It has been 10 years since the Navajo Nation created the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (Navajo Gaming). It now operates casinos in New Mexico and Northern Arizona, a .19 billion industry that supports 1,200 jobs.
Navajo Gaming CEO Derrick Watchman greeted the anniversary by declaring: “Today Navajo Gaming is four properties strong, has 1200 employees and distributed millions to the Navajo Nation and state governments. We have become a major economic engine not only for The Nation, but for New Mexico and Northern Arizona.”
Two years after the creation of Navajo Gaming the nation opened the Fire Rock Navajo Casino near Gallup, New Mexico. The Flowing Water Navajo Casino opened near Shiprock, New Mexico two years later. In 2012 the Northern Edge Navajo Casino opened near Farmington, New Mexico. Finally in 2013 the Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort opened near Flagstaff, Arizona.
The funds raised from these initiatives have helped the nation to launch the Navajo Beef Initiative, which this year generated more than $20 million for tribal ranchers.
The four casinos are inviting the public on September 26 for free anniversary cake and beverages.
Navajo Gaming recently announced the Glittering Mountain shopping center project, which will offer more hospitality and business development.
Watchman declared, “In addition to strengthening our employees, Navajo Gaming will drive commerce, hospitality and economic opportunities as we continue to fulfill the mandate of the Navajo people and look toward the next ten years of growth.”
