McCain joins opposition to off-reservation casino bid

Thursday, January 21, 2010  

Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, said he opposes the off-reservation casino sought by the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona.

McCain told The Arizona Republic in an e-mail that he "cannot support the proposed casino because of its lack of community support." He added: "The circumstances surrounding the Tohono O'odham Nation's proposal are complex, and the views of the local governments and citizens and its impact on the community must be considered before the project moves forward."

The tribe wants to build a $550 million resort near Glendale. The gaming site was acquired through a land claim settlement act so the tribe says it can open a casino there.

In 2005, McCain introduced a controversial bill to amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. One section would have made it harder for tribes to open off-reservation casinos but it would have not have affected the Tohono O'odham Nation's proposal.

The tribe has asked the Bureau of Indian Affairs to confirm that it can engage in gaming at the site. A decision from the central office in Washington, D.C., is pending.

Get the Story:
McCain, Brewer oppose casino-resort proposal for Glendale area (The Arizona Republic 1/21)
Brewer opposes $500M west side casino (The Phoenix Business Journal 1/20)