Navajo Nation renews bid for gaming compact in New Mexico

Thursday, January 2, 2014  

The Navajo Nation will push for approval of a new Class III gaming compact with the state of New Mexico.

The new deal authorizes five Class III facilities -- the tribe currently operates two Class III facilities -- and it includes provisions affecting revenue sharing and Internet gaming. Some lawmakers whose districts include tribes with casinos are questioning those provisions.

Rep. James Roger Madalena (D), whose district includes Jemez Pueblo, is expected to chair the Legislature’s Committee on Compacts, The Albuquerque Journal reported. He hopes to start discussions on the Navajo deal by January 20.

“It’s a short session, and the sooner the better, in my opinion. If we wait any longer … then we’re competing with time,” Madalena told the paper.

The current compact expires in 2015.

Get the Story:
Navajo gambling compact headed for Legislature (The Albuquerque Journal 12/26)

Navajo Nation eyes two more gaming facilities in New Mexico (10/28)