New Deal with State will make the Shingle Springs Tribe the Biggest contributor to the state fund of any other Indian Casino.
The new Red Hawk Casino in El Dorado County, has agreed to pay the state the largest share of slot machine winnings of any tribe in California. Those percentages exceed any other Indian compact in the state, according to Aaron McLear, a spokesman for the governor.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced today the signing of an amended compact with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. The amended compact provides important benefits to the state, protects both patrons and employees, enhances collaboration between local government and the tribe, and provides for environmental mitigations.
"This compact is a good deal for state, the local community and the tribe," said Gov. Schwarzenegger. "The agreement will provide significant revenues to the state, protections for both workers and patrons, and for mitigation for the off-reservation impacts of gaming."
The Tribe estimates that its planned Red Hawk casino in Shingle Springs will generate approximately 2,000 jobs.
The compact will run through 2029 and allow a maximum of 5,000 slot machines at one gaming facility. Under the terms of the amended compact, the tribe will share revenues with the state based on a sliding scale percentage of net win from the operation of slot machines, ranging from 20 percent to 25 percent. The Tribe may deduct payments it makes for the construction of HOV lanes on Highway 50 from its payments to the state.
In addition to the contributions to the state, the tribe has agreed to pay an annual payment of $4.6 million to the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund (RSTF). The amended compact authorizes the California Gambling Control Commission to direct a portion of the revenue received by the state to the RSTF if necessary to ensure that each eligible recipient tribe receives its annual disbursement of $1.1 million.
The non-monetary aspects of the compact are similar to recent compacts signed by the Governor and reflect the Governor's priorities. Other provisions of the amended compact include:
- The tribe will prepare an environmental impact report to assess the potential environmental effects of new and expanded gaming facilities, and detail how environmental impacts will be mitigated.
- In addition to providing for an annual independent audit, the amended compact allows the state to conduct its own annual audit and compact compliance review.
- The compact includes comprehensive provisions relating to employment discrimination and minimum internal control standards (MICS).
- The compact provides that all disputes with employees, patrons and the county may be resolved through binding arbitration. California tort law will govern any personal injury or third-party property damage claims, and the tribe will provide liability coverage.
- Any new construction must meet or exceed the building and safety codes of both the county and the state.
- The Tribe will adopt an extensive problem gambling program and will comply with all earnings withholding orders for spousal and child support.
To view the amended compact and related appendix, visit: http://gov.ca.gov/pdf/press/Shingle_Springs_2008_Amendment_Final.pdf and http://gov.ca.gov/pdf/press/Shingle_Springs_2008_Compact_Appendix.pdf
