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FEBRUARY 26, 2001

From humble beginnings, New Mexico's gaming tribes have grown to become a major economic and political force in the state.

The tribes are hoping state legislators will approve a new compact they negotiated with Governor Gary Johnson. The agreement reduces the current 16 percent revenue sharing rate to a maximum of 8 percent.

But two tribes don't support the agreement. Pojoaque Pueblo and the Mescalero Apache Tribe have proposed a separate one which also caps the rate at 8 percent but larger casinos would pay the higher rate.

The tribes have stopped making payments as required by the 1997 compacts because they say its too high. As a result, they are being sued by Attorney General Patricia Madrid. Santa Clara Pueblo is not part of the suit because they are not actively gaming but have negotiated a compact.

All the tribes have also agreed to make back payments to the state but the two tribes want half of the money earmarked for Indian education.

Get the Story:
11 Tribes Urge Lawmakers To OK Pact (The Albuquerque Journal 2/25)
Reservation Gambling Becomes Big Business (The Albuquerque Journal 2/25)