With inland California trying to build up the number of slot machines they have, and the latest deal signed by the Aqua Caliente Indians by Governor Schwarzenegger – they have a real shot at competing with Las Vegas –or at least they think so. "I'm sure this means there will be many more slot machines in the Inland Empire," said Michael Lombardi, former manager of one of the first Indian Casinos in the area, "We're going to have a lot of slot machines between us and the markets of Los Angeles and Orange County." 

The question is how many slot machines will ultimately be allowed. With many tribes now seeking compacts with the State of California to increase the existing number of slot machines they have – and with the Aqua Caliente tribe just given the go ahead for another 3,000 slot machines alone – one would think that Inland California is getting ahead of themselves. The Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians have just received permission as well to open two casinos.  

The more casinos go into Inland California, the less people will be traveling to Las Vegas. People can lose their money in their own backyard, just as easily as in someone else’s. The growth could seriously hurt the amount of revenue Las Vegas brings in, but there is no reason why it won’t help California’s bottom line.

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