Opening day: $1.2 million
President Shirley thankful, optimistic

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Gaye Brown de Alvarez
Staff writer

GALLUP — Fire Rock Casino took in $1.2 million during its first day in business.

In his Thanksgiving message to the people, Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley said: “As President of the great Navajo Nation, I have much to be thankful for. Last week, our Nation brought another dream into reality with the opening of the Fire Rock Casino. For its patrons, it is a place to enjoy themselves and relax, and share the thrill of a jackpot with friends and family. For its employees, it’s a place to earn a wage to put shoes on little feet, put food on the table, and put gas in the old ride. For me, it’s a place that will help put revenues into our Nation’s coffers so that we can provide more services to our growing population. On its first day, $1.2 million went through Fire Rock Casino gaming machines, which bodes well for our future.”

The Fire Rock Casino’s hours of operation this Thanksgiving weekend are: Nov. 25, 26: noon to 4 a.m.; Nov. 27, 28, 29, 30: Open 24 hours; Dec. 1: noon to 4 a.m.

After Thanksgiving the casino will resume its normal hours of operations, said a news release:

Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Open 24 hours

Bob Winter, CEO for the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise said “we had a very successful casino opening and weekend and the crowds were far beyond any predicted expectation.

The Fire Rock Casino, as all other casinos in New Mexico, is not allowed to stay open 24 hours, seven days a week, the release said. The compact which permits gaming with the state requires that there be some closure of the casino during the week.