New Mexico Sports Betting Bill Tracker
Our New Mexico sports betting bill tracker is rather short compared to other states, and this is because the state has only ever introduced on piece of legislation to formally legalize wagering on sports. Lawmakers in New Mexico did not join the numerous states that opted to write preemptive sports betting laws prior to the change in the federal climate. When the Supreme Court ruled to lift the federal ban, it gave many states the green light to start establishing land-based sportsbooks immediately. New Mexico, however, did not enact any laws but still has managed to become one of the states with legal sports betting.
How? The answer is with a loophole in the compact that the state has with tribal casinos. The Indian Gaming Compact is an agreement held between the State of Mexico and eighteen tribes. The compact states that all forms of Class III gaming are authorized on tribal lands, with any specific list that would exclude certain types of gaming. Being that sports betting is widely considered a Class III gaming activity, tribes are legally permitted to accept sports bets even without a change in state law.
The Pueblo of Santa Ana tribe was the first to start offering legal sports betting in New Mexico, as of October 6, 2018. This made New Mexico the sixth state to allow sports gambling with Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Mississippi, and West Virginia leading the pack. Under the current precedent, all NM tribes are authorized to start accepting sports wagers without any legal roadblocks.
Though unlikely, the state could enact sports betting legislation in the future. As history would indicate, state legislators were not interested in drafting bills leading up to the repeal of PASPA, and the only bill to appear since then was one that sought to put the state lottery in charge of sports betting. That being said, our New Mexico sports betting bill tracker offers quick reference to the current state-tribal compact and will provide updates on any pending legislation.
Sponsors: Raymundo Lara, Phelps Anderson, Randall T. Pettigrew, Steven P. Neville
Excerpt: “ AN ACT RELATING TO THE LOTTERY; ENACTING THE NEW MEXICO LOTTERY EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT; PROVIDING FOR SPORTS WAGERING AND TABLE GAMING THROUGH THE LOTTERY; CREATING THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND; PROVIDING PENALTIES; AMENDING A DEFINITION IN THE CRIMINAL CODE; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.”
Summary: Bill would essentially allow racinos in the state to offer expanded gambling activities such as sports betting. It would’ve also allowed for statewide online sportsbooks that are based in the state. To add to this, the money made by the state from sports betting would go to higher education programs.
Actions:
- 01/19/2021 - Sent to HEC - Referrals: HEC/HJC/HTRC
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Sports Betting Laws In New Mexico
Excerpt: “Permitted Class III Gaming. The Tribe may conduct, only on Indian Lands, subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Compact, any or all forms of Class III Gaming” (emphasis added). The agreement between the state government and Tribal governments seemingly grants the tribes, subject to the compact, extensive authority to authorize Class III gaming at their facilities.”
Summary: he compact is made in compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 (IGRA), a federal law that establishes the regulatory structure for Indian gaming. The compact between the State of New Mexico and the various local tribes gives Tribal governments the authority to offer all types of Class III gaming, while also enlisting the Tribe to govern all regulatory aspects. The compact is valid until 2037.
New Mexico Sports Betting Bill FAQs
Where Can I Bet On Sports In New Mexico?
A few local sportsbooks are here in New Mexico. You can place your wagers at Santa Ana Star Casino & Hotel, Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino, or a few others. Both have all the sports that you can bet on and plenty of ways that you can make a lot of extra money. Different sports like NCAA, NHL, NFL, NBA, and other major sports are the ones that will stick out at both of these places.
These sportsbooks are open during most hours of the night and day, giving players plenty of time to find a way to place their wagers on their favorite team. Online sportsbooks are available 24/7 and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Each has its own benefit and drawback but New Mexico sports betting locations are present in many options.
What Types Of Wagers Can I Place At New Mexico Sportsbooks?
Legal sportsbooks in New Mexico accept a wide range of sports bets, including all of the standard options that you would find at a Vegas book. This includes straight bets, parlays, and even in-game wagering on the biggest sporting events.
What Is The Legal Age To Bet On Sports In New Mexico?
The legal age to bet on sports in New Mexico is 21 years old, which is the standard age for all types of casino gaming in the state. As long as you are of age, you can visit any land-based or online sportsbook for legal sports betting in NM.