Chumash Casino Not Expanding

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians is no longer looking to expand the number of slot machines that they are permitted through their compact with the state. Originally, last year, the tribe was one of eight tribes that were seeking an increase in their slot machines; however, this is not the case any longer.

Their has been a bit of an uproar in Santa Barbara County who says they want to be consulted before the tribe is allowed to expand. They say that the larger casino with more slot machines would bring in more crime, gambling addiction and traffic than they have now. They say they want a public meeting to have their voices heard before the tribe can bring in their thousands of new slot machines.

The tribe however, says the residents should have just asked him, because they aren’t looking to expand. Their spokesperson and Chairman, Vincent Armenta said that once again the residents were panicking before knowing what was really going on. He said the tribe is trying to work with the county, but they are not working with them.

Armenta said that at some point they are going to expand, for it is the best thing they can do for their tribe. However, he said when they are ready for that step they will try and talk with residents first, but if they are unwilling to listen, they will go directly to the state instead.

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