FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT
Valerie Spicer
(480) 284-4034
TEMPE, AZ – The Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA), on behalf of its 15 Member Tribes, is aware of Governor Doug Ducey’s initiative to begin new gaming compact negotiations.
On Monday, November 21, 2016, some member Tribes of AIGA joined the Governor for a signing ceremony announcing the intention to begin negotiations to modernize and extend the gaming compacts between Tribes in Arizona and the State. While not all Tribes have had the opportunity to review and determine their position with the Governor’s proposed compact amendment process, they will be seeking further consultation to determine their direction.
“Tribal Gaming in Arizona has been the greatest economic benefit afforded to Tribes and all of Arizona’s communities,” said AIGA’s Vice Chairman Paul Russell of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. “These negotiations will have immediate and long-term impacts on all corners of our state and it is vital that all compacted Tribes have a seat at the table.”
“The Member Tribes of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association respect and recognize each Tribal government as sovereign,” said Valerie Spicer, Executive Director of AIGA, “The gaming compacts represent a negotiation between sovereign nations and the State of Arizona.”
To date, Tribal Gaming in Arizona has contributed over $1.2 billion dollars back to the state, which includes dedicated funding for Education programs, Trauma and Emergency Room care, the Departments of Tourism and Game and Fish, as well as Problem Gaming. Tribal Gaming also contributes tens of millions of dollars to local cities and towns and creates over 15,000 jobs statewide.
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About Arizona Indian Gaming Association
AIGA was established November 21, 1994 by Arizona tribal leaders. The Association is committed to advancing the lives of Indian peoples – economically, socially and politically – so that Indian tribes in Arizona can achieve their goal of self-reliance. Current membership includes: Ak-Chin Indian Community, Cocopah Tribe, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe, Havasupai Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab-Paiute Tribe, Navajo Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Tohono O’odham Nation, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Yavapai Apache Nation and Pueblo of Zuni. For information about AIGA visit www.azindiangaming.org or www.benefitingarizona.org
