United States.- Arizona would not approve further casino or gambling projects in the State, based on an agreement signed with ten native local tribes yesterday. Members of the tribes and the State’s Governor Doug Ducey reached the new deal that will allow the development of the Glendale casino in Phoenix-metro area.
Current casinos will also be able to expand the numbers of poker tables and keno games. However, Arizona asked the tribes for the commitment of not adding new gaming and entertainment centres with the exception of the Desert Diamond casino in Glendale, which is not open yet.
The Desert Diamond has entered in several controversies and legal discussions since the Tohono O’odham Nation has bought the territory from Phoenix University Stadium in 2009. The operator nation has not signed the agreement with the governor yet, but Kirk Adams, the governor’s chief of staff commented they expect the tribe’s signature during the following days.
The controversial casino is not finished yet, but offers limited gaming services since last year. If the tribe signs the agreement, it is expected that the governor will also grant a full-scale casino license to boost the activity in the Desert Diamond. Members of the governor’s office expressed that the agreement would “give the Tohono O’odham what they’ve been asking for.”
