California Gambling Expansion Opposed by Tribal Attorney
Tribal casinos probably have as much influence in California as any state in the country. Recently, initiatives allowing massive expansion of slot facilities were passed after intense and expensive lobbying was done by the four tribes affected. Some have accused Governor Schwarzenegger of being to eager to deal with the Indians, despite projections of huge revenues due the state as a condition of the new compacts.
The Sacramento Bee recently interviewed tribal lawyer Howard Dickstein, opponent of the expansions, on the conditions of the Indian casino industry in California.
Dickstein noted that Keno is being pushed as a "modernization" of the lottery system in the state, rather than calling it was it is: another major expansion of gambling. Dickstein's objections to gambling expansion are not based on morality, but rather diminishing returns on a diluted product
Dickstein also pointed out that several of the largest tribes in terms of casino space and numbers of slots are being forced to lay off employees. The new compacts require payments to the state the tribes were not previously subject to, and economic downturns have led to an unusually tight casino market.
When considering the question of tribes finding a way to prop up or contribute to the horse racing industry, Dickstein explained the tribal viewpoint that it would make no sense to underwrite an industry that on the other hand is attempting every method possible to be a direct competitor.
Dickstein did say that, despite disputes between tribes on such issues as the recent slot expansions, California tribes are untied in opposing any new gambling in the state. That would include expanding the lottery through Keno, allowing any new forms of gambling at tracks, or legalizing gambling in urban area or for non-profit causes, and Lloyd Levine's bill legalizing instate online casinos.
