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Record Earnings for Eleven New Mexico Tribes

NEW MEXICO -- Eleven of the Indian tribes operating casinos in New Mexico earned a record $11 9 million from slot machines during the first three months of the year. The increase in the slot machine "net win" comes a quarter after the tribes saw a $2 million-plus decrease in their slot business. The net win is the amount wagered on slots minus regulatory fees and prize payouts.

"Wow," New Mexico Indian Gaming Association acting Chairman Charlie Dorame said Thursday of the figures from the Gaming Control Board.

The previous record was set in the third quarter of 2003, which ended last September, when the 11 tribes brought in more than $112.52 million in slot machine net wins.

Sandia Pueblo Gov. Stuwart Paisano said his casino changed its marketing tactics to target tourists.

The casino has offered free concert tickets to those booking vacations on the state Tourism Department Web site and is now advertising in airline magazines, Paisano said.

Copyright © Las Vegas Sun. Inc. Republished with permission.

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