The New Mexico tribes Zuni Pueblo and Jemez Pueblo recently announced they had sent letters to Governor Susana Martinez regarding negotiating a gaming compact that would allow each to open a casino. Martinez’ deputy of staff and lead compact negotiator Jessica Hernandez confirmed the governor’s office and tribal officials have had preliminary discussions.
New Mexico does not limit to the number of casinos allowed, but any negotiated compact must be approved by the legislature. Last month lawmakers rejected a compact that would have allowed the Navajo Nation to open three additional casinos over 15 years. Some pueblos objected to the deal, claiming the state’s gambling market was saturated and that their casinos would be affected.
Last summer the Zuni Pueblo and the Navajo Nation agreed, after 15 years of negotiations, to split more than 18,000 acres along Interstate 40 near Gallup. The federal government must approve the transfer of the land, which could be considered for a casino. Zuni Governor Arlen Quetawki Sr. said a feasibility study will have to be conducted. He replied, “Could be,” when recently asked if that land could be used for a casino, adding the site offers other economic development possibilities.
Quetawki said he wrote to Martinez about compact negotiations due to the downturn in the economy and decreasing federal and state funds. “It’s not to say we’re going to have a casino tomorrow morning somewhere on our reservation. It’s going to be a long process. We just decided it’s time to start considering that,” he said.
Jemez Pueblo Governor Joshua Magdalena said in his letter he told Martinez the tribe “continues to pursue its interest in economic development through gaming,” even though in 2011 the federal government refused to take into trust land the pueblo purchased with a Santa Fe businessman in Dona County for a $72 million casino and hotel.
Currently in New Mexico 14 tribes own casinos. The Navajo Nation and Pojoaque Pueblo and three others are negotiating new compacts with Martinez’s office before their current agreements expire next year.
