Laguna Pueblo Governor Virgil Siow has signed a new tribal gaming compact agreement with the state of New Mexico. The agreement was signed in the office of Governor Susanna Martinez in Santa Fe, NM. Deputy Chief of Staff Jeremiah Ritchie was joined by Governor Siow, Lt. Governor David Martinez, and Laguna Development Corporation President Jerry Smith at a brief signing ceremony on Wednesday July 29th.
Governor Martinez’ Deputy Chief of Staff Jeremiah Ritchie, POL General Counsel Tammie Lambert, Lieutenant Governor David Martinez and LDC Chief of Government Relations Kathy Gorospe look on as POL Governor Virgil Siow signs the 2015 Tribal Gaming Compact.
The new compact will replace the current agreement which was signed in 2007, pending approval by the federal Department of Interior. Both the Pueblo of Laguna Tribal Council and the Laguna Development Corporation Board of Directors had previously taken formal action to support the decision to sign on to the 2015 compact.
The 2015 Gaming Compact includes key provisions that resolve many issues of concern to NM tribes. There are now clearer revenue share provisions; better definition and calculation of “Net Win” applicable to Free Play; limits on legacy facilities; reduction of revenue sharing and regulatory fees; enhanced industry standards; new procedures to address problem gambling; records and facility inspections; and provisions pertaining to reopening internet gaming negotiations if internet gaming is authorized by the State of New Mexico.
Governor Siow said,“Laguna is pleased to join with several other New Mexico tribes in reaching a new agreement with the state that represents a positive step forward. The 2015 compact resolved several of the concerns that have risen over the years. We have informed the state that Laguna continues to have concerns over some outstanding issues related to revenue sharing on free play. This compact represents progress in the relationship between the state and the New Mexico Tribal Gaming industry.”