New Mexico Gambling
New Mexico offers numerous forms of legalized gambling. This includes racing, lottery, casinos and some forms of online betting.
New Mexico Online Gambling
The only form of online betting is horseracing. It is not available through the racetracks. Bets on races must be made through BetAmerica, TVG and TwinSpires. Online and mobile apps are available for wagering purposes on Android and iOS platforms. These may be downloaded through Google Play or the Apple Store.
Daily fantasy sports seem to be legal in New Mexico. Sites like DraftKings and FanDuel assert this to be true. The state’s attorney general has taken no action to stop it. The New Mexico Legislature is taking the same hands off approach. Fantasy sports often claim exemption to state gambling laws by stating that it is a game of skill.
As the New Mexico Gaming Control Board’s website states, most online betting sites are illegal in New Mexico. “Any statement, reference or opinion to the contrary is wrong,” the state’s gaming regulator says. Players considering a deposit at an offshore site should consider this opinion.
New Mexico Horse Racing
Horseracing is New Mexico’s oldest form of gambling. It all started at the now-defunct La Mesa Park in 1946. La Mesa closed in 1992, but five tracks still operate in New Mexico. There are live races and off-track betting facilities at these tracks. All bets made through the tracks must be made in-person. The state’s racetracks do not have betting websites and do not accept wagers over the phone.
New Mexico Casinos
The remaining tracks benefited from an expansion of gambling in 1997. This permitted slots and video poker at racetracks. Electronic table games qualify as slots under this law. The ability to spread casino games helped save the struggling racing industry in New Mexico.
Reservations have exclusivity to spread table games. This includes blackjack, craps, roulette, Pai Gow Poker, baccarat, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Three Card Poker. Tribal casinos may also spread bingo, slots, video poker and live poker. There are seven live poker rooms in New Mexico.
North Dakota licenses Bet America which accepts legal online wagers for horse racing, dog racing and fantasy sports. This is legal for residents of this state (please read their terms and conditions to ensure this has not changed).
New Mexico Charity Gaming
New Mexico permits charities to spread bingo. A bona fide charity registered before January 1, 1997 may also have casino nights and limited gaming operations.
New Mexico Lottery
The New Mexico Lottery was created by Senate Bill 853. It was signed into law on April 5, 1995 by former Governor Gary Johnson. The first scratch-off ticket was sold on April 27, 1996. The New Mexico Lottery entered the lotto market on October 20, 1996. It was purchased by Governor Johnson.