The issue comes before the public in the form of Proposition 5 on the November ballot. It is a controversial measure that would allow Native Americans to offer even more kinds of gaming at their casinos.
Video slot machines have been a point of contention between the tribes and the government for the last several years. They’re a source of huge profits, but state and federal authorities say they are illegal.
If Prop. 5 passes November 3, the tribes will be allowed to keep the video machines and add other types of gambling.
Supporters and opponents have spent a combined $70 million on Proposition 5.
The tribes have spent more than $45 million in an effort to promote Proposition 5. Various Nevada casinos have spent nearly $25 million to defeat it.
The heavy advertising by both sides has ensured that most San Diegans are at least aware of the issue. Our poll found 95 percent of likely voters know about it.
And a solid majority is in favor of the measure; 62 percent said they will vote “Yes” on Prop. 5. 24 percent are opposed to it while 14 percent had decided.
“I think we should give the Indians everything they want,” said Deborah McPhillips, one of our poll respondents. “We’ve already ravished them, we’ve taken their country. They deserve everything we can give them.”
‘I'm not big on gambling. I vote for containment any way it can happen.’
—Treacy Sommer
Poll respondent
But our poll shows that San Diegans have mixed feelings about gambling in general. While 41 percent said they think there is nothing wrong at all with gambling, 31 percent said it is wrong sometimes. Another 8 percent said it is “almost always” wrong, and 9 percent said it is always wrong. 10 percent of those we asked were not sure.
“I think anybody should gamble anytime they want,” says Robert John. “It’s another one of those victimless crimes.”
“I’m not big on gambling. It’s overextended as it is,” said Treacy Sommer. “I vote for containment any way it can happen.”
Few of those we surveyed said they want to see an increase in legal wagering in the state. Just 15 percent said they would like to see laws allowing more gambling than we have now. Two-thirds said the current laws are about right and 19 percent said they would like laws passed restricting gambling.
Our survey also found that 46 percent of San Diego residents have gambled at a local Indian casino.
The poll was conducted by the Social Science Research Laboratory at San Diego State University.
Monday: what San Diego voters think of Proposition D, which would allow SeaWorld an exemption on coastal building limits.
Link to: California's Modern Indian War