By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services via Arizona Capitol Times
Federal officials have removed the last legal barrier to full-blown casino gambling on the edge of Glendale.
The U.S. Department of Interior this past week approved the changes in the gaming compact between the Tohono O’odham Nation and the state. That new agreement formally means the state will no longer oppose expanded gaming on the site and will, in fact, provide the necessary permits.
A day later the tribe told U.S. District Court Judge David Campbell it was dropping its lawsuit to force the state to allow its casino plans to proceed.
But it could be months before the new slot machines that the deal allows could be in place.
And forget about playing blackjack or other table games at the West Valley Desert Diamond Casino for more than a year.