Rio Puerco, New Mexico: Route 66 Casino - Mother Road Slots

The new Route 66 Casino, 10 minutes west of Albuquerque at Interstate 40 Exit 140, is set to open at 8 pm., Thursday, Sept. 4, 2003.

Route 66 highway is well represented inside the new casino. The 80-foot marquee replicates old fuel pumps that travelers might have seen along the route during the 1940s and 1950s. The sign is topped with the old-fashioned highway shield and the largest license plates in New Mexico. The theme extends to the casino with hand-painted murals, interior facades, furniture and even the rug is designed to look like a highway. The Route 66 Casino, New Mexico's first themed casino, is owned and operated by Laguna Development Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Pueblo of Laguna. The Pueblo of Laguna are familiar with the highway's history as it has contributed much to the growth of their community.

The sign and the casino can be seen for miles along Interstate 40 and is not too far from an historic Route 66 bridge. The property includes the 2,800-seat Legends Theater, 1,200-plus slot and video poker machines, two restaurants, a food court, and a retail shop.