|
Stand Up for California! is a statewide organization with a focus on gambling issues including tribal gaming, card clubs, horse racing, charitable gaming and the state lottery. | |
|
Indian gaming up for review by Obama team
11/18/2008, Indianz.com
President-elect Barack Obama could reverse some of the Bush administration's controversial gaming actions, a senior Bureau of Indian Affairs official said on Monday. Paula Hart, a career employee at the BIA's Office of Indian Gaming Management, said the agency has already flagged one issue for the new president. It's a May 20, 2005, letter that brought about a shift in the way tribal-state compacts are reviewed.
Imperial County Comments on Proposed Off Reservation Casino Letter dated Nov. 13,2008 The Department has raised a number of significant concerns on the adequacy of this draft EIR. The questions need answers including growth-inducement impacts on adjacent agricultural lands, identification of mitigation measures and "fair share" fees, as well as the final details for the various agreements between the above mentioned parties.
| |
|
Casino slowdown hits River Rock
11/17/2008, The Press Democrat
Business is down almost 8 percent at Sonoma County's River Rock Casino, as worried consumers cut back on gambling trips, casino officials said Monday. "Everyone knows the current environment is very challenging," said Shawn Smyth, River Rock's CEO. The tribal casino in Alexander Valley posted $32.3 million in revenue for the third quarter ending Sept. 30, compared to $35 million for the same period last year. River Rock, owned by the Dry Creek Pomo tribe, has 35,000 square feet of gaming space with 1,600 slot and video poker machines. The casino also has table games and a restaurant.
Red Hawk Casino betting against the downturn 11/16/2008, The Sacramento Bee The Sacramento area's newest Indian casino, the Red Hawk Casino off Highway 50 in Shingle Springs, is ready to open just as consumers are snapping shut their wallets. The casino industry is slumping, revenues are falling and some operators are running into financial stress. Analysts say Red Hawk probably won't do as well at the start as originally forecast by its owners, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. The casino opens in late December.
Court rules casino is immune from lawsuit 11/15/2008, Capitol Media Services The immunity Indian tribes have against being sued in federal court extends to their profit-making businesses, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Friday. The judges said a man injured by an employee of a tribal casino who got drunk at a casino function has no right to sue the casino for serving her too much alcohol. Christopher Cook suffered catastrophic injuries, including the loss of his left leg. Friday's decision left appellate Judge Ronald Gould, who wrote the decision, not pleased with the result. But he said precedents set by the U.S. Supreme Court left the judges no choice
New casino rules deemed costly
11/14/2008, Tulsa World
WASHINGTON - New federal regulations designed to bring more clarity and integrity to electronic bingo games will cost tribal casinos millions of dollars more than a flawed economic study predicted, the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association warned. OIGA Chairman David Qualls also charged the regulations were one more last-ditch effort by a lame-duck National Indian Gaming Commission to act on Class II gaming without congressional oversight. The gaming commission's regulations, the culmination of a years-long effort, also drew strongly worded criticism from U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla
| |
Governor's measure would increase lottery prizes, state revenue11/15/2008, Los Angeles Times
Reporting from Sacramento -- California gamblers would win tens of thousands more prizes from the state lottery and potentially bigger jackpots under a measure proposed to go before voters as soon as next year. The two pieces of legislation, signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday, would also allow the state to borrow $5 billion against future sales of lottery tickets to help plug a budget hole that analysts say could total $27.8 billion during the next 20 months. "Modernizing the California lottery and securitizing its revenues are absolutely critical to solving the state's ongoing budget crisis," said Camille Anderson, a spokeswoman for the governor. "These much-needed reforms will allow the state to get more value out of the lottery by boosting its performance and returns -- bringing billions in revenue to the state over time -- all without raising taxes."
Plaintiffs return to court in Sacramento to halt electronic bingo ban11/14/2008, The Sacramento Bee
Charitable organizations and disabled persons are back in Sacramento federal court asking for an order barring enforcement of two new laws outlawing electronic bingo games. The charitable and disabled plaintiffs, along with a game manufacturer, want U. S. District Judge John A. Mendez to halt enforcement of a new state law by expanding a June preliminary injunction that prohibits the state from seizing electronic bingo games. They also want Mendez to stop enforcement of a new Sacramento County ordinance by adding it to the injunction.
TVG may be feeling a squeeze 11/13/2008, Youbet.com
Wagering on races from Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans will be available on three national account-wagering companies, but not the fourth, Television Games Network, reflecting what could be a new alignment in the home betting market. TVG used to be the dominant force in account wagering, but as its contracts have expired with racetrack operators - and as Churchill Downs Inc. and Magna Entertainment have aggressively entered the market - TVG's business model has showed signs of strain. State Legislation to Watch
On December 1, 2008 the 2009 Legislative Regular Session Convenes for Organizational Session
Federal Legislation to Watch
A Lame Duck session may begin Nov. 17/18, there is speculation of a 'Lands Ominbus bill' to be introduced by Senator Harry Reid. It will carry approximately 160 bills that have previously passed the House, as well as Senate Bills. MORE AS IT EVOLVES.
H. R. 2963 - ENROLLED Congressman Issa Transfers without regulatory environmental process 1,178 ac. in Riverside and San Diego Counties to the Pechanga Band. AMENDED TO INCLUDE:
No Gaming. Maintained as open space and construction consistent with this purpose.
No existing right of ways or right of use prior to the date of enactment are affected.
H.R. 3490 -REPORTED TO SENATE Congressman Radanovich Declares that specificed federal lands are to be held in trust by the US for the benefit of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuik Indians for non gaming purposes.
H. R. 5680 REPORTED TO SENATE Congressman Grijalva - A bill to extend leases for Morongo and transfer money to CRIT.
S. 3320 - Tribal Law and Order Act - to be introduced in early 2009.
LINKS and Legislation
Stand Up For California - Library
Stand Up For California - Helpful Links
Compulsive Gambling Institute www.gamblingaddiction.cc 1-800-GAMBLER 24 Hour Problem Gambling Help Line - Tom Tucker, Chief Executive Officer
| |
| |
|
