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Governor ends ban on talks

Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2002 | 11:04 a.m.

SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Gray Davis has lifted his moratorium on discussing new casino agreements with Indian tribes after a federal court ruled in favor of the state's Indian gambling law.

Davis' lawyers decided the state now has the legal backing to proceed with talks, said spokeswoman Hilary McLean.

A federal judge ruled last month that California's Proposition 1A, approved by voters in March 2000, violates no federal law. Card rooms are appealing the decision.

At least 10 tribes have been waiting to negotiate gambling compacts. Davis had imposed the ban a year ago after four San Francisco Bay-area card rooms challenged the gaming law, which they said gives tribes an unfair monopoly on Nevada-style gambling.

Davis' administration sent formal notice that negotiations can begin with at least two of them in San Diego County, the La Posta and Santa Ysabel.

The Karuk tribe near Yreka and the Torres Martinez band in Thermal, near Palm Springs, also have had recent discussions with Davis officials.

Statewide, 48 tribes now operate 49 casinos.

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