Litigation | Openings & Closings

Tohono O'odham Nation to move forward with Class II facility

Friday, September 18, 2015

An updated rendering of the West Valley Resort under construction in Glendale, Arizona. Image from WVR

The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona saw a setback on Thursday in its battle for an off-reservation casino.

The tribe plans to open the $200 million West Valley Resort in Glendale later this year. But the facility will only offer Class II games at this point because the Arizona Department of Gaming is refusing to certify it as a full-fledged casino.

The tribe asked Judge David Campbell to force the state to change course. But in rejecting a motion for a preliminary injunction, Campbell wrote that "the West Valley Resort is scheduled to open on schedule and offer gaming services that the nation’s consultant predicts will generate the same level of profits as would a Class III facility."

Arizona Casino Wars: Tribes battle over new gaming facility in the Phoenix area

The tribe could still pursue Class III gaming at the site. That would presumably involve some form of dispute resolution, an issue that Campbell said has not yet been presented in court.

Despite the setback, the tribe remains optimistic that it will eventually win certification of the facility. An opening is expected in December.

“The nation is comfortable with the court’s decision today and we remain confident that the court will ultimately rule in our favor, Chairman Edward Manuel said in a press release. “We remain focused on creating jobs and economic opportunity in the West Valley as our project nears completion.”

Get the Story:
Ruling a setback for O'odham's Glendale casino (Capitol Media Services 9/18)
Judge won’t order Arizona to license Glendale-area casino (AP 9/17)
Arizona Judge Denies Tribe Injuction In Glendale-Area Casino Fight (KJZZ 9/17)
Tribe & Arizona Slog Through Casino Fight (Courthouse News Service 9/17)