Casino Stalker | Opinion

Opinion: Plenty of room in New Mexico for off-reservation casino

Monday, December 6, 2010

"Earlier this year, the Department of Interior decided to take a second look at the Pueblo of Jemez proposal to build a casino in Anthony, N.M.

As the leaders of the communities directly affected by the Jemez/Anthony Casino project, it is our responsibility to represent our constituents, attract economic development and create jobs.

This proposal is good for our respective communities and it is good for the entire region, including for those who are fighting the hardest to keep it from becoming a reality.

In 1988, Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which allows Indian gaming including projects like the Jemez Anthony Casino.

The law provides equal opportunity for tribes like the Pueblo of Jemez that are located in remote, rural areas to benefit from Indian gaming provided that they follow specific guidelines. In 22 years, there have only been five off-reservation applications approved. This is not "opening the floodgates" as opponents claim.

There are 20 Indian casinos and three racetracks that serve slightly more than 1 million people from a line drawn north of Socorro. Our proposed project would be the third casino joining the three racinos south of that line serving more than 2.1 million people. There is plenty of room and plenty of demand for another casino."

Get the Story:
Jemez Gov. Joshua Madalena and Anthony (N.M.) Mayor Ramon Gonzalez: Jemez casino project good for southern New Mexico (The Las Cruces Sun-News 12/5)