The Laguna Development Corporation, representing the Pueblo of Laguna tribe, has become the first tribal corporation to join the National Association Against iGaming.
The move reflects growing concerns about the impact of online real-money gaming on traditional land-based casinos and the local economy.
Gambling of all kinds is illegal in New Mexico outside of tribal casinos, and Laguna Development has expressed concerns that expanded online gambling would be a threat to tribal revenues that are used to pay for essential community services.
Speaking about the decision, the President and Chief Executive of Laguna Development, Maxine Velasquez, said that the profits from tribal casinos support vital programs such as elder care, scholarships, health services, and public safety. She added that online gambling is dominated by a few large operators who have little incentive to support tribal communities.
