New Mexico's Fire Rock Navajo Casino marks 17 years of gaming and workforce growth

The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (Navajo Gaming) will be holding 17th anniversary events for the first Navajo gaming property, Fire Rock Navajo Casino, throughout the month of November. 

Seventeen years after opening its doors, the property continues to serve not only as a gaming venue but also as a key source of employment and training for members of the Navajo Nation, providing experience in hospitality, management, and gaming operations since its launch in 2008.

Operated by the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, Fire Rock Navajo Casino was the first gaming property established by the Navajo Nation.

Located in the Church Rock Chapter near Gallup, N.M., the casino opened on November 19, 2008, setting the foundation for NNGE’s subsequent casino and travel plaza operations across New Mexico and Arizona.

Over the years, hundreds of Navajo Nation citizens have worked at Fire Rock, many of whom have gained professional experience that supported the staffing of other NNGE properties. The enterprise, a wholly owned business entity of the Navajo Nation, formed in 2006, now employs more than 1,200 individuals.

Anniversary schedule and guest activities

Fire Rock Navajo Casino will commemorate its 17th anniversary with a series of public events throughout November. The main celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, beginning at noon. Guests and local residents are invited to join the event, which will feature cake service, food and beverage offers, and several gaming-related activities.

Hourly cash drawings worth $1,000 will be held from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Hot Seat Drawings will take place every 15 minutes within each hour, awarding $225 in Free Play.

In addition to the main celebration, the property will conduct weekly promotions on Wednesdays and Saturdays, giving 104 participants chances to win cash, Free Play, or a new vehicle. The promotional series will conclude on Sunday, Nov. 30, with a $117,000 Grand Prize Vehicle Drawing for a 2025 Toyota Tundra SR5 Truck.

November promotions and giveaways

The casino’s scheduled anniversary promotions include:

• $24,000 Fire Rock Anniversary Fall Into Cash – Win $1,717 cash every half hour on Fridays, November 14 and 21, from 6–9 p.m.
• $17,000 Fire Rock 17th Anniversary Giveaway – $500 cash every half hour on Wednesday, November19, from noon to 8 p.m.
• $117,000 Unlock the Toyota Tundra Adventure – Grand prize drawing for a 2025 Toyota Tundra SR5 Truck on Sunday, November 30, starting at noon.
• Veterans Day Celebration – Complimentary meal and gift for veterans on Tuesday, November 11, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cultural and entertainment events

The anniversary celebrations will feature live performances and cultural presentations, including appearances by Talibah Begay on November 17 and Miss Gallup Ceremonial Queen Tewakeedah Martin on November 18. The Navajo and Mescalero Apache Dance Group will perform on November 19, followed by flutist William Clark on November 20.

An arts and crafts exhibition, Festival of Arts, is also set for November 19 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Fire Rock Event Center, featuring Navajo artisans.

A special menu item—a 6-ounce sirloin served with a tortilla, Spanish rice, and beans—will be available on November 19 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.