New Mexico Gaming Compact Awaits Legislative Approval

The proposed gaming compact negotiated between New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez's administration and several tribes will have its first legislative committee hearing this week. Jicarilla Apache President Ty Vicenti urged the legislature, which adjourns March 21, to act fast on its compact to the tribe’s Apache Nugget casino (l.) can stay open.

The proposed gaming compact between the state of New Mexico and the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the Mescalero Apache, the pueblos of Acoma and Jemez and the Navajo Nation will have its first legislative committee hearing on Tuesday, February 24. The proposed compact, negotiated by the tribes and Governor Susana Martinez’s office, will replace the current compact that will expire later this year.

Jicarilla Apache President Ty Vicenti issued a recent statement asking the legislature to act quickly to preserve hundreds of jobs in northern New Mexico.

Following the approval of the legislature, the U.S. Department of Interior also must approve the compact.

The New Mexico legislature’s 60-day session will adjourn March 21.