NM panel endorses Navajo gambling compact
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A legislative panel is recommending the New Mexico Legislature approve a proposed gambling compact with the Navajo Nation that would allow the state's largest tribe to open more casinos.
The Committee on Compacts voted 12-4 yesterday to forward the gambling agreement to the House and Senate for a vote this session.
Navajo leaders said after the meeting that they are confident of winning legislative approval for the gambling agreement.
The Navajos operate two Las Vegas-style casinos in New Mexico under a compact expiring next year and a third casino offers low-stakes gambling not subject to state regulation.
Other tribes and pueblos have objected that the new compact would allow three additional high-stakes Navajo casinos.
The proposed agreement needs approval of the Legislature and the federal government to take effect.