The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise is set to celebrate the 17th anniversary of the inaugural Navajo gaming venue, Fire Rock Navajo Casino, with a series of exciting events throughout November.
Since its grand opening 17 years ago, this casino has evolved into more than just a gambling location; it serves as a vital employment and training hub for members of the Navajo Nation, offering valuable experience in hospitality, management, and gaming operations since its inception in 2008.
Fire Rock Navajo Casino, managed by the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, holds the distinction of being the first gaming establishment developed by the Navajo Nation.
Situated in the Church Rock Chapter, close to Gallup, N.M., the casino welcomed its first guests on November 19, 2008, laying the groundwork for subsequent NNGE casino and travel plaza operations across New Mexico and Arizona.
In the years since, countless Navajo Nation community members have found employment at Fire Rock, many of whom have leveraged their professional experiences to support staffing needs at other NNGE venues. Established as a wholly owned business entity of the Navajo Nation in 2006, the enterprise currently employs over 1,200 individuals.
Event Schedule and Guest Engagements
Fire Rock Navajo Casino will honor its 17-year milestone with a lineup of public events during November. The main anniversary celebration is set for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, kicking off at noon. Both guests and local residents are welcome to partake in this festive occasion, which will feature cake, enticing food offers, and a variety of gaming activities.
Cash drawings of $1,000 will occur hourly from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., supplemented by Hot Seat Drawings every 15 minutes within each hour, distributing $225 in Free Play.
Alongside the primary event, the venue will host weekly promotions on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing 104 patrons opportunities to win cash, Free Play, or even a brand-new vehicle. The promotional series will culminate on Sunday, Nov. 30, with a $117,000 Grand Prize Vehicle Drawing featuring a 2025 Toyota Tundra SR5 Truck.
November Promotions and Giveaways
The scheduled anniversary promotions at the casino include:
- $24,000 Fire Rock Anniversary Fall Into Cash – Win $1,717 cash every half hour on Fridays, November 14 and 21, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- $17,000 Fire Rock 17th Anniversary Giveaway – $500 cash every half hour on Wednesday, November 19, from noon to 8 p.m.
- $117,000 Unlock the Toyota Tundra Adventure – Grand prize drawing for a 2025 Toyota Tundra SR5 Truck on Sunday, November 30, starting at noon.
- Veterans Day Celebration – Complimentary meals and gifts for veterans on Tuesday, November 11, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cultural and Entertainment Offerings
The anniversary festivities will showcase live performances and cultural exhibitions, featuring appearances from Talibah Begay on November 17 and Miss Gallup Ceremonial Queen Tewakeedah Martin on November 18. The Navajo and Mescalero Apache Dance Group will entertain on November 19, followed by flutist William Clark on November 20.
Additionally, an arts and crafts showcase, Festival of Arts, is scheduled for November 19, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Fire Rock Event Center, spotlighting the talents of Navajo artisans.
A unique menu item—a 6-ounce sirloin served with a tortilla, Spanish rice, and beans—will be offered on November 19 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.