Press Release
For Immediate Release

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California Tribes Draw Much Needed Gaming Device Licenses

October 5, 2009

Following years of ongoing litigation, today the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) conducted a gaming device license draw which issued a total of 3,547 licenses to eleven tribes throughout the state.

Last week the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals cleared the way for today’s draw when they denied the State’s request for an emergency stay of a lower court’s order that the draw proceed.

“CNIGA is pleased that these long overdue licenses have been released,” said Association Chairman Anthony Miranda. “CNIGA and our member tribes have worked diligently to ensure that the terms of the compact, negotiated in 1999 between 61 tribal governments and the State of California, be honored. Today is a great day for the 41 tribes who still operate casinos under the original 1999 compact.”

All license fees generated will be paid into the Indian Gaming Revenue Sharing Trust Fund (RSTF). This revenue-sharing program, the first of its kind in the nation, was launched by California gaming tribes to help non-gaming tribes and those with very limited gaming.

“During this tough economic time we are pleased to know that these licenses will help to produce additional income for the RSTF, will generate additional jobs within the casinos, and will help to stimulate local economies throughout the State,” said Chairman Miranda.

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