First hand of new blackjack dealt at 5:12 a.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2003

Blackjack became legal at Arizona's tribal casinos on Wednesday, with reports of big crowds and heavy gambling.

The first hand was dealt at 5:12 a.m. at the Fort McDowell Yavapai Tribe's casino. The next came at the Salt-River Pima Maricopa's casino at 6:45 a.m.

The tribes signed compacts with the state to authorize blackjack. The deals were approved by Secretary of Interior Gale Norton and were published in yesterday's Federal Register.

Get the Story:
Blackja ck's debut a big deal (The Arizona Republic 2/6)

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