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Navajo Nation is in the process of building a new casino near Flagstaff, Arizona, to create jobs and boost the local economy, in what’s being called the Lower 89 Project. It’s located along U.S. Highway 89, which makes it a great stop for tourists heading to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, and Monument Valley.
Native American communities have received ample support from tribal casinos for quite some time. This project is another step in that direction.
Under the 2021 Tribal-State Gaming Pact, the casino will feature up to 300 gaming machines, including slot machines. With this agreement in place, tribal casinos can do business without breaking the rules. Locals and tribal members are crossing their fingers that this casino will mean steady income and more job security.
While construction is underway, people can explore other forms of entertainment. Although brick-and-mortar casinos provide a fun and valuable experience in the entertainment industry, an increasing number of people are turning to iGaming due to its greater convenience.
Thanks to 5G and widespread internet access, sweepstake casinos are becoming more popular. With these online platforms, people can instantly enjoy casino-style games using virtual currency rather than actual money. Gaming is getting bigger, and while this is happening, more players are seeing these options as a better way to enjoy their go-to casino games. With more ways to play than ever, gaming fans can choose between online platforms and in-person casino experiences.
Tourism and casinos often go hand in hand. This means that this project will bring in lots of visitors, and more visitors usually help the local job market. Just the construction phase will create over 300 temporary jobs, and once the casino opens, it’ll provide more than 100 positions–quite the contrast to the Grubhub situation. More visitors in the area also means that local businesses will get a boost.
What many don’t see is that the Lower 89 Project is more about investing in the future than just gaming. The revenue from the casino will go toward the Diné Relocatee Fund. It will also be shared with Arizona to support community programs, which will help with improving local services and facilities. Tribal leaders think that projects like this will help with financial stability while also protecting Navajo culture. The tribe is working to create a long-term plan for financial independence by using casino earnings to fund public services.
One mouthwatering part of this project is the reopening of the historic Horsemen Lodge Steakhouse, which closed its doors in 2020, not fortunate enough to undergo a takeover like the one of Durant’s Steakhouse. This popular restaurant will give visitors a place to enjoy great food alongside gaming.
The return of this local favorite is expected to draw both residents and tourists, adding even more value to the project. For many, this is not just about business—it’s about bringing back an important piece of the community’s history.
The new casino brings big opportunities, but there are still some challenges to think about. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has stressed the importance of having a clear plan and timeline. There are also details to finalize about the casino’s full range of services. Since the Navajo Generating Station shut down, the tribe has been exploring new ways to generate income, making this project a timely opportunity.
Legally, the land for this casino was placed into trust status in November 2024, which makes it an official part of the Navajo Reservation.
The tribe has full legal authority over the casino, but the Arizona Department of Gaming will keep an eye on operations to make sure things are fair and responsible. The hope is that strict regulations will help keep everything running smoothly and fairly for both visitors and the tribe.
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