Capitol Weekly’s Top 100: James Siva

52. James Siva

Siva is the vice chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the owners and operators of the towering Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa north of Palm Springs, and the chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, the nonprofit that represents the combined political might of California’s gaming tribes. He’s a newbie to the list, but that’s our bad because his influence in tribal gaming – and therefor California politics – is indisputable. That star power was on full display at the annual Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention in Anaheim this year, where attendees seemed to hang on his every word when he spoke. Siva may not be well known outside of tribal communities, but make no mistake he is one of their critical and outspoken leaders, unapologetically demanding that state politics and commercial gaming interests bend to their will. Asked how tribal gaming operations would work with the likes of FanDuel and DraftKings whenever sports gaming becomes legal in California, Siva coolly responded, “We’ll let them know what terms we’ll be willing to accept.” Underestimate him at your own peril.