A groundbreaking ceremony was held last Friday for Nambé Pueblo’s Nambé Falls Casino at its travel center at U.S. 84-285, north of Santa Fe.
A November opening is anticipated. Matt Doyle, chief executive officer at Albuquerque-based Development Services Group, Development Services Group & Associates, which helps tribes build businesses, said the 7,310 square foot Nambé Falls will be a “casino-ette,” offering 180 slot machines and no other games. He added, “It’s really about convenience-based gaming” with close parking for easy accessibility.
Shannon McKenna, president of Nambé Pueblo Gaming Enterprises, said the casino “will include a themed environment” with “floor-wide mystery jackpots and a friendly customer-focused atmosphere.” Pueblo Governor Phillip Perez added, “The Nambé Pueblo on behalf of our community welcomes the opportunity to create employment and serve our greater community with an excellent gaming experience.”
Nambé has been looking into building a casino for more than a decade. In 2008 it planned a 50,000 square foot casino with a Star Trek theme, offering 500 slots and a theme park, but after receiving various official approvals, it dropped the plans due to the economy.
Located just south of Pojoaque Pueblo’s Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort, Nambé Falls will be financed with First National Bank of Santa Fe.
Nambé’s state gambling compact was signed in 2007. Doyle said the pueblo also is considering a new 22-year compact recently negotiated with five tribes, endorsed by the 2015 legislature and signed by Gov. Susana Martinez. Now federal officials must approve it. Fourteen other tribes or pueblos name have casinos in New Mexico.
