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About Us

Arizona Indian Gaming Association

Arizona Indian Gaming Association advocates, educates, partners and promotes Tribal Gaming to benefit Tribes and all of Arizona.

Who We Are

The Arizona Indian Gaming Association was established in November 21, 1994, by Arizona tribal leaders. The Association is committed to advancing the lives of Indian peoples – economically, socially and politically – so Indian Tribes in Arizona can achieve their goal of self-reliance.

The Association is committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of Tribes striving for self-reliance by supporting tribal gaming enterprises on Arizona Indian lands. Speaking on behalf of its member Tribes with one, unified voice, AIGA serves as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy resource for Tribes, policymakers and the public on Indian gaming issues and tribal community development. This organization is deeply committed to maintaining and protecting Indian sovereign governmental authority.

Current Tribal Membership

Ak-Chin Indian Community, Cocopah Indian Tribe, Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe, Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Tohono O’odham Nation, White Mountain Apache Tribe, and Pueblo of Zuni.

Indian Gaming Benefits

In 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed Indian tribes’ inherent rights to operate gaming on Indian land. In 1988, Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) affirming Tribal sovereignty and establishing the statutory framework for Indian gaming. IGRA is intended to:

Provide a statutory foundation for Indian gaming operations as a means of promoting economic development, tribal self-sufficiency and strong tribal government.

IGRA promotes Tribal economic development as federal policy. IGRA also established the regulatory framework and standards for the conduct of Indian gaming, including:

  • Federal regulation through the National Indian Gaming Commission
  • Requirement of a tribal-state compact between a state and each tribe engaged in gaming
  • Tribal regulation through respective Tribal gaming regulatory agencies
  • State review through state agencies, e.g., the Arizona Department of Gaming

The Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA):

  • Maintains and supports a strong commitment to Tribal sovereignty and governmental authority.
  • Protects and promotes the welfare of Tribes by supporting Tribal gaming enterprises on Arizona Indian lands
  • Serves as an educational, legislative and public policy resource for Tribes, policy makers, and the public on Indian gaming issues
  • Is committed to maintaining and protecting Tribal sovereign governmental authority

AIGA Key Objectives

  • Protect sovereign rights to operate Tribal government gaming and exclusivity
  • Inform the public of the many benefits of Tribal government gaming
  • Educate the public on the distinction between Tribal government gaming and commercial gaming
  • Share economic impact data and personal stories of those that benefit from Tribal government gaming

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AIGA Video