The Legislature approved a statewide ban on all casino-type gambling in a bid to shut down casinos on Arizona's Indian reservations. Gov. Fife Symington, who sought the measure, said he would sign it Friday.
"What we're talking about here is protecting Arizona and our quality of life and balancing that with the needs of the tribes," he said.The bill was a backlash against a new federal law that has spurred plans for big, federally sanctioned Indian casinos in several states. Under the law, tribes can offer any kind of gambling that is allowed in their state.
Arizona's tribes have argued successfully in court that because the state allows casino gambling at charity events, it cannot prohibit similar games on reservations. They have gained approval to install thousands of slot machines.
The bill approved Thursday would ban all casino-type gambling in Arizona, including charity fund-raisers. It passed the House 31-27 after clearing the Senate earlier this week 16-14.
The legislation does not affect the state lottery or wagering on horse and dog races, and Indian tribes would be allowed to continue operating similar games.