The gaming compact between the state of New Mexico and the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise was approved under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and will take effect July 1, 2015, pending publication in the Federal Register. NNGE Chief Executive Officer Derrick Watchman said, “This is an important milestone for the Navajo Nation and NNGE as it secures 800 high quality jobs at our New Mexico properties and initiates Navajo Gaming’s next chapter of growth. We can now move forward with planned upgrades as well as additional hiring and expansions at our properties. As an economic engine for New Mexico, northern Arizona and the Nation, the compact approval means Navajo Gaming is free to continue our pattern of strategic growth as we create more jobs and opportunities in the future.”
The Navajo Nation Council’s Naabik’iyátí’ Committee approved the compact on December 29. The state House and Senate approved it during the 2015 legislative session and Governor Susana Martinez signed it on April 13, 2015, followed by review by the U.S. Department of Interior.
The compact, which covers the Navajo Nation and four other New Mexico tribes, allows industry standards in casino operations and matches the revenue-sharing agreements of the 2007 compacts. I will expire in 25 years.
