Major California Newspaper Slams Bill Granting Tribes Right to Sue Cardrooms

Critics Call Bill "A Mockery"

Bill Would Allow Tribes to File Lawsuits Against Card Rooms Operating Near Their Casinos

A prominent California newspaper has denounced a bill that would grant Native American tribes the right to sue card rooms operating near their casinos, calling it "a mockery."

The bill, AB 386, was introduced by Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) and would allow tribes to file lawsuits against card rooms within a 50-mile radius of their casinos.

Supporters of the bill argue that it would protect tribal sovereignty and ensure fair competition. However, critics say the bill would give tribes a monopoly on gambling in California and would lead to the closure of many card rooms.

The Newspaper's Editorial

In an editorial, the Los Angeles Times called the bill "a mockery" and said it would "undermine the state's gaming industry."

The editorial board wrote that the bill would "allow tribes to sue card rooms out of business, even if those card rooms are operating legally."

The editorial board also said the bill would "create a monopoly on gambling in California" and would "harm the state's economy."

The Bill's Supporters

Supporters of the bill argue that it would protect tribal sovereignty and ensure fair competition.

They say that tribes have a right to protect their gaming operations from competition from card rooms.

They also say that the bill would level the playing field between tribes and card rooms.

The Bill's Critics

Critics of the bill say it would give tribes a monopoly on gambling in California and would lead to the closure of many card rooms.

They say that the bill would allow tribes to sue card rooms even if those card rooms are operating legally.

They also say that the bill would harm the state's economy by reducing tourism and tax revenue.

The Bill's Future

The bill is currently in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. It is unclear if the bill will pass the committee and be voted on by the full Assembly.

If the bill passes the Assembly, it will then go to the Senate. If the bill passes the Senate, it will be sent to the governor for his signature.

The governor has not yet taken a position on the bill.