The Buffalo Thunder Resort in New Mexico. Photo from Facebook / Cornell & Company / Mike Wilson
The leader of Pojoaque Pueblo in New Mexico said the tribe needs a dramatically different Class III gaming compact due to a leveling off of revenues. The tribe wants to eliminate revenue sharing, lower the gambling age to 18, provide liquor on the gaming floor, operate 24 hours a day and remove other state-imposed restrictions. Gov. George Rivera told The Santa Fe New Mexican that the changes were needed because the gaming market has “flattened out.” The current compact requires the tribe to share up to 8 percent of revenues. During negotiations for a new agreement, Gov. Susana Martinez (R) demanded an increase but Rivera said the tribe would have to lay off casino employees. The tribe sued Martinez, accusing her of negotiating in bad faith. The case never got to the merits because a federal judge dismissed it due to the state's sovereign immunity. The tribe is now asking the Bureau of Indian Affairs to approve a new compact as part of a Class III gaming procedures request. Get the Story:
Pueblo: Gaming overhaul necessary in ‘flat’ market (The Santa Fe New Mexican 7/25) An Opinion:
Heather Nordquist: New gaming compact will hurt NM (The Albuquerque Journal 7/25) Related Stories:
Pojoaque Pueblo wants to take state out of casino operations (7/24)
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