New Mexico online sports betting proposal faces challenges

Stakeholders of New Mexico’s casinos are targeting a major gaming expansion that would permit online casino gaming and sport betting

Should such a proposal fall through, it would make New Mexico the first western state to embrace mobile casino gaming. However, several political and logistical challenges lie ahead.  

In addition to mobile and retail sports betting, New Mexico’s five commercial, hybrid horse track–casino “racinos” are requesting that law officials permit a “Las Vegas-style compensation” which would consist of providing accommodation and food outlets. Furthermore, this would also allow alcohol to be served to patrons whilst playing games along with decreasing the facility caps on slot machines.  

As revenues are currently dwindling and layoffs are constantly increasing, racino officials have outlined the importance of such a legislation and that the New Mexico Legislature’s Legislative Finance Committee must view these moves as essential in order to remain viable in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Should the “Gaming Recovery Act” pass through, New Mexico would be the first state west of the Mississippi River to approve online casino gaming and just the fifth, after Iowa, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada, with mobile sports betting. 

Achieving such an expansion would require not just a legislative approval alone, but a tedious renegotiation with the state’s gaming tribes. 

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