Column: Navajo Nation compact discourages Internet gaming

A proposed new gambling compact between the Navajo Nation and the state could effectively close the door on state authorization of Internet gambling.

Under the proposed compact, the Navajos could stop sharing their slot machine revenues with the state if the state legalized any form of Internet gambling, including poker.

The tribe would be required to enter “good faith negotiations” — and arbitration, if needed — on a new revenue-sharing agreement with the state that reflected the impact of Internet gambling on its casinos.

“This provision was intended to discourage the adoption of Internet gaming in the state, while ensuring that, if Internet gaming is adopted, revenue sharing continues in light of any new benefit/detriment to the (Navajo) Nation,” said Enrique Knell, a spokesman for Gov. Susana Martinez.