Tribe looking at gambling again

Thursday, Jan. 27, 2000 | 11:39 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. -- Despite two voter rejections of gambling and a presidential veto, the Navajo Nation's legislative council again approved an economic window for reservation gambling.

On Wednesday, the council voted 46-27 to amend the tribe's criminal code to allow the nation to consider gaming initiatives.

"We will merely provide the means, a 'window of opportunity' to begin when the day comes to implement the process of gaming as an economic initiative by the Navajo Nation," said council Delegate Richard T. Begay Jr. of Two Grey Hills, who sponsored the resolution.

Navajo voters rejected reservation gambling in 1994 and 1997, and President Kelsey Begaye vetoed a similar gambling resolution in August.

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