Civil Arizona August 2010 Debate:
The Regulation and Taxation of Arizona Gaming
Arizona racetrack operators have been offering the state an estimated $400 million per year if gaming is expanded to Arizona racetracks.
This policy discussion really asks one simple question, "Is it worth it to the state to authorize additional gaming at Arizona racetracks?"
Civil Arizona Gaming Debate Information
Policy Proposal #4a:
Maintain Indian Gaming Policy
Continue Limited Indian Gaming at 3.25% Contribution Rate:
Limit the number of casinos to traditional Indian Reservations and continue to operate under the terms and conditions defined by the voter approved initiative enacted in 2002.
Designed Revenues: $88 million/year
Municipalities Revenues: $12 million/year
General Fund Revenues: $0
Supporters:
The Arizona Democratic Party
Gila River Indian Community (John Kaites)
Salt River Indian Nation (Matt Salmon)
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation (Kristen Boilini)
Click for Stakeholder Presentation
to Maintain Current Compacts
Accept Federal Ruling on Tohono O’odham Glendale Casino:
Allow the Department of Interior process to determine the use of the tribal land in Glendale.
Supporters:
Ned Norris (Lobbyist: John Kelly)
City of Peoria
Click for Stakeholder Presentation
to Accept Glendale Casino
Policy Proposal #4b:
Tax Off-Reservation Gaming
Authorize Casino Gaming at Arizona Racetracks (Racinos):
Authorize casino games at Arizona racetracks and tax the gross profits at 35%. This proposal will generate an estimated $400 million per year to the state (which includes the loss of $100 million from the discontinuation of contributions from the Indians). This proposal allows for the “securitization” of $1 billion from future gaming revenues.
Supporters:
Sen. Steve Pierce, Rep. Andy Tobin
Arizona Chamber of Commerce
Turf Paradise (John Mangum)
Tucson Greyhound Park (Jack LaSota)
Arizona Horseman (Bas Aja)
Phoenix Greyhound Park (Jeff Sandquist)
Click for Stakeholder Presentation of Racinos
Authorize Limited Arizona Commercial Casinos:
Raise $1.3 billion by using the model passed by Ohio voters in 2009 that authorizes four commercial casinos to be operated in designated locations with permit holders determined through a qualification process.
Supporters:
State Representative Vic Williams
The Arizona Libertarian Party
MGM Grand, Harrah’s, Sands, Wynn, Hard Rock Entertainment