The California Nations Indian Gaming Association declares its purpose in large lettering on its website: “Protecting the sovereign right of California tribal governments to operate gaming on their lands.” One need not particularly like gambling to believe the tribes do indeed have the right to operate casinos, as has been repeatedly upheld through a variety of state and federal laws.

But the tribes aren’t only about protecting their gaming rights – but restricting the rights of competitors. The tribes have invested tens of millions of dollars in political campaigns over the years that help them with such “rent seeking” – i.e. “ manipulating public policy … as a strategy for increasing profits.”

The latest example is Assembly Bill 831 by Assembly member Avelino Valencia, D-Anahei

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