TVG stops New Mexico betting

Television Games Network has suspended wagering from New Mexico residents after Gov. Bill Richardson called account-wagering in the state illegal.

"In-home wagering is clearly illegal under New Mexico law, and I want it stopped," Richardson said Tuesday. "New Mexico law states parimutuel betting is only allowed at a licensed track."

India Hatch, the director of the New Mexico Racing Commission, said Friday that staff for the governor's office and the district attorney's office are working to resolve whether account-wagering is actually illegal in the state.

Hatch said the state's former attorney general had informally given TVG approval to take account wagers in the state several years ago.

John Hindman, TVG's general counsel, did not return a phone call on Friday.

TVG was launched in the Albuquerque area on Comcast digital cable systems earlier this month.