Word last week that Hard Rock International will develop and manage the Tejon Indian Tribe's proposed $600 million hotel and casino in Mettler is the latest in a series of steps laid out in laws regulating such collaborations — but by no means is the project a done deal.

Before the casino can open, the tribe and Hard Rock will need to negotiate sensitive deals to finance the project and provide law enforcement and fire protection services, either internally or through contracts with local agencies.