Arizona is set to welcome its 28th casino after news that the Navajo Nation is set to develop a second Flagstaff operation. Despite the state offering no commercial casino activities, either land-based or online, the tribal casino industry is a lucrative market.
Arizonans are still in the position to explore similar alternatives to their Californian neighbors who also prohibit commercial and online casinos. However, it is still possible to visit offshore casinos and play online poker in California and Arizona.
Online gambling expert Blaise Bourgeois explains that real money poker and casino sites can be accessed by consumers, with only the operation being prohibited. This has provided US consumers with greater access and has also been a catalyst for a number of campaigns and bills to amend state legislation to allow more betting markets.
While commercial casino gambling in the US is strictly regulated, the 1988 IGRA (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) gives tribal gaming greater powers to operate casinos when they enter into compacts with the state.
With 27% of Arizona being tribal land, this means it has the highest percentage of any US state and 16 tribes in Arizona have been authorized by the state of Arizona and the US Interior Department to operate casinos.
The latest development of the ‘Lower 89 Project’ follows the November transfer of almost 14 acres of land into a trust. While the Twin Arrows casino is located roughly 25 miles outside of Flagstaff, the new development will be in the city making it available and easier to access to a wider audience.
The project is seen as part of a wider vision that will help the economic stability of the Navajo Nation and is set to include a variety of traditional table games as well as slots. Other leisure facilities including bars and restaurants are also expected but nothing has been announced yet.
Building within the city limits provides the new project with an existing infrastructure that will improve access and streamline the development process.
Tribal leaders have explained that revenues will be used to fund local infrastructure improvements, as well as improve local healthcare and education services.
The 27 existing tribal casinos in Arizona already help to support 51,753 jobs and have a $7.78 billion economic impact on the state. The state benefits from a 1% tax on casino net winnings from 0 to $25 million, 3% between $25 million and $75 million, 6% from $75 million to $100 million, and 8% beyond this amount. 88% of tax revenue goes towards the Arizona Benefits Fund, with the remaining 12% being distributed among counties and towns for government services.
It is expected that this development will not only increase employment and tax revenue but should also improve footfall in the local area, helping local businesses and services.
Because the Navajo Nation has only just secured rights to build a gaming hall in the northeast of Flagstaff, there are no details as to when it will be projected to open.
