What’s best for the goose or the gander completely depends on which of those you are. The recent denial of renegotiated California gaming compact submissions to the US Dept. of Interior shows that the interests of some tribal-run US casinos can, to some extent, run contrary to the interests of the whole in a particular state.

The immediate stakeholders have criticized the DOI’s denials. Meanwhile, an organization for the greater balance of California casino operators actually praised the same moves. The difference in opinions stems from a difference in perspective.

The compacts that didn’t fly with the DOI are between California and the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians plus California and the Santa Rosa Indian Community of the Santa Rosa Rancheria (also often referred to as the Tachi Yokut Tribe).