The Tohono O'odham Nation is one step closer to building a casino on the edge of Glendale.  The United States Department of the Interior has concluded the tribe is entitled to make land it bought in 2003, near the Cardinals stadium, part of its reservation. The land was purchased under a 1986 law that allowed the Southern Arizona tribe to buy land in Maricopa County to replace reservation property that was flooded by a federal dam project. Former Arizona Gaming Director Mark Brnovich, a candidate for Attorney General, says the decision from the Interior Department has major implications.

“This isn't just about a casino,” Brnovich said. “This is a sovereign nation which will basically have territory, land in the heart of Glendale.”

Brnovich says that brings up a host of issues, like who is going to provide public safety and public services. The ruling does not settle the issue. New lawsuits over the casino are still possible, but it does remove a major legal obstacle standing in the way of the gambling mecca.