Laguna Development joins anti-online gambling group
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.
There are 23 Indian casinos in New Mexico, operated by 14 tribes, with Laguna Development managing three of them and related businesses.
The tribe is part of the New Mexico Indian Gaming Coalition, which meets every month to address regulatory challenges caused by the growing online gambling industry.
According to the National Indian Gaming Commission, tribal gaming revenues hit US$43.9 billion in fiscal year 2024, underlining the sector’s importance amid rising pressures from online platforms expanding nationwide.
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