Las Vegas Style Casino Plans Fuel Debate In Arizona

Gambling expansion is running rampant across the US, but the latest plans from a tribe in Arizona has lawmakers in the state up in arms. A new Las Vegas-style casino resort is in the works, and legislators are trying to stop the casino from being built.

The Tohono O'odham Nation is seeking federal permission to add land to its reservation near Glendale. The additional land would then be used to build a casino resort similar to those found in the gambling capital of the US, Las Vegas.

Lawmakers have started circulating a Bill through Congress that would prevent the tribe from building the casino. The lawmakers claim they have not been part of the development process, and that the casino will not be accepted.

"We're simply saying if they want to build motels or hotels or swimming pools or bars or restaurants they can do that," said Representative Jerry Weiers, the Bills sponsor, as reported by The associated Press, "They would just not be able to build a casino there."

While the Tohono O'odham Nation claims that the battle is between the state and all tribal communities, other tribes have joined the effort to keep the casino away. With casinos already open, if the Tohono tribe were to build a mega-resort, it could hurt business at the already existing casinos.

Major political players have weighed in on the issue, with the two US senators and Governor Jan Brewer leading the opposition. Several mayors of nearby towns are in favor of the project and the revenue it would bring the surrounding areas.

Regardless of whether the legislature passed any laws regarding the issue, it is likely to end up in federal court. The battle is over land annexation, and it may take the federal government to sort out the legal details.

March 7, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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