3 Native American Tribes Collaborate in Casino Development Venture

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 12, 2000-- The San Pasqual Band of Indians reached an agreement Monday with Sealaska Corporation to help finance construction of its new gaming facilities in North County.

The funding agreement paves the way for completion of the tribe's 40,000 square foot temporary casino scheduled to open in spring of 2001, and also provides financing for construction of its 300,000 square-foot permanent, Mediterranean village-style luxury resort-casino overlooking Lake Wohlford.

The arrangement between the San Pasqual Band of Indians, Sealaska Corporation and First Nation Gaming represents a first of its kind agreement to fund, develop and manage a casino project of this magnitude. This unique agreement brings together three separate tribal nations for distinct geographical areas: the Tlingit and Haida Indians from Southeast Alaska, the Tunica-Biloxi tribe in Louisiana, and the San Pasqual Band of Indians, whose territory is just east of Escondido, CA.

"I am excited that three tribal nations are able to work together and create economic opportunities that will benefit each of our tribes,'' said Allen Lawson, Tribal Chairman for the San Pasqual Band of Indians. "Although our tribes are different in many ways, we were able to formulate a winning business strategy by working together.''

"This investment is an important milestone in our company's initiatives to diversify and broaden our revenue sources,'' said Robert W. Loescher, President and CEO of Sealaska Corporation. "We recognize a tremendous potential in this new investment into the entertainment industry in Southern California.''

Based in Juneau, Alaska, Sealaska Corporation is one of 13 Regional Native corporations formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971.

First Nation Gaming, based in Lafayette, LA, is a Native American-owned company developing and managing Native American Casino facilities.

Terms for the financing were not disclosed, however plans for the permanent luxury resort and gaming facility include 200 rooms and villas, an 18-hole championship golf course, five restaurants, a day spa, and equestrian facilities. At a total cost of approximately $180 million, the lake-view resort will be the most anticipated and expensive casino development in the North County.

Casino Cosmos Offers Las Vegas Excitment
in Russia

Casino Cosmos is one of the largest and prestigious casinos in all of Russia. Located in Moscow in the Russian Federation, this four-star hotel has been the press center for many high-profile sporting events, such as the 1996 Goodwill Games and the 1980 Olympics. The hotel was opened during the communist era strictly for foreigners and thus shows the grand style and hospitality reserved for visitors.

The casino, located on the first floor, provides gambling aficionados with over 60 table games with wagering from $5 to $25,000 as well as a lottery that features many prizes. In keeping with its prestigious reputation, Casino Cosmos gives away such luxury prizes as Mercedes Benz or Lexus cars every two months. The casino also offers two gourmet restaurants and a buffet that serves exquisite European and Russian cuisine and two lounges that offer a relaxing atmosphere and exotic drinks.

Casino Cosmos caters to its VIPs. VIP members of this casino enjoy not only complimentary hotel rooms and meals, but it will even provide a chauffer who will take you anywhere in the city. And don't try to tip them because they won't accept tips. VIP's also enjoy the privacy of a high-end gaming salon.

Aside from the games of chance the Cosmos Casino also has a section for the stimulation of the intellect with games like backgammon, chess, checkers and others cerebral games. In fact the hotel hosted Chess Olympics in 1995.

Once you are all gamed out you can join your friends in one of the hippest clubs of Moscow, Club Solaris. Hot DJ music and cool people will make your night unforgettable and you might bump into the biggest stars in Russia. This casino even has a bowling hall. They are open from 9 pm till 6 am. So, should your travels take you to Russia and your looking for a sophisticated gaming experience put Casino Cosmos on your list.