Voters Could Have Final Say

If the racetrack owners, tribes and labor unions have their way, voters could be making the final decision on compacts that have been signed by the Pechanga and three other tribes with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The groups want the voters to decide if the Pechanga Tribe, the Aqua Caliente, Morongo and Sycuan bands will be allowed to operate more slot machines.

The tribes are currently looking at compacts that would allow them to operate up to 7,500 slot machines – up from the 2,000 slot machines that they were allowed. If they get the compacts, the state would get a portion of the proceeds from the slot machines in exchange. The number of slot machines is daunting to many as it is more than Las Vegas casinos are even allowed to operate, but the governor feels it will be good for the state as they are looking at a serious budget shortfall.

Many who are opposed to the deals say that this is one of the largest expansions of gambling in the country’s history, and want the agreements voted down. They believe that if it goes before the voters that they will not agree to allow this much gambling in their state. There are even other tribes fighting the agreements, but not for the same reasons.

Some in the group want to see the tribes limited on the number of slot machines that they are allowed to bring in, while others – like the tribes – simply don’t want the competition. The labor unions just want better conditions to organize their workers. But out of this combined desire to halt this particular compact – they are all on the same page.
 

Back to Monthly Archive // Main Slot Machine News Index