Gov. Doug Ducey and nine tribal leaders met to affirm amendments to the Indian gaming compact and solidify a promise made 15 years ago.

“It’s time for us to modernize this compact to meet the changing needs of the state and to increase the opportunities for tribal gaming,” Ducey said. “It’s a view that’s been expressed by tribal leaders over the years, and I agree. The time has come to allow each tribe more freedom in their gaming operations and give every nation the opportunity to have a seat at the table.”

The amendments allow the tribes a higher gaming class on their respective reservations in return for not building more gaming facilities within the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Ducey was joined by leaders of the Fort McDowell Yavapai nation, the Tonto Apache tribe, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian community, the White Mountain Apache tribe, the Hualapai tribe, the Havasupai tribe, the Gila River Indian community and the Navajo nation.

“On behalf of the Fort McDowell Yavapai nation, I want to thank Gov. Ducey and his staff for hosting today’s historic signing ceremony,” President Bernadine Burnette said. “It signifies the state’s respect to engage in meaningful government-to-government negotiations with Fort McDowell and other Arizona tribes to plan for and to ensure the future of tribal gaming in our state.”