
The local lodge has been licensed by the state for gaming, which members say will mean additional money generated for local and national charities.
Elks Secretary Dave Johnson said the new game room features 10 Las Vegas-type machines.
Johnson said they have named the room “Wapiti Casino” – with wapiti coming from a Shawnee and Cree word meaning “white rump,” which is synonymous with the American elk.
The gaming room, which has been designated as a non-smoking room, is open to members and their spouses only, and opens at noon Monday through Friday, and at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Closing hours will vary based on participation.
The Elks Lodge is the only fraternal or veteran’s organization in Luna County licensed for gaming, and is the only casino in the county – fraternal or commercial.
The lodge will have a grand opening of the casino on Friday, November 8th at 7 p.m. Their distributor, New Mexico Gaming, LLC, will be on-hand with prizes and giveaways.