California Assembly approved a compact between the state and Wilton Rancheria tribe, which wants to build the first tribal casino in the area.
For the past two years, the tribe has been on a quest to win federal approval to acquire tribal lands and to build a casino and hotel complex next to Highway 99 at the south end of Elk Grove. It has faced opposition and legal challenges from some residents, cardrooms and a gambling watchdog group.
The compact the Assembly ratified Thursday allows the Wilton tribe to operate 2,500 slot machines, which are usually the most lucrative revenue sources at tribal casinos.