17 Aug Navajo Gaming Closure Extended, Impacts 900 Navajo Families

Posted at 17:59h in Press Releases by

Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise to Open No Earlier than August 31, 2020

Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise’s (Navajo Nation Gaming) four gaming operations continue to be closed at least through August 31, 2020, in tandem with the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President’s (OPVP) executive orders of weekend lockdowns and weekday curfews. “We maintain close collaboration with the OPVP on reopening plans and protocols issued by the Navajo Nation Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC),” stated Interim CEO Brian Parrish.

As many tribal casinos have reopened in Arizona and New Mexico, Navajo Nation Gaming monitors those properties on implementation and effectiveness of safety measures. “As the first tribal casino to close on March 17, 2020, and possibly the last to reopen, Navajo Nation Gaming will offer “best-in-class” safety measures and a “trusted-space” environment for our patrons and team members when it is safe to reopen.” added Quincy Natay, Chairman of the Board for Navajo Nation Gaming.

The continuous closure of the four tribally-owned casinos since March has also placed an extreme financial burden on the operations forcing temporary layoff of 88 percent team members on August 4, 2020. Unfortunately, the layoff has impacted over 900 families; however, Navajo Gaming and Navajo Nation leadership are committed to the health, safety and general welfare of the Navajo people, the team members and guests. “We do not want to lose our team members – it goes against everything we stand for. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of the Navajo people through a successful gaming economy.” added Parrish. “We have been challenged with this pandemic, but remain hopeful that we will reopen soon and re-stabilize our Navajo Gaming family.”

Navajo Gaming is one of many Navajo Nation-owned and operated enterprises that is charged with the mission of creating jobs, increasing revenues and stimulating incremental economic development. To learn more visit www.NavajoGaming.com