Navajo Gaming Is Committed to Raising Awareness About Problem Gambling

More than $2.5 Million in Payments Made to Organizations Established to Address Problem Gambling

Church Rock, NM – Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE) is committed to raising awareness about problem gambling within the Navajo Nation. March is National Problem Gambling Month providing an ideal opportunity to raise awareness about responsible gambling education, prevention, treatment and wellness programs. To support those efforts and consistent with the New Mexico Gaming compact requirements, the NNGE has paid more than $2.5 million, to help address problem gaming. Other payments include $100,000 in unclaimed and forfeited jackpots to The New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling (NMCPG) and The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico.
Additionally, NNGE’s commitment extends to all its properties as demonstrated through required employee training, proper implementation of self-exclusion procedures, providing public education and awareness, providing problem gambling helpline messaging, commitment of financial resources, establishment of an NNGE oversight committee and conducting periodic assessments and program evaluation.
“For most individuals gaming is a social or recreational activity that is fun and entertaining. For others, gaming can cause problems that adversely impact an individual’s life. said Quincy Natay, NNGE, Board Chairman. “Being able to refer those struggling with gambling addiction to the proper resources who are trained to help is the right thing to do.”
The funds provided by NNGE help certain organizations increase public awareness about compulsive gambling in a culturally sensitive manner and provide treatment and prevention services at no cost for problem gamblers, their families and vulnerable youth. 
The NNGE has implemented mandatory employee training to help raise awareness about problem gambling and to train employees on how to recognize and respond to an individual who may need help. Additionally, NNGE gaming properties prominently display messaging about recognizing the signs of problem gambling and information about where to seek help, as well as raising public awareness through media outreach.
“Problem gaming can develop in anyone and does not discriminate based on gender, age, social, ethnic or economic groups,” adds Natay.  “If you are concerned about your own gaming or the gaming of someone you care about, please contact The New Mexico Council on Problem Gaming, The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico, or the Arizona Department of Problem Gaming.”

To learn more visit www.NavajoGaming.com

About The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise:

NNGE is a Navajo Nation wholly owned business entity created by the Navajo Nation in September 2006 to develop and operate Navajo casinos in accordance with federal and Navajo Nation laws, as well as the negotiated Navajo Nation-applicable state compacts (New Mexico and Arizona).

Employing 1,200 employees, NNGE operates four casinos and a travel plaza in New Mexico and Arizona, opening its first property, the Fire Rock Navajo Casino near Gallup, New Mexico, in November 2008. Within five years, three additional properties were added, as well as a travel plaza – Flowing Water Navajo Casino (October 2010); Northern Edge Navajo Casino (January 2012); Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort (May 2013); Navajo Blue Travel Plaza (September 2020).

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 within the Navajo Nation.