New Casino Opening Between Deming And Las Cruces

By Doug Wernet

AKELA FLATS, N.M. — With two propositions for casinos in Southern New Mexico being rejected in the past week, it is a surprise to hear that a new location will be opening at Akela Flats between Deming and Las Cruces soon.

Construction is well underway and workers are just weeks away from completing the new Chiricahua-Apache Casino for slot machines and gambling tables. The group was able to put up the casino because they are the owners of the 30 acres ofland just off I-10.

Officials with the tribe said they anticipate the casino will generate enough revenue to fund a much larger multi-million dollar facility within two years. Residents nearby were largely unaware of the casino’s presence, but have high expectations of the economic impact it will have on the community.

Robin Lee of Deming said the lure of people looking to spend money is inevitable. “A lot of people don’t want more people coming here, but its gonna’ happen anyway, so I think this will open up jobs and everything.”

Peter and Saul Arnette agree the prospect of new jobs means big business means big bucks for the towns nearby.

“That [would]be great! I can see what they are doing in California, where the indian casinos give back a lot of money, it will help this community a lot,” Peter Arnette said.