Indian Gaming > New Mexico bill challenges off-reservation casino

February 02, 2005

New Mexico bill challenges off-reservation casino

A New Mexico Democrat introduced a bill that would allow gaming in hotels, bars, restaurants and convenience stores if the state governor ever approves an off-reservation tribal casino.

State Sen. John Arthur Smith said he wanted to "make certain the message is very, very clear" on off-reservation casinos. "It's a shot over the bow," he told The Albuquerque Journal.

As many as three tribes are interested in an off-reservation casino in southern New Mexico. Jemez Pueblo has asked the Bureau of Indian Affairs to take land into trust for gaming purposes. Picuris Pueblo and the Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma are considered casinos as well.

Get the Story:
Bill a Warning Shot for Gambling Growth (The Albuquerque Journal 2/2)