The head of the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise is keeping a close eye on an anti-smoking movement that's sweeping the reservation.
More than 30 communities have passed resolutions to ban smoking in public places. None of them affect the tribe's gaming facilities so far but the movement could have an impact on future revenues.
"Our position has been that it could be detrimental," Derrick Watchman, a tribal member who serves as CEO of the gaming enterprise, told KJZZ. "There are studies out there that suggest smoking bans really, really impact revenue. And with limited revenue you can only employ so much."
The tribe operates casinos in New Mexico and Arizona. Other tribes in those states have not imposed bans on smoking at their facilities.
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Navajo Community Smoking Bans Pick Up Steam, Trend Has Casinos Concerned
(KJZZ 8/15)
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