California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2173, amending a tribal-state gaming compact with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and extending it until December 31, 2061. The bill allows the tribe to add up to 500 gaming devices and adjusts their contributions to California’s Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, which assists tribes with limited gaming. The compact, aimed at regulating casino operations between the state and the tribe, passed unanimously in the legislature and took effect immediately due to its urgency status.
The Agua Caliente reservation spans Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Cathedral City, employing around 3,200 people and serving as a major local employer. Assemblymember Greg Wallis praised the tribe for its partnership and contributions to the Coachella Valley’s economy.
This amendment follows California’s efforts to tighten regulations on cardrooms, which has led to lawsuits from the California Gaming Association to challenge these new rules.
