California Approves New 25-Year Gaming Compact With Fort Mojave Indian Tribe Amid Revenue Concerns
Governor Gavin Newsom has approved a new 25-year gaming compact with the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, which critics argue will result in California forfeiting billions in potential casino revenue.
New York, NY, July 22, 2026 —
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new 25-year gaming compact with the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. The agreement, however, has drawn criticism from those who contend that it could lead to California forfeiting billions of dollars in potential casino revenue.
Details regarding the specific terms of the compact, beyond its 25-year duration, were not immediately available. The potential financial implications raised by critics center on the revenue streams associated with tribal gaming operations within the state. The specifics of how this new compact might affect state revenue have been a point of contention.
Critics of the agreement argue that the terms of the compact could be disadvantageous to the state’s financial interests. The exact amount of potential revenue at stake was not provided, but the concerns suggest a significant fiscal impact. The duration of the compact, set for 25 years, indicates a long-term commitment with potentially lasting financial consequences for the state.
The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe is a federally recognized tribe whose lands straddle the borders of California, Arizona, and Nevada. Gaming compacts between the state and federally recognized tribes are legally mandated agreements that define the terms under which tribes can operate casino-style gaming. These compacts typically address revenue sharing, regulatory oversight, and other operational aspects.
The development marks a significant decision in the ongoing landscape of tribal gaming in California. The state has a complex relationship with its 70-plus federally recognized tribes, many of which operate casinos that are major economic engines for their communities and the state. The approval of new compacts often involves extensive negotiation and consideration of economic and regulatory factors.
Further details on the financial projections and the specific criticisms leveled against the compact are expected as the agreement moves through any necessary implementation phases. The long-term financial outcome for California remains a subject of debate among observers and critics of the newly approved compact.
Story summarized from the original created by Josh Koehn on nypost.com, see more information here.