California Governor Ratifies Amended Agua Caliente Compact Extending Term Through 2061

According to Indian Gaming, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2173 into law, ratifying the amended tribal-state gaming compact between California and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The bill was authored by Assemblymember Greg Wallis.

Compact Provisions

The amendment extends the agreement through Dec. 31, 2061. It adds flexibility for future growth with up to 500 additional gaming devices and restructures the tribe’s contributions to California’s Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, which supports non-gaming and limited-gaming tribes.

The Agua Caliente reservation covers significant portions of Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Cathedral City. The tribe employs approximately 3,200 people across its gaming and non-gaming ventures, making it one of the largest employers in the Coachella Valley.

AB 2173 passed both houses of the Legislature without opposition. As an urgency measure, it took effect immediately.

“Agua Caliente has been a tremendous partner to the Coachella Valley for generations, working closely with our local governments and investing in the communities we call home,” said Wallis. “This agreement respects tribal sovereignty, supports continued economic opportunity, and strengthens a partnership that has delivered real benefits throughout our region. I’m grateful to Governor Newsom for signing AB 2173 and to Chairman Jeff Grubbe and the tribe for their work to get this across the finish line.”

The Path Forward

The extended term and added capacity deliver stability for the Agua Caliente Band within California’s existing compact framework. Restructured trust fund payments maintain backing for smaller tribes. Similar amendments will test how growth provisions align with statewide revenue obligations in upcoming negotiations.

Reporting: Indian Gaming

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