Arizona Tribal Gaming Gets Curiouser and Curiouser

[Casino Knight]

The Tohono O’odham Nation's newest offering, the Desert Diamond Casino will celebrate it's first anniversary in December. WITHOUT A COMPACT!!!

Operating only Class II "Bingo" machines hasn't slowed down the crowds. A wall of video billboards line the 101 Freeway showing off recent "big winners" and proclaiming payouts of over $35 million.
It doesn't appear to be a hindrance to the tribe or players.

In Arizona under a Class III Compact with the State, a Tribe is allowed a certain number of Slot/Video Poker, and electronic games of chance just like you find in an off Reservation Casino, as well as some house banked Table Games and live poker. The number of machines allowed is based on a formula that includes Tribal population. The bigger the Tribe, the more machines allowed in the casino. Under Class III Compacts the State of Arizona gets a BIG CHUNK of Change from the Tribes.

Under Class II Gaming (No Compact Required) the State of Arizona gets nothing.
There are no regulations/over site by the State and no limit on the number of machines allowed.

Now for the weird part. Today while at Fort McDowell, a Class III Casino, I was shocked to see Class II Bingo/Slots. mixed right in Class III slots.

Genius, pure Genius I tell you. Fill up the empty space on the casino floor with tax free profit centers.

[Vman96]

t Fort McDowell, a Class III Casino, I was shocked to see Class II Bingo/Slots. mixed right in Class III slots.

Genius, pure Genius I tell you. Fill up the empty space on the casino floor with tax free profit centers.



Yeah I think some California tribal casinos tend to do this to add machines above the compact limit as well. Slot players really won't notice the difference at all. They can manipulate the payouts to make the bingo draws pay out very similar to Class III slot machines. and the reel displays look identical.

Now video poker on the other hand...BIG Difference. And the game will likely payback like a slot machine.

[Casino Knight]

Desert Diamond has Triple Play Bingo VP at their alcohol free bar, at min. $.75 per play, it's sad to watch.

I was told that their liquor license application has been lost 3 times. The Grand Masters of the State of Arizona continue to amaze me with their wisdom, when it comes to making money. The liquor tax alone would be a big chunk of change.

[Lucky Larry]

Sweet C and I sure enjoyed our couple of trips to Fort McDowell last May. Loved the high returns especially Super Aces which I caught 3 times in one night and Sweet C caught a nice Royal.

But, i'm not surprised at your story. Next time we're out there maybe we can meet up.

LL

[Casino Knight]

Sorry I missed you. Had a consulting job that had me out of town for almost a month.

Did you try the Sushi Bar at the Fort?

[Lucky Larry]

No, we didn't. We stayed at the Wild Horse but never played a penny the VP was lousy. We only played at Fort McDowell.