Terms of state-negotiated gambling compacts raises concerns
Pojoaque dispute may raise stakes as state negotiates tribal gaming deals
Posted: Monday, January 26, 2015 9:00 pm | Updated: 12:18 am, Tue Jan 27, 2015.
Proposed Indian gambling compacts between the state and several New Mexico tribes might violate federal law because the terms would prohibit the Fort Sill Apache tribe in Southern New Mexico from opening a casino, a federal official who deals with Indian gambling says.
In a letter sent Friday to Sen. Bill Soules, D-Las Cruces, Paula Hart, director of the U.S. Interior Department’s Office of Indian Gaming, said she is concerned about a paragraph in the proposed 23-year compacts. The compacts require approval from the Legislature, which is expected to vote on them during the 60-day session that continues though March. Existing compacts with four of the tribes expire June 30.