Navajo Nation’s New Casino Development in Flagstaff Area

A second casino operated by the Navajo Nation is set to be established in the Flagstaff region after the tribe acquired legal rights to build a gaming facility on a 13.79-acre parcel located northeast of the city.

The planned casino site previously housed the Horsemen Lodge steakhouse, which has been operational since 1975, alongside the Flying Heart Stables. This property is situated just outside city limits on U.S. 89, approximately four miles north of Flagstaff Mall.

In November, the Navajo Nation formalized its claim to the land by signing a warranty deed that grants it trust status, integrating it into the Navajo Reservation and enabling the tribe to construct a casino there.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren revealed plans to collaborate with the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise to establish a gaming center on the newly acquired property. He noted that it is premature to speculate on the timeline for the project due to various factors involved, while confirming that limited gaming options will be available, though specific details are yet to be finalized.

Known as the Lower 89 Project, the upcoming casino is permitted to operate up to 300 gaming devices in accordance with the Tribal-State Gaming Pact established in 2021. President Nygren emphasized the importance of the jobs the casino will generate, especially given the staggering unemployment rate of nearly 50% within the Navajo Nation. Construction alone is expected to create over 300 jobs, with more than 100 permanent positions once the casino opens.

The Gaming Enterprise intends to reopen the Horsemen Lodge steakhouse, which has been missed by both locals and travelers since its closure in June 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Furthermore, the revenue generated from the casino will not only support the tribe but will also contribute to the state of Arizona, enhancing economic conditions across the region.

This casino will serve as a significant stop for tourists traveling to popular destinations such as the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell, thereby bolstering tourism opportunities in the area post the closure of the Navajo Generating Station. The Arizona Department of Gaming will oversee the casino’s development and operations, although the city of Flagstaff and Coconino County will not have zoning authority over the reservation land. Local officials hope to ensure ongoing communication and collaboration between developers and residents regarding the project’s impact.