Members of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians are expected to vote on a possible gaming compact with the state, which could almost quadruple the number of slot machines at the tribe's Highland-area reservation, in return for sending more revenue to the state general fund.
Considering the fact that the tribe already owns the Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs and Agua Caliente Casino near Rancho Mirage, the opportunity to close the deal, which would allow the tribe to operate 5.000 slot machines total, seems very beneficial. Moreover, the compact would also allow the tribe to open a third casino, but in return, the tribe would pay the state as much as $81.9 million a year over the life of the 23-year deal. Up to an estimated $58.5 million would come from receiving 15 percent of revenue from every slot machine over 2.000.
If approved by the tribe and Gov. Schwarzenegger, it would be the second proposed compact between the state and the tribe this month that would greatly expand the number of slot machines in the region. An agreement between the state and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in Palm Springs awaits endorsement by the Legislature.
