New Mexico governor to fight expansion of gambling

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Thursday, Dec. 23, 1999 | 10:57 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SANTA FE -- Gov. Gary Johnson says he will not go along with any expansion of gambling in New Mexico -- at race tracks or elsewhere.

Some lawmakers reviewing proposed new state-tribal gambling agreements have suggested that the state give up on getting casino payments from tribes and instead authorize an increase in taxable gambling off-reservation.

"That wouldn't have my support," Johnson said.

The governor said he's opposed to increasing the number of slot machines allowed at race tracks, to licensing new race tracks and to having casinos off-reservation.

The governor acknowledged the state would get more money if it allowed full-blown gambling, but he added, "that was never my intention."