The Arizona House gave preliminary approval to HB2297, a bill that seeks to prevent the Tohono O'odham Nation from developing an off-reservation casino.

The bill allows a city or town to annex territory "if the landowner has requested that the federal government take ownership of the territory or hold the territory in trust." That language applies to a 100-acre site that the tribe owns and plans to use for the $550 million West Valley Resort.

The tribe acquired the site in 2003. Normally, it wouldn't be eligible for a casino but the tribe says it qualifies for an exception in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that applies to land acquired in connection with a land claim settlement.

Congress passed a land claim settlement act that says the tribe can acquire "unincorporated" land. If the city of Glendale annexes the tribe's site, it would no longer meet that definition.

The tribe could still pursue the casino without the land claim exception but would have to obtain state approval. So far, state leaders and politicians oppose the casino.

Get the Story:
Move to block casino near Glendale advances at Capitol (Capitol Media Services 2/26)

Earlier Stories:
Bill targets Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino bid (2/3)
Tohono O'odham Nation 'more committed' to casino (1/28)
Sen. Kyl voices opposition to Tohono O'odham casino (1/27)
McCain joins opposition to off-reservation casino bid (1/21)
Tohono O'odham Nation won't drop off-reservation bid (1/20)