Casino amendment studied - 2004-02-13
State leaders are considering an amendment to the state constitution that would permit non-Indians to develop casinos, officials said Thursday.

The move could push several American Indian nations to resolve differences with the state and complete the six casinos the governor and Legislature authorized the tribes to open in 2001, some officials said.

“This certainly will put pressure on Native Americans to rethink their positions,” said Orange County Republican state Sen. John Bonacic, the bill’s Senate sponsor.
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Gambling u-turn may be a winner for pubs - 2004-02-13
A government u-turn on the new gambling bill could be beneficial to pubs.

It is understood that ministers want to link any new casino developments to regeneration projects in disadvantaged areas.

This could mean a restriction on the number of new casino openings, meaning less competition for pubs. It had been feared that the relaxation of the gambling laws could hit the income of small pubs.
Read the full story at The Publican