Paper looks into patron disputes at tribal casinos in Arizona

Monday, November 19, 2018  

Tribal casino patrons in Arizona sometimes find it difficult to resolve disputes that arise at the facilities.

Ryan Sherry was gambling at the Talking Stick Resort and Casino when he thought he won $50,000 on a slot machine, The Arizona Republic reported. But the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community said the machine's display had malfunctioned and that he only won $4,000.

Sherry could seek resolution of the dispute in tribal court, but he refuses. He told the paper that he doesn't think he will get a fair shot on the reservation.

"If they are judging themselves, what type of result are you going to get? You're not going to get anywhere," Sherry told the paper.

Mary Dennis also could have gone to tribal court in connection with an injury she suffered at the Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino, owned by the Gila River Indian Community. But she wasn't able to find a licensed attorney before the time ran out on her claim, the paper reported.

"I'm not lying. I don't want millions and millions of dollars," the 81-year-old woman told The Republic. "I just want something that relieves my pain and lets me be my old self again — take my dog out for a little walk, go out for a movie."

According to data obtained by the paper from the Arizona Department of Gaming, 37 complaints have been filed at tribal casinos since 2012. Tribes have violated their Class III gaming compacts 59 times since 2016, the paper said.

Scottsdale man thought he hit a $50,000 jackpot on Talking Stick slots. The tribe said no (The Arizona Republic November 19, 2018)