New Mexico moved one step closer to finalizing a new compact between the state and Native American tribes after Governor Susana Martinez signed a gaming compact that will allow tribal casinos to remain in operation for another 22 years. The compact was approved last month by the Legislature and with Martinez’s signature, all that remains is an approval from the U.S. Department of Interior before the compact takes into effect.

Martinez’s approval of the new gaming compact is a culmination of three years of negotiations between the state and Native American leaders. Should it get a thumbs up from the Department of Interior as many expect it will, a handful of provisions will be put in place as agreed upon by both parties.

Under the terms of the compact, Native American tribes will provide regular reports to the state about their gaming activities, allowing the state the opportunity to work with tribes in the event that problems arise affecting either side. State regulators will also have improved access to business information of the tribes to help ensure that the tribes are complying with the terms set forth in the new compact.

Native American tribes have agreed to increase the state’s cut in revenue sharing and to direct a percentage of gaming revenue to help address potential problem gambling issues. Finally, tribal casinos will now be part of a self-exclusion program, a new provision that previously was used only at private racetracks.