Chukchansi workers get extra pay but shutdown pays off for other casinos

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The machines at the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino are still on, but because of the state and federal shutdown the casino floor is empty. Many of the gamblers have found other places to play.

The management at the Table Mountain Casino hasn't tabulated the numbers, but tells us they are seeing a lot more customers since the Chukchansi resort was closed last week.

Even the small Mono Wind Casino in Auberry is getting a boost. Jackie Munoz works in the tribes smoke shop. She said, "Yeah we've actually had more customers come in and say it's more comfortable over here."

Most uncomfortable is the situation the 1,300 employees of the Chukchansi casino are facing. Only a skeleton crew has been in the facility since last week's shutdown. But those off the job are getting a small amount of help. The manager left in charge of the operation issued a statement saying.

"Chukchansi understands the burden this places on our team members and you will all be paid an extra week through October 16, 2014."

But Indian gaming expert Kenneth Hansen, a professor at Fresno State says the shutdown cold last a long time. "They could potentially be closed for several months if not an entire year."

Hansen notes investigations by Madera County into the violence between rival tribal factions could lead to criminal charges and Hansen notes there's no telling what long delayed federal audits will reveal.

"If it turns out they can't account for all the money then perhaps there will be a deeper investigation by the National Indian Gaming Commission," said Hansen. "Perhaps people will be charged with Federal crimes under the Indian Gaming Act or the RICO statutes quite frankly I'm not sure why that hasn't already been done."

Hansen believes a federal investigation is long overdue because the problems at the Chukchansi casino have been going on for years. Hansen says the tribe will have a chance to correct itself in the next tribal election, which is set for early December.