Sports betting laws in New Mexico are a little strange in comparison to other states.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned on May 14, 2018. On that day, courts voted to allow each state to propose and create their own laws and regulations for sports betting.
However, New Mexico has not moved forward with allowing legalized sports betting, but that doesn’t mean that sports betting isn’t allowed.
The wording in the compacts signed with native New Mexico tribes as part of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 specifies any or all forms of Class III games, including any sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering, will be allowed. As such, despite the state having no formal legalized sports betting of its own, several tribes have introduced sports betting at their own casinos.
New Mexicans can wager on sports at a select few tribal casinos. Additionally, northern residents are in nearby proximity to Colorado, which has legalized sports betting already. The state also offers five racinos, which offer horse racing and slots wagering.
New Mexico Sports Betting at a Glance
Of the 28 tribal casinos in New Mexico, four offer sports betting despite no formal law to legalize the activity in the state.
The Pueblo of Santa Ana tribe deemed their compact with the state did, in fact, allow them to offer sports betting. As a result, the Santa Ana Star Casino was the first to offer sports betting in New Mexico in October of 2018 through a partnership with USBookmaking.
New Mexico residents are free to make sports wagers at any of the facilities; however, only while physically on-site. There is no legal online or mobile betting in the state. Tribal casinos have also forbidden wagering on sports teams in New Mexico, thus eliminating the ability to bet on local university teams.
There seems to be little momentum to expand legal wagering to the rest of the state. The New Mexico Lottery Authority voted in favor of creating a sports betting parlay-type product and expressed interest in expanding gambling to lottery ticket sales at gas stations, video lottery terminals, and the ability to allow lottery purchases from mobile devices. In response, House bill 441 was launched against the expansion and legislation voted against the Lottery Authority.
New Mexico is not home to any major sports teams. However, many popular teams from neighboring states would likely create a decent amount betting handle should New Mexico ever adopt state-wide legal sports betting.
Where to Bet on Sports in New Mexico
Four tribal casinos offer sports betting in New Mexico. The Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel took the state’s first sports bet on October 16, 2018. Buffalo Thunder and Isleta Resort & Casino soon followed, and the Inn of the Mountain Gods was the latest to open a sportsbook in 2019, which is operated by globally renowned bookmaker William Hill.
| Casino/Racetrack | Sportsbook | Address | Hours* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel | Sportsbook at The Star | 1777 NW 44th Street, Lincoln City, OR 97367 | Mon – Fri: 10am-10pm Sat & Sun: 9am-10pm |
| Buffalo Thunder Resort Casino | Thunder Race & Sportsbook | 20 Buffalo Thunder Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87506 | Mon – Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri – Sun: 11am-12am |
| Isleta Resort & Casino | Isleta Resort & Casino Sportsbook | 11000 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87105 | Mon – Thurs: 8am-10pm, Fri – Sun: 7am-11pm |
| Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino | Sportsbook at the Inn | 287 Carrizo Canyon Rd, Mescalero, NM 88340 | Mon – Thurs: 11am-7pm, Fri – Sun: 8am-8pm |
*Hours are subject to change due to COVID-19
New Mexico Sports Betting FAQs
Can you bet sports in New Mexico?
New Mexico residents can bet on sports at one of four tribal casinos that currently offer sportsbooks.
Is online sports betting legal in New Mexico?
No, sports betting is currently limited to on-site wagering only at tribal casinos chosen to open sportsbooks. Otherwise, New Mexico law has not legalized either retail or online wagering elsewhere.
Can you drink in New Mexico casinos?
Patrons in New Mexico casinos are only allowed to be served alcohol while at the bar but not while moving through the casino and playing games.
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