Arizona wants to clear the way for a controversial casino near Glendale to offer La Vegas-style gambling, but the tribe that owns the casino says it has so far not been a part of the process to amend the state gaming compact.
The Tohono O'odham Nation opened Desert Diamond West Valley Casino and Resort in 2015 under federal law, after Arizona refused to issue it a license.
The casino’s Class II designation does not allow for full-scale gambling, and the Desert Diamond West Valley has been offering games like bingo or slot machine lookalikes.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, the tribe said it learned of proposed amendments to Arizona’s gaming compact last week, and it’s concerned about a lack of communication.
But the tribe also said it will consider amendment language that would end ongoing litigation, allow the West Valley casino to offer full-scale gaming and prevent opening of new casinos in the Phoenix area.
