1.   An investigation by The Arizona Republic shows the critical role played by wealthy Florida gaming interests that were behind the Chip pewa casino venture.

2.   But it does raise ticklish issues for groups like the National Indian Gaming Association, based in Washington, D.C., which represents Indian gaming interests.

3.   Gaming interests argue that by legalizing casinos, cash-strapped areas can generate higher revenues without hiking taxes.

4.   Nevada gaming interests will spend millions to try to defeat the proposition, but ironically, the once impoverished Indian tribes will probably spend the most to defend it.

5.   The study was further tarnished, critics said, by its indirect links to a public relations firm having gaming interests as clients.