The Navajo Nation extends into parts of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico and it is in New Mexico that this week the tribe has opened its first casino east of Gallup. In 1994 and 1997 bids to join other tribes in offering gaming on tribal lands were defeated, but the new casino has been built and is being run by the Navajos, with 92% of employees from their own tribe. Architectural design for the casino is led by a Navajo firm based in Albuquerque.

Earlier this year the Navajo Nation became the first tribe ever to invoke the pooling provisions of its gaming compact with the State of Arizona. Based on population, it had been allocated 2,400 slot machines and received an increase of an additional 450 machines last spring. It placed some 1,050 machines not needed for its own gaming operations into a pool and invited other Arizona gaming tribes to bid on them. Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr., in September received a check for $7.4 million from the Gila River Indian Community for the lease of 411 slot machines as part of the historic pooling agreement with three tribes that will bring more than $130 million to the Navajo Nation over the next 17 years.

Fire Rock Casino opened on Wednesday to waiting crowds far exceeding its 1800 capacity. The present casino is in temporary housing with 472 slot machines, 10 table games, poker room and 400-seat bingo. The tribe is presently considering sites for the permanent facility, which may include a hotel and truck stop. Fire Rock is expected to bring in around $32 million a year, about one-fifth of the Navajo Nation’s annual budget.
(E-11.20.08)

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