Navajo Nation and New Mexico finalize gaming compact

“This is an important milestone for the Navajo Nation and NNGE as it secures 800 high-quality jobs at our New Mexico properties and initiates Navajo Gaming’s next chapter of growth,” stated Derrick Watchman, CEO of NNGE. “We’re thankful to our leadership of Speaker Bates, the Navajo Nation Council – past and present, former President Shelly, and President Begaye for their steadfast efforts. We are also grateful for the patience and support of our employees and patrons in this process and thank our legal team and Navajo Nation Department of Justice for their diligence.

The Navajo Nation Council’s Naabik’iyátí’ Committee gave its final approval of the Compact on December 29, followed by the New Mexico State Senate and House of Representatives approval shortly thereafter in their 2015 legislature. Then on April 13, 2015, New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez signed the compact. Since that date, it has been under review by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The Compact includes five New Mexico tribes including the Navajo Nation and:

—Allows industry standards in the casino operations
—Matches revenue sharing of the 2007 compacts
—Expires in 25 years

“We can now move forward with planned upgrades as well as additional hiring and expansions at our properties,” stated Derrick Watchman, CEO of NNGE. “As an economic engine for New Mexico, northern Arizona and The Nation, the Compact approval means Navajo Gaming is free to continue our pattern of strategic growth as we create more jobs and opportunities in the future.”