The ad spending is aimed at promoting four ballot measures, Propositions 94 through 97, on the February 5 ballot, in the California state primary election, and that will definitely impact the number of slot machines at Indian casinos.

The four tribes backing the ballot measures already have raised $44 million, and plan to spend up to $100 million. The stakes are great -- expanded compacts with the state that would increase the number of slot machines at casinos operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians near Temecula, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in Palm Springs, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians near Cabazon and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation near San Diego.  

Experts say the deals will allow the four tribes to add 17,000 slot machines -- that's enough for eight, completely new Las Vegas-style casinos -- in addition to the 8,000 they have now at Indian reservations. The tribes agreed to give the state 15% to 25% of the profits, or, by their estimate, $400 million a year for two decades.

Ramp-Up Time

According to California state legislative analyst, Elizabeth Hill, allowing for ramp-up time, the income would be somewhat less for the first few years. The total amounts to less than half of 1% of the state's budget initially.
Voters in the state are split in their support for expanded gambling, but, the measures are expected to pass, and have the endorsement of California Governor Arnold Schwartzeneggar, a Republican.
The latest Field poll suggests that right now, opinion is almost "evenly divided" among likely voters, although only about a quarter of them even knew the gambling expansion measures are on the primary ballot.

There are vocal opponents of the measures, and, surprisingly, they are other Indian tribes. Amongst opponents are tribes that operate other, competing casinos, horse-racing interests, and a hotel workers' union that has made no headway in organizing workers at the casinos. They are arguing that the proposed increase in gambling capacity "wouldn't do much" for the state.

But, others say that the opponents' arguments are misleading. Despite what they are claiming, if the casinos expand there will be safeguards; casino revenues will be subject to an outside audit; and a share of the additional casino revenues will go to Indian tribes with no casinos or small casinos, to the state's general fund, and to programs helping people with so-called "gambling problems," experts say.


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