Tohono O'odham Nation seeks gaming land determination

Wednesday, April 20, 2011  

The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona is asking the federal government to confirm that its land can be used for a casino.

Generally, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act bars gaming on newly acquired land. But the law contains an exception for land acquired in connection with a land claim settlement.

The BIA has already determined that it will place the tribe's land in trust under a land claim settlement that Congress approved in 1986. So the tribe wants an official determination that the site can be used for the proposed West Valley Resort.

"We have chosen to move forward with obtaining a gaming determination now to emphasize our dedication to this project, the surrounding communities and others," Chairman Ned Norris, Jr. said in a press release, The Arizona Republic reported.

Get the Story:
Tribe asks feds to reaffirm land near Glendale OK for casin (The Arizona Republic 4/19)

District Court Decision:
Gila River Indian Community v. DOI (March 3, 2011)

Related Stories:
Bill could affect Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation plan (4/13)
Sen. Feinstein introduces measure to bar new tribal casinos (4/11)
Tea Party supports Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (4/11)
DOJ opposes delay for Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (4/6)
BIA to declare reservation for Tohono O'odham Nation by May 16 (4/5)
City appeals decision favoring Tohono O'odham Nation casino (3/24)
Blog: City spends $1.3M to fight Tohono O'odham Nation casino (3/16)
Some residents urge city to drop Tohono O'odham casino appeal (3/15)
Tohono O'odham Nation awaits decision on off-reservation casino (3/14)
Editorial: Ruling on off-reservation casino ignores consequences (3/7)
Judge rejects lawsuit on Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (3/4)