During the early 1990s, several tribal casinos, including Fort McDowell, were operating in Arizona. In accordance with the provisions of the Federal 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the tribes were waiting to sign gaming compacts with the state government. At the time, however, the governor opposed Indian gaming and called upon the U.S. Attorney's Office for support. Unannounced raids by FBI agents on five Indian casinos were ordered.

At the first light of day on May 12, 1992, agents invaded the Fort McDowell Casino, seizing the community's 349 gaming machines and loading them into moving trucks. Community members witnessing the raid took immediate action and called other community members, tribal leaders and the news media. Soon, using every available car, truck, and piece of movable heavy machinery, a blockade of the casino's access road was organized. A three-week standoff between the tribe and government followed. The Arizona governor ultimately was persuaded to sign a gaming compact with the tribe, thus paving the way for Indian gaming in Arizona. May 12 is now a tribal holiday.