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Gov. Schwarzenegger Gives Approval to Third Palm Springs Casino

One of California's richest tribes plans to open a third casino in the Palm Springs area, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is planning to announce a deal Tuesday, August 8. An expected deal is to close between Schwarzenegger and the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians that would permit the tribe to open with up to 5,000 slot machines.

Currently the tribe has an authorized 2,000 slot machines in its two casinos. Last year, they were the governor's antagonists.

Nancy Conrad, Agua Caliente's press secretary said, "The tribe would not be signing a deal tomorrow if we weren't happy with this. I think it is a good deal on several different fronts."

Under Administration officials' conditions, they should not be identified, noting that the deal remains unsigned. But there is an agreement said the tribe's representative.

Having spent $17 million on state campaigns since 2004, Agua is among the most politically active tribes in the nation. By signing a deal with Agua, Schwarzenegger ensures that the band will not spend any of its millions to unseat him in the November election.

Under the new arrangement, Agua will increase its payment to the state for its slot machines by several million dollars annually, from current $11.9 million to an increase of $23.4 million.

 

Saturday, 02 September 2006
Marissa Patterson