The Navajo Nation is set to construct its first casino along Route 66 near Church Rock, N.M., near Gallup, and hopes to have it open by July, reports the Navajo Times.
Here are more details about the casino:
The Navajo Nation’s first casino will feature 400 slot machines, seven stations for table games and 14 bar top game machines, according to a report from the Navajo Gaming Enterprise director.
Director Robert Winter said the casino, slated for construction in Church Rock, N.M., will contain 56,658 square feet of which nearly 15,400 will be devoted to gaming space. The surrounding lot will accommodate 600 cars including employee and valet parking. […]
Included in Winter’s report were schematic pictures that detailed where the casino will be built, along Old Route 66 just west of the turnoff to Red Rock State Park.
Early estimates had construction cost at about $25 million.
The casino would include a 100-seat sports bar, food court and retail shops. The Navajo Nation Council voted in January to approve alcohol sales at designated casino sites provided the drinks are served with a meal.
The Navajo was one of the last holdout American Indian tribes against gambling.
I personally think building a Casino is a big MISTAKE !!!!!!! there are other buildings that can be built on the Reservation that can be very useful sure $ will be coming in but where is $ money going to whom and what about those that don’t want the Casino being built. I for one think it is a Waste for us Tax Payers and I do not think Casinos that are being built will solve the problem or any other issues that are being addressed. Gambling is Wrong in my piont of view, take it how you will.