Californian city in talks with tribe over casino

2007-06-15 16:29:18

A city to the south of Los Angeles that prides itself on its commitment to cultural "progressivism" is in talks with an Indian tribe about building a casino.

Garden Grove officials have confirmed that the council is in discussions with the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe, which presented the idea last month.

The Gabrielinos told the council that it would pay $100 million for infrastructure improvements and a further $70 million a year for the next three decades, depending on slot machine revenue.

If the council is persuaded, then the casino will be built in the resort area on Harbor Boulevard.

Jonathan Stein, who leads the tribe, said the casino would be similar to the Bellagio in Las Vegas and will feature an amphitheater, retail outlets, eateries and 2,500 slot machines.

This is the second time in three years that Garden Grove has considered bringing a casino to the city.

In 2004, the council held talks with the Mesa Grande tribe, but they collapsed when it was revealed that closed-door discussion had taken place with a Las Vegas developer.



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