They spent heavily to get the measure on the ballot, while the opposition campaign didn't form and start collecting money until the measure had already qualified. Las Vegas, with its nightclub shows, family attractions and nationwide clientele, is considered less vulnerable. Northern Nevada gets 50 to 70 percent of its business from northern California, according to industry executives, and the bulk of that business comes in by car and bus over mountain roads that are often treacherous during the Sierra winter. An industry financed study found that widespread gambling in California could cut business in northern Nevada by 10 to 15 percent in the first couple of years, Whittemore said. Bus driver Ron Abrams, who has hauled people to Nevada resorts for more than 30 years, said business already is off for tour buses and expanded Indian casinos will only hurt more.
Indian leaders say they have a right to build casinos on their sovereign land.
Mark Nichols, chief executive officer of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians in Indio, Calif., acknowledged that Proposition 5 could hurt Nevada. But he said California Indians aren't to blame because northern Nevada resorts diversify their attractions beyond gambling. Moraino Patencio of the Pechanga Gaming Commission in Temecula, Calif., says Nevada casinos should look at the measure as a spur for new investment rather than a threat. Gambler John Brumett of Ukiah, Calif., agreed. We like to come to Tahoe.