The State of New Mexico is close to committing to a new compact with Indian tribes just so long as state Senators approve changes to the current compact which does not expire until 2015. What is being proposed is for the current compact to be extended until the year 2037, and for the state to get a larger cut of casino profit in return. An agenda being pushed by Governor Bill Richardson's administration, the new profit cut would equate to an additional $650 million going back to the state.

Although only ten of thirteen tribes are backing the new compact resolution (SJR21), it is first up to the Senate to decide on whether to give the provisions a green light. It would then be passed on to Governor Richardson, and then to the tribes themselves. The final approval would have to come from the U.S. Interior Department.

Both the Tesuque Pueblo Governor, Charlie Dorame (who is also the Chairman of the New Mexico Indian Gaming Association) and Democrat Senator Richard Martinez are backing the new compact. Dorame referred to the extensive economic improvements on Indian reservations that have hitherto been implemented as a result of incoming casino revenue. Martinez looked at it as a business deal that was good for both sides. While the tribes gain financial stability from casino revenue, the state of New Mexico gets more revenue for its own needed projects.

Not everyone is in support of the new tribal casino compact, however. The New Mexico Coalition Against Gambling has understandably voiced their concerns that a thirty-year compact is awfully long, and that a lot can happen in thirty years. Dr. Guy Clark, who heads the coalition, says the compact would not allow for changes to be made until 2037. And since thirty years is a long time, the Coalition justifiably thinks the length of the compact is not a wise decision. Their hope is that perhaps, after the Senate discusses the compact further, revisions will be in order of the compact will be outright ended.