The Inn of the Mountain Gods, owned by the Mescalero Apache Nation in New Mexico. Photo from Facebook
The New Mexico Legislature's Committee on Compacts voted 15-1 on Saturday to approve a new Class III gaming compact for five tribes. The Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the Mescalero Apache Nation, Acoma Pueblo and Jemez Pueblo signed the agreement. It includes new provisions affecting revenue sharing, free play, operating hours and newly acquired lands. The committee held two hearings last week on the agreement. The second one on Saturday, lasted nearly nine hours, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported, as lawmakers heard from tribes and the public. The vote sends the compact to the House and the Senate for approval. The legislative session ends March 21 and four of the five tribes have existing agreements that expire in June so they are eager for approval. Once approved at the state level, the compact will be sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for review. Get the Story:
Gaming compact heads to Senate for approval (New Mexico Political Report 3/1)
Panel backs new gambling compact (The Albuquerque Journal 3/1)
Indian gambling compact heads to Senate (The Santa Fe New Mexican 3/1)
Things to know as New Mexico weighs new tribal casino deal (AP 2/27)
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