Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment Sept. 24 announced that Justin Ruggieri is the new general counsel for Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise. Ruggieri assumes his duties as the Tribal gaming operator introduces new gaming opportunities at its four properties near Tucson, Sahuarita, Glendale, and Why (Ajo), Arizona.
Ruggieri’s appointment follows the August introduction of Mike Bean as the new CEO of Desert Diamonds Casinos & Entertainment.
“Justin is ideally suited for general counsel as we move forward with new opportunities for the Enterprise,” Bean said in a statement. “He has been playing a key role in our legal efforts for many years and is a welcome addition to the team that will lead our organization into the future.”
Ruggieri has been assistant general counsel to the Enterprise since 2008. His responsibilities have included regulatory compliance, negotiating and drafting commercial contracts, and advising senior management about employment law and general operational matters.
Most recently he assisted the Tohono O’odham Nation during the negotiation of the 2021 Amended Gaming Compact.
A graduate of the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law, Ruggieri previously served as assistant attorney general for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe from 2001–2007, where he advised on governmental and gaming issues. He also has taught Indian gaming law at the James E. Rogers College of Law and instructed attorneys and industry professionals on legal matters including Indian and gaming law.
