Artist's rendering of the proposed West Valley Resort. Image from Tohono O'odham Nation.
Opponents of the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation are asking for a trial even though they lost a major ruling in their lawsuit against the tribe. On May 7, Judge David Campbell dismissed all but one claim in the lawsuit filed by the state of Arizona, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Gila River Indian Community. He ruled that the Tohono O'odham Nation's Class III gaming compact did not bar a casino in the metro Phoenix area. But the opponents are asking Campbell to reconsider parts of his ruling. They want a trial to look into public statements allegedly made by the Tohono O'odham leaders about a Phoenix-area casino. The tribe is pursuing the West Valley Resort on a site near Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Gila River Indian Community operate seven casinos in the Phoenix area. An Opinion:
Arizona asks for reconsideration in casino case (AP 5/14) Get the Story:
James E. Blake: Casinos are a state issue (The Arizona Republic 5/15) District Court Decision:
Arizona v. Tohono O'odam Nation (May 7, 2013) Related Stories:
House hearing on bill to block Tohono O'odham Nation casino (5/14)
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