SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Multiple tribal casinos in New Mexico have reopened despite recommendations from Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to remain closed to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, Ohkay Hotel Casino in Ohkay Owingeh and Taos Mountain Casino in Taos all have reopened with coronavirus-related precautions.
The governor's spokeswoman, Nora Meyers Sackett, said that all casinos are encouraged to remain closed. Tribal casinos are controlled by sovereign nations, so the state cannot prohibit them from reopening. Representatives from the casinos did not respond to requests for comment.