Navajo Nation Succumbs To Economic Pressures With New Casino

The Navajo Nation has for a long time considered casinos an unnecessary evil. Their members have repeatedly voted against building a casino. That is until recently.

The economy has caused the Navajo's to go to the same place that US states are going for relief. They are selling out their beliefs and have opened their first casino, Fire Rock, in New Mexico.

"Some people like it because it's going to be a source of employment and revenue for the tribe. On the other hand, it's also addicting, the people are going to lose money," said Navajo historian Harry Walters.

The economic impact the casino will have could not be passed up by the tribe. It is estimated that the casino will bring in $32 million a year for the Navajo tribe. The annual budget is five times that, but the money will certainly help.

Another area of concern in opening the casino is alcohol. Alcohol is not served anywhere on the reservation except for two places. The casino will be one of those places, but not on the casino floor. The alcohol will only be served in the restaurant.

Fire Rock Casino is only a temporary facility right now. It has a poker room, table games, and almost 500 slot machines. At the opening, people were lined up to get inside to try their luck.

Presently the casino has a maximum capacity of less than 2,000 people, but the tribe is looking for a permanent place for the casino to call home. Now that they have entered the casino world, they do not plan on stopping. There are plans for four Navajo casinos in Arizona, and one more in New Mexico.

December 26, 2008
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

Billionaire Blum Spreading His Wings In Casino Industry
Casino Gambling Approved For Islands Of Taiwan
Wynn Becoming The Yankees Of The Casino Gambling Industry
Norwegian Latest Cruise Line To Add PokerPro Hold'em Tables
Mississippi Casinos Continue To Take A Turn For The Worst