need in one place
New Mexico Sports Betting
Sports betting in New Mexico is restricted to in-person wagering and is controlled entirely by the state's Indian tribes, and halfhearted efforts to legalize mobile wagering or expand sports betting's retail footprint have been DOA in the legislature.
Offers
Disclaimer: For those outside of New Mexico, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.
About Sports Betting in New Mexico
Sports betting in New Mexico is a simple, straightforward affair: It is controlled entirely by the state's Indian tribes, one of which began accepting wagers at its retail sportsbook in late 2018.
And wagering in person at a tribal sportsbook is the only type New Mexicans will do for the foreseeable future, as efforts to legalize commercial and mobile betting have been DOA in the legislature. BetMGM and Caesars are two major national platforms that operate retail sportsbooks on behalf of a pair of New Mexican tribes, but they have been content to play that role without seeking any sort of expansion.
New Mexico Sportsbooks
Currently Operating Sportsbooks
Current Sportsbooks
6Licenses Allowed
6
Inn of the Mountain Gods: 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero, NM 88340
Isleta Resort & Casino: 11000 Broadway Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87105
Sports Betting Legalization in New Mexico
New Mexico Sports Betting Law Highlights
- Sports wagering is the exclusive dominion of the state's tribes through gaming compacts negotiated with the state.
- 21+ age minimum.
- BetMGM and Caesars are two major national operators who power various tribal sportsbooks.
- Sports betting is in-person only, with no mobile options.
- Some tribal sportsbooks allow betting on in-state colleges like the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State, while others don't.
Legalization Timeline
-
PASPA repealed
May, 2018
The U.S. Supreme Court nullifies the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, thus opening the door for all 50 states to offer sports wagering. In New Mexico, such wagering will be restricted to tribal properties.
-
Tribal casino accepts state's first sports wager
October, 2018
Taking the opinion that there is no law that stands in the way of it taking advantage of the terms laid out in its compact with the state, the sportsbook at the Santa Ana Star Casino, owned and operated by the Pueblo of Santa Ana Tribe, accepts the state's first sports wager.
-
Second tribal sportsbook starts taking wagers
May, 2019
After the Pueblos of Santa Ana suffer no issues offering sports betting for its first several months of operation, the Pueblos of Pojoaque follow them into the wagering waters by opening their sportsbook at Buffalo Thunder Casino in Mescalero.
-
Bill to allow sports betting at racinos fails
January, 2021
A bill to authorize sports betting at the state's five racetrack/casinos is dead on arrival in the New Mexico Legislature. This would mark the last time the legislature made a serious attempt at threatening the tribes' monopoly on this form of wagering.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in New Mexico?
Sports betting is legal in New Mexico, but only on the premises of sportsbooks operated by Indian tribes.
Who can bet on sports in New Mexico?
Anyone over the age of 21 can bet on sports in New Mexico, provided they patronize a tribal sportsbook.
Who regulates sports betting in New Mexico?
Each tribe regulates sports gaming through a tribal gaming agency and under the oversight of the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.
What can I bet on in New Mexico?
Betting options are determined by the tribe that operates each sportsbook, but common wagering options include baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, and a plethora of second-tier and more exotic sports. In-game wagering is permitted at most sportsbooks.
What can't I bet on in New Mexico?
Some tribal sportsbooks don't allow wagering on sporting events involving in-state colleges, but others do.
Is DFS legal in New Mexico?
Daily fantasy sports contests are readily accessible in New Mexico.
Is it legal to bet on horse racing in New Mexico?
New Mexico has five racinos – racetracks with some casino gaming – sprinkled throughout the state: Albuquerque Downs (or The Downs), Ruidoso Downs, Sunland Park, Sunray Park, and Zia Park. Live and simulcast wagering are available at all of these venues. But while online gambling through account wagering occurs in New Mexico, betting on the aforementioned five tracks is not available on platforms like TwinSpires, 1/ST, and FanDuel Racing. To wager on those tracks, a bettor must visit them physically.
Have other Questions? Email cservice2@drf.com
Responsible Gambling
21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.