A Navajo Nation expects to generate $32 million a year from its new casino.

The Fire Rock Casino near Gallup, New Mexico, opened on Wednesday to large crowds. It's the tribe's first foray into gaming.

"We've been waiting for this casino to come up for a long time. We're really proud that the Nation finally achieved something of this magnitude," Navajo Nation Council delegate LoRenzo Bates told The Farmington Daily Times.

Not every tribal member is happy with the casino. State Rep. Ray Begaye said he wasn't invited to the grand opening due to his opposition to the facility.

"I don't like gaming on the Navajo Nation," Begaye told the paper. "I think the people have spoken clearly on that in two votes, but the council overrode the people's voice."

Besides the influx of revenue, the tribe hopes gaming will reduce unemployment on the reservation. The facility employs 272 people, 92 percent of whom are Navajo. More will be hired when the casino moves to a permanent location.

Get the Story:
Navajo casino opens doors amid mixed emotions (The Farmington Daily Times 11/21)
It's open! (The Gallup Independent 11/20)