Phx. mayor thinks slots at Sky Harbor can make money

Mayor Phil Gordon said airport slots would enable the city to generate millions that could help to reduce taxes.

Gordon’s proposal calls for allowing one or more local Indian tribes to operate slot machines at the airport, sharing their revenues with Phoenix and the state.

Getting approval for slot machines at Sky Harbor may not be easy, experts said.

“It’s a tall, tall order,” said Steve Hart, former director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.

Hart was one of those who helped negotiate the current compact between Arizona and the state’s Indian tribes, which voters approved in 2002.

“It seems to me that the voters in 2002 spoke pretty loudly about keeping gaming on Indian land,” Hart said. “This would be a significant change in direction.”

A plunging sales tax combined with a weak economy forced the city this year to make its biggest budget cuts in history, reducing its general fund by 7.8 percent, or about $90 million.

Phoenix was left with a hiring freeze and reduced services across the board, prompting city officials to begin looking at new ways to make money without raising taxes or fees.

Other ideas kicked around during brainstorming sessions include selling or leasing city property, selling naming rights to parks and city buildings, and having carmakers sponsor the purchase of police vehicles.

Not all are as hyped up about slot machines at the airport as the mayor is.

“At first blush, I’m not excited about slot machines at Sky Harbor,” Councilman Greg Stanton said.

“The current compacts strike the right balance between allowing for the accessibility of gaming but not having them all over the city, particularly in public facilities.”

Some residents are intrigued by the idea. “As a traveler myself, I know I would appreciate having something to do while I’m sitting at the terminal waiting for a flight,” said Ron Passmore, a Phoenix resident. “I think it would be a great convenience for travelers.”