Cost for new Navajo Nation casino in Arizona put at $200M

Friday, May 24, 2013  

The Navajo Nation spent nearly $200 million on its first casino in Arizona, the tribe's top gaming executive said.

The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise financed the Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort with a loan from the tribe. That saved the tribe from incurring debt on the open market.

Derrick Watchman, the chief executive officer of the gaming enterprise, said the loan will be paid backto the tribe within seven years. He anticipates the facility itself will turn a profit within its second or third year.

The casino opens to the public today. The 267,000-square-foot facility features over 1,000 slot machines, 30 table games, a 90-room hotel and a conference center.

Get the Story:
Officials: Twin Arrows to offer four-star experience (The Navajo Times 5/23)

Navajo Nation opens doors to first gaming facility in Arizona (5/21)