters: "Some California Indian tribes softened their opposition to paying more casino revenue to the state on Wednesday after the new governor lowered his expectations for such payments, while a racetrack gambling initiative that neither supports moved forward.

"Some leaders of casino-operating tribes who gathered at an annual conference in the California resort city of Palm Springs east of Lost Angeles said that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's reduced goal of $500 million in revenue from casinos was a step in the right direction, if perhaps still high.

"…Schwarzenegger, who campaigned aggressively in favor of getting up to $2 billion from tribes, has struck a more conciliatory tone since being elected governor in November, targeting a $500 million contribution in his 2004-2005 budget.

"…Tribes that operate 54 casinos statewide are estimated to bring in $4 billion to $6 billion annually, making California a contender with New Jersey as the second-largest U.S. casino center after Nevada. A dozen tribes have reached the 2,000-slot limit.

"…Compact negotiations may become more palatable to tribes as rival gambling operators promote an initiative for the Nov. ballot that would strip the slot machine monopoly from tribes, filling urban horse tracks and card clubs with one-armed bandits.

"…Nevertheless, six tribes have targeted raising $9 million to fund a campaign against the initiative, said lawyer Howard Dickstein, who represents some tribes. Tribes also plotted legal challenges to the initiative during talks this week and could run an initiative to extend current compacts, tribal leaders said at the conference…"

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