Indian Gaming > McCain doesn't think Navajo casinos will succeed

March 16, 2005

McCain doesn't think Navajo casinos will succeed

Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) says the Navajo Nation's proposed casinos will fail due to their remote location, The Arizona Republic reports.

"I beg to differ with him," Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. told the paper in response.

The tribe is considering up to four casinos in Nevada and two in New Mexico. The casino near Albuquerque, New Mexico, is already in the works while the others are still in the planning stages. As for Arizona, tribal leaders say casinos near Interstate 40 and Flagstaff could be successful.

Just don't expect one in Shiprock, New Mexico, any time soon. Although the chapter there wants a casino, the Navajo Nation government said plans are premature.

Get the Story:
Betting on success [see third item] (The Arizona Republic 3/16)
Shiprock casino plans illegal (The Farmington Daily Times 3/16)