Sen. Kyl voices opposition to Tohono O'odham casino

Wednesday, January 27, 2010  

Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Arizona) joined opposition to the casino sought by the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona.

In a press release, Kyl said he is worried about the impact of the $550 million resort on local communities. He also said the casino would set a "precedent" for "gaming on newly acquired Indian trust lands."

The tribe acquired the gaming site through a land claim settlement that was ratified by Congress. That means it should qualify for an exception in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Since 1988, only two tribes have opened casinos on land acquired through a land claim settlement -- the Seneca Nation and the Wyandotte Nation. The Senecas easily won federal approval for two off-reservation casinos in New York but the Wyandottes had to go to court to ensure the tribe's right to game on a site in Kansas.

Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and Gov. Jan Brewer (R) also oppose the casino.

Get the Story:
Sen. Kyl joins opposition to Glendale casino plan (Glendale-Peoria Today 1/27)