if Fort McDowell began with Bingo - but I visited the Fort shortly after they opened the "real casino". I recall that they offered a variety of gaming activities. They may have had a Bingo Hall prior to then... but I wasn't aware of it as it was a little too far for me to go play Bingo. (I have never played Bingo except in high school Spanish class... which we called "lotteria!" )

Remember the infamous Fort McDowell stand-off (( in 1992? )) The Feds came in to seize the slot machines in dispute with the Fort McDowell Indian community who declared themselves a sovereign nation?

I can't recall the details... but the members of the tribe literally formed a human chain of citizens across the road to block the authorities - and the standoff lasted several days (ya'll remember that??)

I have searched for some old news stories concerning Fort McDowell Sovereignty Day... but haven't been able to find much. It is a fascinating story and was a big triumph for those who support AZ gaming