Navajo Nation opening casino in Northern New Mexico
UPPER FRUITLAND, N.M. — The Navajo Nation is opening its third casino in New Mexico — an 86,000 square-foot facility that tribal officials say will boost the local economy.
The Northern Edge Navajo Casino opens Monday near Farmington. It has 750 slot machines, six poker tables, 10 live table games, a restaurant, food court and a gift shop.
Tribal officials say 374 people will have full-time jobs at the casino with an annual payroll of $12 million, including salary and benefits.
The building incorporates aspects of Navajo culture and belief, including a large mural of a Navajo constellation and a ceiling that represents the tradition of weaving.
The tribe’s first casino resort in Arizona just east of Flagstaff is scheduled to open in the spring of 2013.