The Jamul Tribe and Another Casino in San Diego County? Steve’s Quoted Here

The Jamul Indian tribe plans to build a $350 million, 12-story casino in Jamul. Two members of the small tribe are opposed, partly on the grounds that they believe they represent “the true Jamul Indian tribe,” and partly because the proposed casino will be built atop their homes, as well as on a tribal burial ground. They’ve filed several lawsuits in an attempt to block the casino, while non-Indian citizens’ groups also have formed and mobilized in opposition.

Steve’s quoted fairly extensively in this March 5th article in the Voice of San Diego, which observes:

"The fight has broad implications for the public acceptance of tribal gaming in San Diego County. The story of the Jamul casino opens a window not only into the state of tribal gaming, but also the divisiveness of tribal politics and perceptions of American Indians in the 21st century. . . . 'In and around San Diego, that spread of casinos is not just saturating the market but creating a tipping point,' says Steven Light, co-director of the Institute for the Study of Tribal Gaming Law and Policy at the University of North Dakota. 'At that point, gambling is seen as a bad thing. You sort of go over the precipice. There's the perception that it's too much.'"

Although it might be read that way, Steve must admit that he’s not entirely positive that the spread of casinos in San Diego County actually is saturating the economic market for gaming; rather, the quote should be read as an observation of how public opinion is changing in and around San Diego, as well as elsewhere. The story of the Jamul is but one such tale.