The Inn of the Mountain Gods, owned by the Mescalero Apache Nation in New Mexico. Photo from Facebook
The New Mexico Senate voted 35 to 7 on Wednesday to ratify a Class III gaming compact with five tribes. The Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the Mescalero Apache Nation, Acoma Pueblo and Jemez Pueblo signed the agreement. It includes provisions affecting revenue sharing, free play, operating hours and newly acquired lands. “This is a great day for the Navajo Nation," President Ben Shelly told The Albuquerque Journal after the vote. The deal allows the tribe to open a new facility within six years although plans have not been made to do so. The House still needs to vote on the deal. If it's approved there, it will be sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C., for review. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act gives the BIA 45 days to take action. Tribal leaders are hoping for action soon because compacts with four of the five tribes expire in June. Get the Story:
Senate approves gambling compact with New Mexico tribes (AP 3/11)
New Mexico Senate Backs Indian Gambling Agreement (Casino News Daily 3/12)
Senate OKs Indian gambling compact (The Albuquerque Journal 3/12)
Senate passes gambling deal that allows 24-hour casino operations (The Santa Fe New Mexican 3/12)
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