California Extends Tribal Gaming Compact with Agua Caliente to 2061
The tribe will also be able to add 500 gaming devices to their growth
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2173, ratifying an amended tribal-state gaming compact with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, according to the California governor’s office.
A compact essentially means a legal agreement between a U.S State and Native American tribe that outlines the casino operations.
The deal extends the agreement to December 31, 2061 and gives the tribe room to add as many as 500 gaming devices, while also revising payments into the state’s Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, which supports non-gaming and limited-gaming tribes.
The measure had already cleared both houses of the legislature unanimously and took effect immediately on the governor’s signature.
A Longer Runway for Tribal Gaming
The compact renewal matters beyond the casino floor.
Assemblymember Greg Wallis, who carried the bill, said the tribe “has been a tremendous partner to the Coachella Valley for generations, working closely with our local governments and investing in the communities we call home.”
He added that the agreement “respects tribal sovereignty” and supports further economic opportunity.
More Machines but Tighter Cardroom Regulations
Earlier this year, California announced tighter card room gaming regulations. Under the new guidelines, the DOJ has placed firm restrictions on how hands are decided, prohibited the use of certain terminology traditionally linked to 21-point games like blackjack, and tightened qualifications for who can serve as the player-dealer.
The California Gaming Association and several operators filed two suits in San Francisco Superior Court seeking injunctions to halt these regulations.
