Online sports betting in New Mexico

Sports betting is illegal in commercial properties in New Mexico, but the state has sports betting at two tribal casinos. Since the Supreme Court decision on May 14, 2018 struck down the federal ban on sports betting (PASPA), states have been proposing legislation to legalize sports betting. New Mexico has not, but the State is able to offer sports betting through tribal casino locations due to a federal regulations code that provides tribes to offer Class III gaming (sports betting) on tribal land. So people in New Mexico can legally bet on sports like pro and college football and basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, boxing, UCF and other sports. However, betting is not permitted on games involving the University of New Mexico or New Mexico State University.

People in New Mexico of legal age, 21, may bet on sports at Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel in Bernalillo, New Mexico, which opened a sportsbook in Oct., 2018 in partnership with Nevada-based US Bookmaking. A second sports book and location opened in March, 2019 at Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino in Santa Fe. Buffalo Thunder is the only place outside of Nevada that has kiosks for race and sports betting.

Legislation Updates on Sports Betting in New Mexico

New Mexico has yet to introduce any type of sports betting legislation, other than a House bill to prohibit the state lottery from offering sports betting.

The state of New Mexico has an Indian Gaming Compact with 18 tribes through the Indian Gaming Regulator Act of 1988. Tribes can offer Class III gaming on tribal land, which includes sports betting, per the Code of Federal Regulations, section 502.4.

Mobile sports betting options in New Mexico are on hold until internet gaming is authorized in the State, and the State and Tribes agree on necessary adjustments to the Compact.