Is Sports Betting Legal in New Mexico? Everything You Need to Know

New Mexico’s sports betting thrives in six tribal casinos, from Santa Ana Star to the newly opened Sandia Resort sportsbook. Operating under a 2015 tribal compact, the market requires in-person betting with no online options.

The 2024 handle reached $60–70 million, though Q3 saw a 5.7% revenue decline. Bettors can wager on NFL, NBA, and out-of-state college teams, but not on in-state Lobos or Aggies.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) like DraftKings and FanDuel, and online horse racing (excluding in-state races), fill the online gap. Tribal exclusivity blocks commercial operators, ensuring local benefits.

Tribal Compacts Lead the Way

The 2018 Supreme Court ruling in Murphy v. NCAA struck down PASPA, allowing states to regulate sports betting. New Mexico’s tribes leveraged their 2015 gaming compact, rooted in the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), to offer sports betting as a Class III game without state legislation.

Santa Ana Star Casino, partnered with USBookmaking, launched the state’s first sportsbook on October 16, 2018. Five others followed: Buffalo Thunder (May 2019), Inn of the Mountain Gods (July 2019, with William Hill), Isleta Resort (August 2019, with Caesars), Route 66 Casino (August 2019), and Sandia Resort (November 2024).

A 2021 bill (HB 101) to extend betting to racinos failed, and no 2025 legislation proposes online or statewide expansion. Tribal autonomy drives this retail-only market, distinct from state-regulated models.

Regulations: Tribal Rules, No State Oversight

The 2015 tribal compact shapes New Mexico’s betting rules:

• Age and Location: Bettors must be 21+ and physically present at tribal casino sportsbooks, with geofencing ensuring compliance.

• Taxation: No specific sports betting tax; casinos pay a 6% state tax on all gambling winnings, with federal taxes on wins over $600. Tribes share revenue per compacts.

• College Betting: In-state teams (e.g., University of New Mexico, New Mexico State) are banned in most casinos (Isleta may allow them); out-of-state colleges and pro sports are permitted.

• Licensing: Tribes self-regulate; no state licenses or fees apply.

• Federal Laws: The 1961 Wire Act and 2006 UIGEA deter offshore betting, with state penalties (up to 18 months jail, $5,000 fine) for illegal gambling.

The New Mexico Gaming Control Board oversees compact compliance but not sportsbooks, leaving tribes in control of this retail-focused market.

Betting Venues: Tribal Casinos, No Mobile Apps

New Mexico’s betting is confined to six tribal sportsbooks:

• Santa Ana Star Casino (Bernalillo): Launched October 2018, partnered with USBookmaking, open daily with kiosks and betting windows.

• Buffalo Thunder Casino (Pojoaque): Opened May 2019, popular for March Madness.

• Inn of the Mountain Gods (Mescalero): Launched July 2019, with William Hill and Caesars.

• Isleta Resort & Casino (Albuquerque): Opened August 2019, partnered with Caesars and BetMGM (November 2023).

• Route 66 Casino (Albuquerque): Launched August 2019, tribal-run.

• Sandia Resort & Casino (Albuquerque): Opened November 2024, with $8,000 bet limits and 50+ TVs.

Bets are placed in-person via kiosks or windows; no mobile apps exist. DFS (DraftKings, FanDuel) and online horse racing (TVG, excluding in-state races) are legal alternatives.

Tribal exclusivity prevents commercial operators unless partnered with casinos, keeping revenue on tribal lands.

Betting Options: Pro Leagues, Out-of-State Colleges

Tribal sportsbooks offer diverse wagers:

• Spreads
• Moneylines
• Totals (over/under)
• Parlays
• Prop bets (excluding in-state college players)
• Futures
• Live betting

Popular markets include NFL (Cowboys, Broncos), NBA (Suns, Mavericks), MLB (Rockies, Diamondbacks), NHL (Avalanche, Stars), and out-of-state college teams. In-state teams like the Lobos are banned in most casinos, though Isleta may differ.

High school sports, politics, and entertainment awards are prohibited. Esports betting awaits tribal approval. Over 80% of bets in 2023 were via kiosks.

Economic Impact

New Mexico’s betting market, with a $60–70 million 2024 handle, supports tribal economies. Tribal gaming contributed over $1 billion to the state’s economy in 2023, with sports betting as a growing segment.

The 6% state tax on winnings and compact revenue-sharing fund tribal services (schools, healthcare) and state programs like education. The Sandia Resort sportsbook’s 2024 launch created jobs in Albuquerque.

Despite a 5.7% revenue drop in Q3 2024, tribal gaming grew 2.5% overall, employing hundreds. Compared to Arizona’s $707.7 million handle, New Mexico’s market is smaller but vital for tribal stability.

Offshore Betting: A Risky Wager

Some New Mexicans use offshore sites for online access or in-state college bets, but risks include:

• Legal Risks: Violates state law (fourth-degree felony, up to 18 months jail, $5,000 fine) and federal UIGEA/Wire Act, risking account seizures.
• Payment Issues: Delayed or withheld winnings, no legal recourse.
• Data Security: No U.S. protections, increasing fraud and identity theft risks.
• Unfair Odds: Unaudited odds may reduce payouts.
• No Safeguards: No responsible gambling tools, heightening addiction risks.

Tribal sportsbooks offer audited odds and protections. State warnings in 2024 emphasize legal options’ safety.

Responsible Gambling: Safe Betting Practices

Tribal casinos promote responsible gambling:

• Self-Exclusion: Bans from betting for 6 months to 5 years, enforceable statewide via New Mexico Gaming Control Board (505-841-9700).

• Deposit Limits: Caps at kiosks or betting windows.

• Support Resources: Display 1-800-GAMBLER, Responsible Gaming Association (888-696-2440), and New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling.

Tips for safe betting:

• Budget Wisely: Wager 1–5% of disposable income (e.g., $10 of $200 monthly).

• Don’t Chase Losses: Avoid increasing bets to recover losses.

• Take Breaks: Pause every 30–60 minutes.

• Understand Odds: Set realistic expectations.

• Explore Alternatives: Enjoy hiking or the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.

The NCPG estimates 2–3% of Americans face gambling issues. A February 2025 report noted rising addiction help searches in New Mexico. Casinos allocated $100,000 for treatment in 2024.

Tribal Control, No Online Shift

New Mexico’s market, with a $60–70 million 2024 handle, remains tribal-driven. No 2025 bills propose online betting or statewide expansion, as tribes protect exclusivity.

The 2021 HB 101 failure and no compact renegotiation before 2037 signal stability. Casino-grounds apps, like Washington’s model, may emerge, but statewide online betting is unlikely before 2027.

Is sports betting legal in New Mexico in 2025?

Yes, sports betting is legal at six tribal casino sportsbooks, operating under a 2015 tribal compact without formal state legislation.

Where can I place sports bets in New Mexico?

You can bet at Santa Ana Star Casino, Buffalo Thunder Casino, Inn of the Mountain Gods, Isleta Resort & Casino, Route 66 Casino, and Sandia Resort & Casino.

Can I bet on the New Mexico Lobos or other in-state college teams?

No, betting on in-state college teams like the New Mexico Lobos or New Mexico State Aggies is banned in most tribal casinos, though Isleta Resort may allow it.

What is the minimum age to place sports bets in New Mexico?

You must be 21 or older, with ID verification required at tribal casino sportsbooks.

What types of sports bets are available in New Mexico?

Available bets include spreads, moneylines, totals (over/under), parlays, prop bets (excluding in-state college players), futures, and live betting.

What are the risks of using offshore betting sites in New Mexico?

Offshore sites carry risks of legal penalties (up to 18 months jail, $5,000 fine), payment delays, data breaches, unaudited odds, and no responsible gambling tools.

Where can I get help for gambling issues in New Mexico?

Resources include 1-800-GAMBLER and the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico at 888-696-2440.