RubinBrown Gaming Stats 2012

Sacramento Region

$6.8 Billion

-2.5% 62 Ops

0% Ops

Since peaking in 2007, the Sacramento Region has experienced a $1.0 billion, or 12.9%, decline in gaming revenues. In 2010, the region generated $6.8 billion in gaming revenue, which was $175.9 million, or 2.5% less than 2009.

misappropriating funds from Indian casinos. Under the gaming compacts, tribes must contribute funds to the government to address the negative effects of gambling. The audit, which investigated 20 grants in 7 counties, indicated that grants were going to projects unrelated to casino impacts. California’s ability to profit from casino expansions could be in jeopardy. In June 2011, the Supreme Court decided not to hear California’s appeal of a decision made by the Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. In 2004, the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians sued Governor Schwarzenegger, claiming that payments required by the state in exchange for approving new slot machines amounted to a tax, thus violating federal law. Under the court’s decision, the tribes would continue to make payments to local governments for basic services, but could stop making payments to the state’s general fund. In June 2011, the Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of the case, leaving the state and tribal officials to settle their differences through mediation. In California, federal officials have approved two off-reservation casinos planned by the Enterprise Rancheria of Maidu Indians and the North Fork Rancheria tribe. While tribes may benefit from locating their casinos closer to urban centers, not all Californians are in favor of this decision. Polling data, sponsored by anti-casino groups, indicate that about 72 percent of Californians believe gaming decisions should come from voters. Meanwhile, the Enterprise Rancheria tribe has released two polls, the most recent from October 2011, showing majority support for a casino development.

While the Sacramento Region continues to experience a decline in revenues, the region still leads the nation in total revenues. The region’s 62 casinos make up 14.7% of the nation’s tribal casinos; however, they generate 25.7% of Indian gaming revenues. In the midst of challenging economic times, California tribes have looked for ways to renovate and expand. Tribes have opened new casinos, added hotels and event centers and expanded their gambling floors. Notable expansion and renovation projects include the following: • Garcia River Casino opened in April 2011 as the first casino on the Mendocino Coast. • The Sycuan Casino & Resort went under a full renovation in the fall of 2011. • In August 2011, the Viejas tribe announced their plan to build a new 150 room hotel next to their casino in Alpine, California. The grand opening is scheduled for early 2013. • In early 2012, the Bishop Paiute Tribe began a renovation process at their Paiute Palace Casino. • In January 2012, the Tejon Indian tribe gained federal recognition. The tribe will likely open a casino in Kern County in the near future. • The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake are set to open Running Creek Casino in spring 2012. In California, several political and legal issues continue to increase tensions between Indian tribes and the state. In February 2011, a state audit revealed that local governments had been

Commercial & Tribal Gaming Stats 2012 - RubinBrown 20