Native American Leaders Sign New Gambling Compact

Gov. Susana Martinezhas signed gambling compact with Native American tribal Leaders on Monday. New gambling compact allows tribes to operate casinos for another 22 years but only if federal government approves it.

After three years of hard work and negotiations, the agreement has finally been signed. Thanks to the new gambling compact, other tribes will be able to renew their deals with the state in upcoming years.

The compact was negotiated over three years between Martinez’s administration and the tribes. On Monday, leaders from the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the Navajo Nation, the Pueblo of Acoma, the Pueblo of Jemez and Mescalero Apache Tribe have met at the governor’s office for an announcement.

The Pueblo of Jemez currently doesn't operate casino but it will be able to open a gambling facility under the stipulations of the new agreement.

The compact allows tribal casinos to operate for another 22 years and under its rules the tribes will report to the state about the corresponding activities. Thanks to the regular reports, state will be able to identify problems and work with the tribes to resolve them. Martinez said that she was pleased that they were finally able to come together and secure the compact.

Revenue-sharing provision will be beneficial for the sate as well as it is estimated that tribal casinos will generate about $10m in the upcoming year. Under the terms of the compact the piece of the gaming revenue will go to gambling issues treatment services and the state will allow casinos to be open 24 hours every day. The credit limit for high rollers will also be increased and the tribes will be able to expand their offering of food and lodgings.

The compact, which will last until 2037, still needs approval of federal Department of Interior. If this doesn't happen, some of the tribes will have to close their gambling facilities. New Mexico currently has 26 tribal casinos but that number could increase which depends solely on the decision of the federal government.

The Navajo lawmaker has explained that without new gambling compact, the tribes will probably have to close several facilities which will certainly have impact on tribes’ economy. The Navajos, whose bill for the fifth casino was rejected last year, would be able to operate four casinos under the terms of new deal and open a new one that could be built after six years.

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