San Pablo officials support the casino conversion because the city will get a cut of the action and have a key role in overseeing casino operations, a level of control virtually unheard of among casinos around the country. Labor leaders approve because the Lyttons agreed to allow employee unions. Even a key anti-gambling group backs it because of tribe concessions to the community, including local law enforcement. But nearby card room owners who fear they will be run out of business have launched a last-ditch legal bid to stop the Lyttons. They also funded a television ad campaign featuring Rosemary Corbin, mayor of neighboring Richmond.
Opponents acknowledge that California voters overwhelmingly approved gambling on Indian lands.
They question whether this is what they had in mind. Their protests are aimed at Gov. Gray Davis, who must negotiate a compact with the Lyttons before they offer slot machines and Nevada-style card games. Davis hints this is not over. He doesn't want to see a big expansion of gaming in California, particularly in urban areas. But legal experts say that since 61 other California tribes already have compacts, Davis would have a hard time turning down the Lyttons.