Federal Regulators Approve Amador County Casino Site

The federal government says the Buena Vista Rancheria south of highway 88 in Amador County is an appropriate location for a tribal casino.

The National Indian Gaming Commission recently ruled that the 67-acre parcel fits the definition of “Indian Land” under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act which opens the way for a casino to be built there.

However, the ruling is being disputed by county officials who have challenged the Mi Wok´s right to regulate gaming on the property.

A compact between the tribe and the governor´s office would require the tribe to pay the state a percentage of slot machine revenue and requires the tribe to address certain governmental concerns such as traffic and law enforcement.

The county says negotiations will resume when a final environmental impact report is released.