Is Sports Betting Legal in New Mexico?

 

Yes, sports betting is legal in New Mexico - but only at tribal casinos. Under the terms of their gaming compacts with the state, federally recognized tribes are permitted to offer sports wagering on tribal lands. New Mexico law does not authorize sports betting outside of those tribal properties.

 

There are currently no legal commercial sportsbook promos or statewide online betting platforms operating in New Mexico.

 

 

How Sports Betting Works in New Mexico

 

Sports betting in New Mexico exists because of the language contained within tribal gaming compacts negotiated between the tribes and the state. Unlike many other states that legalized sports wagering through standalone legislation, voter initiatives, or regulatory hearings, New Mexico’s framework is rooted in tribal agreements.

 

The compacts allow tribes to conduct, on Indian lands and subject to the terms of the agreement, various forms of casino-style gaming. The language broadly authorizes gaming activities including slot machines, table games such as blackjack and poker, roulette, craps, keno, lottery-style games, and other casino offerings.

 

Because of this broad definition of permissible gaming activities, several tribes chose to interpret sports betting as an allowed form of gaming under their compact authority. As a result, sports wagering launched at select tribal casinos without the need for additional statewide legislation.

 

 

Legislative Activity

 

The most recent significant legislative discussion surrounding sports betting in New Mexico occurred in 2021. Lawmakers considered House Bill 101, which would have allowed racetracks (racinos) to offer sports betting. However, after being referred to committees, the proposal did not advance.

 

Since then, legislative efforts related to sports betting have primarily focused on commissioning studies to examine gambling expansion in the state. These proposals have not gained traction, and no new laws have been enacted to expand sports wagering beyond tribal casinos.

 

At this time, there are no active measures moving forward that would significantly alter New Mexico’s sports betting landscape.

 

 

Where to Bet on Sports in New Mexico

 

While New Mexico has roughly two dozen gambling facilities - including tribal casinos and racinos - only six tribal casinos currently offer on-site sports betting. There are no legal online sportsbooks or mobile betting apps operating statewide.

 

The first tribal casino to launch sports wagering was Santa Ana Star Casino, owned and operated by the Pueblo of Santa Ana. It accepted its first legal sports bet in October 2018, becoming the first sportsbook in New Mexico history.

 

Since then, five additional tribal casinos have introduced retail sportsbooks. Although these six venues remain the only locations offering legal sports betting, expansion is possible. The Navajo Nation operates gaming properties in both New Mexico and Arizona and has already launched a Hard Rock Sportsbook at its Twin Arrows Casino in Flagstaff, Arizona. That raises the possibility that additional sportsbooks could open at Navajo Nation properties within New Mexico in the future.

 

Below are the current locations where you can legally place a sports bet in New Mexico 2026:

 

 

Buffalo Thunder Casino

 

Thunder Racebook & Sportsbook

Owned and operated by the Pueblo of Pojoaque, this Santa Fe sportsbook features a full-service bar and large viewing screens.

 

• Address: 20 Buffalo Thunder Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87506

• Phone: 505-455-5555

• Hours:

   

  • Sunday–Thursday: 8 a.m. – 2 a.m.

  • Friday–Saturday: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.

 

 

Inn of the Mountain Gods

 

The Sportsbook at the Inn

Located in Mescalero and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, this sportsbook is powered by Caesars. It offers table-side food service and 12 large-screen televisions.

 

• Address: 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero, NM 88340

• Phone: 575-464-7059

• Hours:

   

  • Monday–Friday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

  • Saturday–Sunday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

 

 

Casino Apache

 

Another Mescalero Apache Tribe property, Casino Apache’s sportsbook is powered by Caesars odds. Conveniently located off Highway 70, the property includes a gas station and convenience store.

 

• Address: 25845 US Highway 70, Mescalero, NM 88340

• Phone: 575-464-7059

• Hours:

   

  • Thursday–Friday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

  • Saturday–Sunday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 

 

Isleta Resort & Casino

 

BetMGM Sportsbook

Owned by the Pueblo of Isleta, this is one of the largest sportsbooks in New Mexico and one of two located in the Albuquerque area. The venue features a full-service bar, teller windows, betting kiosks, and more than 40 HD televisions.

 

• Address: 11000 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87105

• Phone: 505-724-3800

• Hours:

   

  • Sunday–Thursday: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

  • Friday–Saturday: 7 a.m. – Midnight

  • Kiosks: Daily 7 a.m. – Midnight

 

 

Route 66 Casino

 

Owned and operated by the Pueblo of Laguna, Route 66 Casino hosts one of the Albuquerque-area sportsbooks. The property offers dining, betting kiosks, and a comfortable viewing environment.

 

• Address: 14500 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121

• Phone: 505-352-7866

• Hours:

   

  • Sunday–Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

  • Friday–Saturday: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

 

 

Santa Ana Star Casino

 

Legends Sportsbook

Santa Ana Star Casino was the first venue to accept a legal sports bet in New Mexico. The sportsbook offers live ticket writers and self-service kiosks, which typically operate longer hours than the main counter.

 

• Address: 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Road, Bernalillo, NM 87004

• Phone: 505-771-5339

• Hours:

   

  • Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

  • Friday–Saturday: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

  • Kiosks: Daily 8 a.m. – Midnight

 

Most Popular Sports to Bet on in New Mexico

 

The six retail sportsbooks operating in New Mexico offer wagering on all major U.S. sports. NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football, and college basketball are consistently featured at the top of the odds board.

 

 

Professional Sports Interest

 

New Mexico does not have a major professional sports franchise in the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL. The state’s population has historically not supported expansion or relocation of a major league team.

 

The closest professional affiliation is the Albuquerque Isotopes, a Triple-A affiliate of MLB’s Colorado Rockies. Prior to their current partnership, the Isotopes also served as affiliates for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the (then) Florida Marlins. Because of these ties — and regional proximity — teams like the Rockies, Dodgers, and Diamondbacks often attract fan interest within the state.

 

In practice, many New Mexico bettors follow nearby or regionally popular franchises.

 

 

College Sports in New Mexico

 

College athletics play a significant role in the local sports landscape. New Mexico is home to two NCAA Division I programs:

 

• University of New Mexico Lobos

• New Mexico State Aggies

 

Both programs draw strong in-state support, particularly in football and basketball. However, betting availability on in-state college teams varies by sportsbook location.

 

Because each tribal casino sportsbook operates independently, there is no uniform rule across the state. Some locations, such as Santa Ana Star Casino, may restrict wagering on in-state college teams. Others, including Isleta Resort & Casino, may allow it. Bettors interested in wagering on UNM or NMSU should confirm availability directly with their chosen sportsbook.

 

 

Most Popular Teams for New Mexico Bettors

 

 

NFL

 

• Arizona Cardinals

• Denver Broncos

• Dallas Cowboys

 

 

NBA

 

• Phoenix Suns

• Denver Nuggets

• Dallas Mavericks

• Houston Rockets

 

 

MLB

 

• Colorado Rockies

• Los Angeles Dodgers

• Miami Marlins

• Arizona Diamondbacks

 

 

NHL

 

• Arizona Coyotes

• Colorado Avalanche

• Dallas Stars

 

 

NCAA

 

• University of New Mexico Lobos

• New Mexico State Aggies