Second Tribe Agrees To Unplug Its Video Lottery Terminals

SACRAMENTO – As reported by Sign On San Diego: "Just hours before a deadline set by the state, a second prominent California Indian tribe announced yesterday that it will unplug hundreds of gaming devices that mimic slot machines.

"The move by the Pechanga band of Temecula follows a similar decision by the Morongo band of east Riverside County and averts for now a legal battle that could have greatly influenced the pace of gambling expansion in the state.

"The tribes, which operate two of the biggest and most successful Indian casinos in the nation, are expected to resume negotiations with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on new agreements, or compacts, that could offer substantially more money to the strapped state.

"The tribes want thousands of additional slots to replace the legally suspect devices, known as video lottery terminals.

"…The legal debate over video lottery terminals has attracted national attention, with far-reaching implications for gaming manufacturers as well as Indian casinos…"