Arizona Voters Happy with the Amount of Gaming in the State

PHOENIX, May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- A new poll conducted by the Arizona Indian Gaming Association found that 60% of voters believe the state has the right amount of gaming in play today. Only 25% of those polled say the state has too much gaming, and only one person in ten believes that Arizona has too little gaming available.

Among the questions asked, voters were polled on their view the location of gaming casinos and whether having to drive 10 miles or more was seen as an inconvenience. Eighty-one percent (81%) say that casinos are convenient enough. Only 13% of those polled said that casinos should be located within cities and towns.

Asked if voters supported gaming being allowed at race tracks, voters were clear in their opposition. Sixty-six percent (66%) said that gaming should not be available at race tracks. Only 30% of those polled supported racinos. Of the 66% who are opposed, over a third expressed strong opposition to racinos.

Voters were also asked to weigh in about the impact on Indian gaming if racinos are allowed in Arizona. The terms of the compacts state that, if racinos are allowed, all limits on Indian gaming will be eliminated, including the number of casinos, types of games and number of slots. Triggering this "poison pill" will result in full-scale Las Vegas type gaming. In addition, tribal contributions to state and local governments will be reduced by more than 80%, or at least $100 million a year. Given this information, support for racinos plunged to only 19%.

The results of the poll indicate that fully one-third of voters believe tribes have upheld the promises made to them in 2002 which ensured that gaming would be limited in scope, well-regulated and only on reservation land. Another one-third says tribes have probably upheld them. Only 15% of those polls said that tribes have not upheld these promises and 20% are unsure.

The poll was conducted by Wright Consulting Services. For more information, contact Sheila Morago, Arizona Indian Gaming Association.

Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA) is has a membership of 18 tribes representing 90% of the Indian people living on reservations in Arizona. The Association is committed to protecting and promoting the general welfare of tribes, striving for self-reliance by supporting tribal gaming enterprises on Arizona Indian lands.

    Contact:  Sheila Morago, Executive Director    Arizona Indian Gaming Association    (602) 307-1570

SOURCE Arizona Indian Gaming Association