"The casino industry is a growing one in the Farmington area, and while it no doubt promises to usher in more exciting fun and entertainment for patrons, it is important that social issues and financial accountability accompany the gambling industry's growth as well.

A new casino opened in San Juan County last week when Flowing Water Navajo Casino celebrated its grand opening in Hogback, about five miles east of Shiprock.

It is the second gaming facility on the Navajo Nation, following the Fire Rock Navajo Casino opened nearly two years ago on Interstate 40 near Gallup.

Flowing Water joins other established non-Navajo casinos such as SunRay, Sky Ute and Ute Mountain, all already doing business within a short drive of Farmington, and more gambling action may be on the way. The Navajo gaming plan is scheduled to break ground on a third Navajo casino next month in Upper Fruitland.

Flowing Water is an 11,000-square-foot, $3.1 million facility that shot up after only about five weeks of construction work."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Navajo tribe gambles on new casino plans (The Farmington Daily Times 10/19)

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