December 31, 2020

Navajo Nation casinos to lay off more than 1,100

Lack of revenue caused by prolonged closures

Navajo Gaming Closure Coronavirus pandemic is causing prolonged closures for Navajo Nation gaming sites
Courtesy Navajo Nation

Casinos run by the Navajo Nation plan to temporarily lay off more than 1,100 workers on New Year’s Day because of prolonged closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The tribe’s Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise announced the decision Thursday night, saying it was left with no choice but to move ahead with the layoffs because of lack of revenue caused by the closures. The tribe operates four casinos in Arizona and New Mexico that have been closed since March.

Together they employ more than 1,200 people, including more than 775 tribal members. The Gaming Enterprise plans to keep 165 employees on the payroll.

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