The Hopi Tribe recently became the 22nd and last Arizona tribe to sign a gaming compact with the state. The 20-year compact allows the tribe to own and operate up to 900 Class III gaming machines on Hopi tribal land, or to lease those machines to other tribes within the state. Governor Doug Ducey and former Hopi Chairman Herman G. Honanie signed the compact on November 30, Honanie’s last day in office. The Bureau of Indian Affairs must approve the compact.
“Because the Hopi Tribe faces such an uncertain financial future, I believe providing opportunities and a path to prosperity for our people is of the highest importance. Having a gaming compact gives our tribe the opportunity to generate millions of dollars in much-needed revenue and a way to join our sister tribes in sharing the financial success gaming has meant all across Indian country,” Honanie said.
Tribal Chairman Tim Nuvangyaoma said the compact was unexpected. “You have to remember it’s been defeated twice by our Hopi people based on our history and our culture, but we’re at a different time now. I don’t know if they’ll take a different position on it but that’s up to the people to decide.” The Hopi tribe voted against gambling in 1995 and 2004.
Attorney Verrin T. Kewenvoyouma, representing the Hopi tribe, noted the significance of the upcoming closure of the Navajo Generating Station in Page. “With the prospect of the Navajo Generating Station closure on the horizon and the resulting significant loss of tribal jobs and programs, this compact is the first major step for the tribe to explore all of its options for future revenue. Gaming has been a net positive for tribes across the country for decades, improving education, the economy, public safety and social services. These benefits have not just been for tribes, as the surrounding communities and states significantly prosper from Indian gaming as well.”
Nuvangyaoma agreed every option should be considered in regard to the Hope tribe’s economic future. “I think with the potential of the NGS closure, which is real, we need to have as many options on the table as we can and find out what’s going to be our best revenue source and what’s more short term. This is coming to an end pretty quick. We are rolling into 2018 right now, they’re expecting that closure to happen in 2019, so we need to start looking at something that’s going to produce revenue. It’s going to be a tough task. It’s not going to be easy. I informed the people during my campaign that it may get worse before it gets better, but we have to have all the options on the table.”
Currently, 16 Arizona tribes operate 23 casinos. The Arizona Department of Gaming recently reported gross tribal gaming revenue totaled nearly $1.9 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017. Since gaming compacts began in 2003, Arizona tribes have generated more than $1 billion in gaming revenue for the state.
