"The Navajo Nation opened its first casino on Nov. 19.

So now what?

That will be an interesting question to follow for a long time, as simply opening the doors to a new casino does not mean that the Navajo Nation has landed a jackpot.

It is a time for fiscal responsibility and ethical accountability unlike what much of the Nation's political history has previously provided. However, if done right, good things could come for the Navajo people.

Fire Rock Navajo Casino opened its doors to an overflow crowd when the facility offered a grand opening at its Interstate 40 location east of Gallup.

Much excitement surrounds the new entertainment and potential financial bonanza for the tribe. It is a 64,000-square-foot casino that includes 472 slot machines, 10 table games, a poker room and a bingo room that seats 400 people.

Yet, they're calling it a temporary structure while the tribe looks to place a permanent casino along with a hotel and truck stop near Church Rock.

Casinos have proven to reap big money for other American Indian tribes.

They also cause problems, as the Navajo casino's critics have said."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Navajo Nation joins game, rolls the dice with casino (The Farmington Daily Times 12/5)