New Mexico online sports betting laws
Sports betting does take place in New Mexico, but only in a handful of tribal casinos. This is because the state has not yet passed enabling legislation to authorize sports betting – which means that this is not an option for commercial operators. However, the tribal-state gaming compact allows for sports wagering. Therefore, once The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act or PASPA was ruled unconstitutional, tribal operators were free to launch sportsbooks at tribal casinos.
Written by OnlineBetting.com staff.
Fact Checked
Jennifer Gaynor
Administrative law and government relations attorney
Jennifer has a degree in Journalism from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and graduated from George Washington University Law School, Washington, D.C, in 2005. She's been living in Las Vegas helping clients in the casino and gaming industry, as well as other regulated businesses, across Nevada for over 15 years.
She has authored and co-authored numerous articles and books on US gaming law, including most recently, The Law of Regulated Gambling: A Practical Guide for Business Lawyers , American Bar Association (2020), and That (Expletive) Broad: Women Who Broke Barriers in the Casino and Gaming Industry (2020) .
Is sports betting legal in New Mexico?
Yes, New Mexico sports betting is effectively legal, but only in a few tribal casino locations.
Is online sports betting legal in New Mexico?
No. There are no licensed online sports betting operators in New Mexico, although efforts are under way to change that.
How old do I have to be to place a bet in New Mexico?
You must be 21 to gamble in New Mexico in a tribal casino – which is your only current option for sports betting.
How do I start betting in New Mexico?
Go in person to one of the casinos with a live sportsbook.
Sign up as a customer – you’ll need ID and proof you’re over 21.
Check out the markets and start betting.
Is sports betting legal in New Mexico?
New Mexico starts sports betting
Complete Ban on Online Sports Betting
Are New Mexico Gambling Winnings Taxable?
Who is allowed to bet on sports in New Mexico?
You must be at least 21 years old to bet in New Mexico
You must be in a New Mexico casino to bet
What can’t I bet on in New Mexico?
College sports
Politics
Daily Fantasy Sports in New Mexico
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) offerings have not been explicitly authorized or regulated under New Mexico state law – but at the same time neither has the activity been specifically outlawed and no legal action has been taken by the state against DFS operators. As things stand, all the leading DFS operators offer games to people aged 18 or over in New Mexico, which has a population of just over two million.
College fantasy sports are particularly popular in New Mexico, which has no pro sports teams in the top level of the big four sports. However, those nationally popular sports – football, basketball, baseball, and hockey – have many fans in New Mexico who enjoy playing DFS games.
Top sports to bet on in New Mexico
Football
There’s no NFL side based in New Mexico, but the state does have two top-class Division 1 NCAA outfits. The New Mexico Lobos and the New Mexico State Aggies draw significant support from across the state and, with betting on college sport allowed in most casinos here, fans can back them with money too.
Responsible gambling in New Mexico
It is encouraging to see that, even though the New Mexico sports betting scene is an extremely limited one, there are plenty of measures in place to ensure the activity is carried out responsibly.
Betting on sports is a fun, relaxing leisure activity for the vast majority of people, but for a small minority it can get out of control and cause financial and health issues.
The New Mexico Gaming Control Board has a series of resources on its website, including:
Twenty questions you should ask yourself to see if you have a problem.
Help available from federal organizations such as the National Council for Problem Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous .
Advice on self-exclusion from betting premises and websites.
Links to the Compulsive Gamblers Treatment Center in Albuquerque NM.
It’s also worth checking out the website of the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico . This provides practical help and resources including:
A Gambling Help Line available 24/7.
Monthly webinars for treatment providers.
Early intervention treatment centers available to all residents of New Mexico.
Timeline of sports betting in New Mexico
1995
The state governor signs tribal-state gaming compacts with the tribes of New Mexico, which leads to the state’s first land-based casino being set up. The wording of the compacts allows for the tribes to engage in Class III gaming, which includes sports wagering. However federal law, in the form of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), stands in the way.
2018
After PASPA is struck down, New Mexico tribal casinos begin offering sports betting, with the first wager struck at the Santa Ana Star Casino in October.
2021
New legislation is introduced that would expand the scope of New Mexico sports betting, including allowing online wagering for the first time.
Where can you bet in New Mexico
Five out of the two-dozen tribal casinos in the state currently offer sports betting facilities. It is likely that more will join them in the future.
| Casino/Retail Sportsbook | Retail Sportsbook Partner | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana Star Casino | USBookmaking | 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Road, Bernadillo NM 87004 |
| Hilton Buffalo Thunder Casino | National Sports Book Management (NSBM) | 20 Buffalo Thunder Trail, Santa Fe NM 87506 |
| Inn of the Mountain Gods | William Hill | 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero NM 88340 |
| Isleta Resort & Casino | USBookmaking | 11000 Broadway Southeast, Albuquerque NM 87105 |
| Route 66 Casino | The Book | 14500 Central Avenue SW, Rio Puerco, Albuquerque NM 87121 |
Sports betting in the United States
- Online sports betting legal
- Sports betting legal (excluding online)
- Not legal yet
New Mexico betting FAQs
Can I bet online in NM?
Where can I bet on sports in New Mexico?
Does New Mexico allow sports betting?
Is Bovada legal in New Mexico?