The California legislature last week ratified the tribal state gaming compact with the Karuk Tribe, which allows it to operate a casino on 200 acres in Yreka, one of the northernmost towns in the Golden State. The tribe plans to deploy 1,500 slots. The Assembly voted 63-1 in favor of the compact, which had previously been approved by the Senate by a vote of 28-4 after being signed by Governor Jerry Brown in December. The state will collect 10 percent of the casino’s net profits, according to the compact.
Tribal Chairman Buster Attebery announced, “Today our gaming project took one very large step closer to reality due to the positive energy and commitment from our Tribal team and our local partners in the business community and civic leaders in Yreka.”
The tribe plans to build in two phases. The first phase will consist of the casino with 500 slots and eight table games, medium-sized restaurant and parking. The second phase will add a hotel with 80 rooms, additional gaming floor space and 300 more slots.
At a recent town hall meeting held in Yreka, U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa was asked if there was action he could take in Washington to stop the casino. He said he hadn’t heard of much opposition to the casino, but said he would look into it.
