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Clock Ticking On Proposed New Mexico Gambling Compact

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Lawmakers are set to consider a revamped gambling compact negotiated by Gov. Susana Martinez's office and a handful of American Indian tribes.

The Legislature's compact committee is meeting Tuesday morning to discuss the latest version, which would allow casinos to be open around the clock and have more flexibility to offer complimentary food and lodging.

The Legislature is under more pressure to act this session because the current compact for the tribes expires later this year.

Gov. Susana Martinez said in a letter to lawmakers that the proposed gambling agreement is the result of three years of negotiations with the Navajo Nation, the Mescalero and Jicarilla Apache and the pueblos of Jemez and Acoma.

Aside from legislative approval, the proposal would have to clear the U.S. Interior Department.

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