Katherine Gorospe: Navajo Nation compact threatens tribes

Laguna Development Corporation respects the rights of all tribal governments to pursue economic development on behalf of their people. However, we believe there are specific provisions in the currently proposed Navajo Nation Compact that could cause substantial harm to the state’s Indian Gaming industry and the economy of New Mexico.

Our primary concern lies within the provision that would allow the Navajo Nation to build three additional casino properties in New Mexico. Specifically, a Master Plan has been completed that contemplates a full-service casino resort located within two miles of Laguna Pueblo’s Route 66 Casino Hotel and Travel Center on the north side of Interstate 40 at Exit 140.

New Mexico is currently one of the most competitive gaming markets in the country. Gaming revenue has been stagnant for the last five years, averaging less than 1 percent growth annually.

In 2007, Laguna and eight other tribes signed a compact that limits each gaming entity to a maximum of two casinos. It was agreed upon by all parties involved, including the state, as a reasonable way to contain and control growth in a limited market. Allowing the Navajo Nation to build as many as three additional casinos invalidates the basic tenets of consistency, continuity and fairness in the 2007 compact.