Governor Newsom signs Agua Caliente gaming compact amendment

SACRAMENTO, CA (KESQ) — Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation ratifying an amended tribal-state gaming compact between the State of California and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Assembly Bill 2173, authored by Assemblymember Greg Wallis, R-Bermuda Dunes, extends the agreement through Dec. 31, 2061, while providing the tribe with additional flexibility for future growth, including up to 500 additional gaming devices.

The agreement also restructures the tribe’s contributions to California’s Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, which provides financial support to non-gaming and limited-gaming tribes across the state.

“Agua Caliente has been a tremendous partner to the Coachella Valley for generations, working closely with our local governments and investing in the communities we call home,” Wallis said. “This agreement respects tribal sovereignty, supports continued economic opportunity, and strengthens a partnership that has delivered real benefits throughout our region.”

The Agua Caliente reservation encompasses significant portions of Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City. The tribe operates both gaming and non-gaming enterprises throughout the Coachella Valley and is one of the region’s major employers.

Agua Caliente Chairman Jeff Grubbe and tribal representatives worked with state officials throughout the compact amendment process.

The amended compact provides a long-term framework for the tribe’s gaming operations while maintaining its financial contributions to California’s tribal revenue-sharing system.

AB 2173 passed both houses of the California Legislature without opposition. As an urgency measure, the bill took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.

The agreement represents a continuation of the longstanding relationship between the Agua Caliente Band and the State of California, while providing the tribe with additional flexibility to pursue future economic development in the Coachella Valley.