Proposed SF Indian casino gets financing (Point Molate)

July 23, 2008

RICHMOND - The Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians hope to build an Indian casino resort complex at the foot of the Richmond-San Rafael bridge. It would include a 1,100-room hotel, theater, convention center, retail shops, and housing.

Since Harrah’s dropped their financial backing last year, the tribe has been looking for a new financial partner. This week they announced they will receive financing from the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians, who own and operate the Cache Creek Casino. The Rumsey Band will also operate the Point Molate casino. Details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

The tribe is seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Interior to grant them the right to build a casino on Navy property that will be first transferred to Richmond and then to the tribe by end of year. Federal law bars tribes from gaming on land acquired after 1988, but allows some exemptions. The Guidiville Band believes they qualify for an exemption due to their ancestral ties to the land.

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians is seeking the same exemption for building a casino along Richmond Parkway. A federal decision on their petition will is expected much sooner than for the Guidiville Band.

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