Gov. Susana Martinez signed a gaming compact between the state of New Mexico and five tribal governments on Monday.
Courtesy of Jeff Kubina via Flickr
The compact, which will last until 2037, outlines the agreement between the state and tribal governments regarding gaming facilities.
In a written statement, Martinez said the compact will benefit all parties involved.
“I’m pleased that we were able to come together to secure this compact,” Martinez said. “It preserves the stability and predictability of gaming in New Mexico while addressing key priorities of the State and each individual tribal government.”
The compact adjusted the amount of revenue shared by tribes to the state. The new rate would account for different sizes of casinos and would change based on the amount of winnings collected by each participating tribal government. The agreement would also allow tribal casinos to remain open 24-hours a day and extend lines of credit to some players.
The current compact includes Acoma Pueblo, Jemez Pueblo, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, Mescalero Apache tribe and the Navajo Nation and is set to expire in June. Jemez Pueblo does not currently operate a gaming facility, but would be able to open one under the new agreement.
The new gaming compact, which was approved by state legislators, still needs approval of the federal Department of the Interior before going into effect.
If the compact is not approved by June, the tribal gaming facilities would risk closing their doors.
