The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s historic 1992 standoff against federal agents who attempted to seize their slot machines paved the way for Indian gaming and enabled the tribe to build a strong community for their members. Opening in 1984 as the first casino in Arizona, Ba’Ja Bingo was renamed twice over the ensuring 37 years – as the Fort McDowell Gaming Center, and later, Fort McDowell Casino. On October 29, the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort will celebrate its one-year anniversary of offering excellence in gaming to Valley residents and visitors to the area.
