BIA approves five Cali gaming compacts

The Bureau of Indian Affairs let five California tribal state gaming compacts take effect.

US.- The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) announced that the five facilities won’t be able to approve or deny the agreements. BIA has 45 days to finish a review on a compact before they reject or confirm it under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

If the 45-day period ends without the agency rejecting an compact, the arrangement takes effect only if the provisions are similar to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. According to the Federal Register, the agreements with the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, Barona Band of Mission Indians and the Jamul Indian Village became valid earlier this week.

Last month, the BIA authorised Pokagon Band Of Potawatomi Indians’ plan to open a US$400 million casino and hotel over 160 acred of land. The project could generate more than US$600 million in annual revenues, with 2 percent or no less than US$1 million designated to the city of South Bend. The tribe also agreed to donate US$5 million to local community projects and collect hotel taxes on behalf of the St Joseph County. The tribe currently operates three casinos in Dowagiac, New buffalo and Hartford, in Michigan.