McKosato: Gaming revenues being put to good use

Monday, March 13, 2006  

"It's a question many have pondered: What do New Mexico's American Indian tribes do with all those casino revenues?

The short answer is: Almost anything that serves the needs of the tribes and builds their economic self-sufficiency. These include developing luxurious resorts, golf courses, building community centers, putting computers in members' homes, protecting sacred lands and providing health care.

Funds go toward educational programs and scholarships, public safety, water and wastewater management, and land preservation.

Gaming revenue also pays for environmental programs, health and health education, housing repair and development, elderly care, tribal court, fighting drug and alcohol abuse, culture and language preservation, and capital improvement.

The state also gets a chunk of casino proceeds.

Starting in 2001, gaming tribes (except for Mescalero and Pojoaque, who signed compacts later) began contributing 3 to 8 percent (on a sliding scale based upon net wins) of slot machine revenues to the state as part of their new compacts. Those compacts expire in 2015."

Get the Story:
Harlan McKosato: Indian casino income goes to schools, health care, land, jobs (New Mexico Business Weekly 3/13)