Governor Doug Ducey joined nine tribal leaders on Monday, Nov. 21, to affirm amendments to the Indian gaming compact, building a connection among the tribes of Arizona and solidifying a promise made 15 years ago in the original Compact.

“It’s time for us to modernize this compact to meet the changing needs of the state and to increase the opportunities for tribal gaming,” Governor Ducey said. “It’s a view that’s been expressed by tribal leaders over the years, and I agree. The time has come to allow each tribe more freedom in their gaming operations and give every Nation the opportunity to have a seat at the table.”

The amendments allow the respective tribes a higher gaming class on their reservations, in return for not building future gaming facilities within the Phoenix Metro Area. It also begins future discussions to improve the compact in the state, making it work for every tribe.

Governor Ducey was joined by leaders of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the Tonto Apache Tribe, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the Hualapai Tribe, the Havasupai Tribe, the Gila River Indian Community and Navajo Nation.

Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community both border the Town of Fountain Hills and are active civic partners with the town.

“On behalf of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, I want to thank Governor Ducey and his staff for hosting today’s historic signing ceremony,” said President Bernadine Burnette. “It signifies the State’s respect to engage in meaningful government to government negotiations with Fort McDowell and other Arizona tribes to plan for and to ensure the future of tribal gaming in our State.”

Delbert W. Ray, Sr., President of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community also commented on the agreement.

“Today we reaffirm the promise we made 15 years ago that Indian gaming would be limited, well-regulated and there would be no additional casinos in the Phoenix metropolitan area,” President Ray said. “I commend Governor Ducey for building on both the legacy of previous Arizona leaders and the incredible success of the 2002 tribal gaming compact.

“(Gaming) has created upwards of 15,000 jobs, driven significant economic development, and contributed to making Arizona’s education and health care systems stronger.

“It is my hope that, with Governor Ducey’s continued leadership, all tribes will be willing to consider signing this agreement to fulfill the promises that were made to other tribes, Arizona’s elected leadership, and the people of Arizona so many years ago.”

It may be said that the tribal gaming compact with the state was born at Fort McDowell in May of 1992 when Federal agents raided the tribal casino and confiscated slot machines.

A three-week standoff between the tribe and federal officials eventually led to a tentative agreement with tribal governments and then Governor Fife Symington III.

Symington eventually went on to sign a compact with 16 Arizona tribal communities. That compact was due to expire in 2002 when it was reaffirmed by a public vote.