Richard Milanovich, who as chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians helped launch a new era of wealth and political power for many Native Americans through the development of tribal casinos in California, died of cancer on March 11 at age 69.
For three decades, Milanovich guided the Agua Caliente from a rude desert existence to the prosperity that accompanies casino-fed wealth. The transformation wasn’t just experienced by the tribe but coincided with the economic renewal of Palm Springs and concomitant advancement of the adjacent reservations throughout the Coachella Valley.
Richard Milanovich was at the forefront of this transformation and had the vision and leadership ability to aid in the economic development of an entire region. Nick Roman takes a few moments to talk about the contribution that Richard Milanovich made to Indian gaming and economic development of the Palm Springs area.
Guest:
I. Nelson Rose, Professor of Law at Whittier Law School. Rose is a consultant and expert witness on gambling law for governments, industry and players. He writes regularly about gambling developments on his blog, Gambling and The Law.