California governor signs deal for Indian casino near Ukiah

California may be getting a new Indian casino. Gov. Jerry Brown Monday signed a gambling compact with the Pinoleville Pomo Nation, a Mendocino County Indian tribe, allowing it to build a casino with 900 slot machines.

The governor’s office announced the agreement Monday. The casino will be located near Ukiah, about 120 miles north of San Francisco.

Under the compact, the tribe will donate up to 15 percent of the casino’s net earnings for the community and on programs designed to address gambling addiction.

The agreement also includes steps the tribe must take to protect the environment during construction.

According to the most recent Casino City’s Indian Gaming Industry Report by economist Alan Meister, California had the nation’s largest Indian casino market.

California has 66 Indian casinos operated by 60 tribes. The state produced more than $6.9 billion in gaming revenues, approximately 26 percent of nation’s Indian gaming market.