The gaming compacts between the state of New Mexico and the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, Mescalero Apache Tribe, Pueblo of Acoma and the Pueblo of Jemez recently was approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The New Mexico legislature approved the compact in March, and Governor Susana Martinez signed it April 13. The compact then was submitted to the Interior Department, which had 45 days to approve or deny it. The department took no action, meaning it had been approved. The compact will take effect after it has been registered with the federal registry. Under the compacts, the tribes can operate casinos for another 20 years.
However, in a letter sent to Martinez and tribal leaders, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn indicated some concerns the department had with the compacts. Washburn pointed to an apparent increase in revenue sharing rates for some tribes, but acknowledged that the agreements had tribal support.
Navajo Nation Council spokesman LoRenzo Bates said, “We are very proud of the combined efforts and we look forward to growing the Nation’s gaming industry for the benefit of the Navajo Nation and the state of New Mexico.”
Approval of the compact will allow the Flowing Water Navajo Casino near Shiprock to convert from a Class II to a Class III gaming facility, where it will install table games, including blackjack. The tribe also operates the Fire Rock Navajo Casino near Gallup and Northern Edge Navajo Casino near Farmington. Under the new compact, the Navajo Nation can plan a fourth Class III casino in New Mexico.
