What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico
Participating in daily fantasy sports has been legal in New Mexico since 2016, when House Bill 314 was signed into law. This allowed New Mexicans over 18 years of age to take part, and also includes a number of responsible gambling caveats that allow players to self-exclude upon request. New Mexico Casinos & Gambling; New Mexico Legal Gambling Age: 18 lottery & racing 21 casino: Number of Casinos: 50: Estimated Casino Revenue: $900 million.
- What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico Usa
- Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico
- What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico Casinos
- What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico Today
- What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico Right Now
Your Guide
New Mexico offers online casino gaming through offshore based online casinos. Onshore online casinos are not permitted. State laws do not expressly prohibit players from participating with online gaming, however it does explicitly prohibit onshore operators.
All casinos in New Mexico are native American operated offering Class II and III gaming. The larger and more popular land based casinos are mostly located in Albuquerque, with Sandra Casino taking the honours of being the best.
Sports betting is legal in New Mexico, however online sports bettings is prohibited. As a result online sports betting sites reside offshore with New Mexico players accepted. Daily Fantasy Sports on the other hand is legal and is the closest form of onshore online sports betting available.
Horse racing and betting is on par with casino popularity, with the Ruidoso Downs Race Track claiming to hold the world’s most prized quarter horse race – the All American Futurity. No online horse betting is offered, with bets required to be placed at horse racing venues.
In 2012 two bills were passed through legislation to reduce owners from using performance enhancing drugs on horses.
Bingo falls under the category of charitable gaming, with many community organisations that support and operate bingo halls. Online bingo sites are available to residents via offshore providers.
Online Gambling
Online gambling turnover is approximately $4 million per year. Casino table games leading the way with $2 million, followed by sports betting, poker and online bingo.
- Offshore online casinos accept players from New Mexico.
- There are no state regulated online onshore operators.
- New Mexico State Lottery holds monopoly on lottery products
- Licenses are awarded for land based casinos on Indian territories.
Best 5 New Mexico Online Live Casinos
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Online casino activity is currently available and offered through various sites that are based offshore. These sites are safe and secure to play at, with no risk posed to New Mexico players, both regarding legality or to player data protection.
The best online casinos all use the latest SSL internet technology, and feature secure payment methods that are common, trusted and processed by reputable financial institutions. These include: VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Bitcoin (BTC), direct wire transfers and many other methods.
Casino Bonuses are extremely important in selecting an online casino. We have therefore displayed some of the best casino bonuses that can be found whilst balancing other important criteria such as safety and security as previously mentioned. However, for ease of reference, we have listed them according to the size of bonus.
Without doubt, at the time of writing, El Royale Casino offers the best casino bonus deal. It is also one of the safest. Coupled with excellent customer service, El Royale is our top recommended online casino for New Mexico players.
New Mexico Sports Betting Sites
After the legalization of sports betting in 2018, several casinos now offer sports betting.
- Santa Ana Star Casino opened its sports book US Book Making.
- Hilton Buffalo Thunder Casino opened its sports book on 11 March 2019.
- Mountain Gods Resort and Casino opened its sports book with William Hill.
- Isleta Resort and Casino opened its sports book on 12 August 2019.
Online sports betting sites, however is not permitted by these retail outlets. Therefore there are regulate and licensed offshore based sports betting sites that accept New Mexico bettors. There has been no precedence of any bettor being informed of a breach in law, let alone charged with a misdemeanor or felony.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports is growing fast in popularity. New to the gambling scene, it is considered a game of skill by many which requires bettors to create a fictitious team based on real players. The performance of the real sports players in real life determine how successful the fictitious team is. As a result, it truly is those with the most “skills” will win.
The two largest daily fantasy sports providers in the US are DraftKings and FanDuel. On this site, we do not actively promote daily fantasy sports as we understand that it is a game of “skill” which is being exploited by bettors who have the best risk modelling. That is, it isn’t nearly about how well you know your sport, the sport players etc, it is very much about who has the best statistical model and who has access to the most detailed sports player data.
As someone who may be a big fan of sport, and thinking that they would have a good chance of winning money in DFS, think again. You are pitted against statistical modelling experts who deliberately target games that mostly have new players to DFS. In fact, it has been alleged that those who are extremely good at DFS have been known to collaborate among themselves and not compete with each other. Thereby creating a sustainable winning formula shared by the experts.
We therefore want our readers to be aware that DFS is not what is appears to be. In fairness, DFS is legal in New Mexico and many DFS onshore operators accept New Mexico players.
If you wish to read more about How to Play DFS, click here.
Online Bingo Site in New Mexico
New Mexico bingo laws are stipulated under Charitable gaming state legislation. These laws provide for the licensing of non profit organizations to operate bingo games. At present, these laws do not address nor permit online bingo by onshore operators. Accordingly, online bingo sites that do accept New Mexico players are based offshore (which is the same as online casinos and sports betting sites).
The recommended online bingo sites all accept players from New Mexico. They offer advanced features that include instant messaging, fun bingo games and protocols that ensures bingo participants play together in a civil enjoyable manner. Due to the social aspect of bingo, there is a cultural aspect to bingo which cannot be found with casino or sports betting. As an example, A LOT of acronyms form part of instant chat messaging. If you are not familiar with online bingo lingo, do not be afraid, learning it is one of the most fun parts!
Legal Minimum Gambling Age
- 21 for casinos
- 18 for lottery and pari-mutuel wagering
New Mexico Casinos Overview
All casinos are Tribal Casinos with a turnover of over $5 billion per year. The effects of the pandemic in 2020 is expected to drive down yearly turnover to $4 billion.
We review the two largest casinos in New Mexico.
Sandia Resort and Casino
30 Rainbow Rd NE Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87105
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old to play casino games. Underage are allowed on the premises and permitted to enter the dining area and non gambling areas, if accompanied with an adult who is 21 or older.
Review
Albuquerque’s largest casino, at a size of 140,000 sq ft, offering of the casino games from slots, table games to keno. Partnering with all the big brand gaming machine providers – IGT, Aristocrat, Konami, Bally, Aruze and Ainsworth. Adjacent to the casino is a fabulous resort with luxurious suites, massive outdoor pool, spa and hot tubs.
Gaming
Slots – 2,300 slot and video machines, ranging from reel, video slot machines, video poker, roulette and Must Hit progress slot machines.
Table Games – Blackjack, Craps, Pai Gow Poker, Mini Baccarat, Roulette
Poker – poker rooms are available with Texas Hold’em Hi/Lo.
Bingo – the largest bingo hall in New Mexico, that offers a lot of fun for those who want to socialise as well as enjoy the chance to win small prizes.
Dining
Bien Shur – fine dining at it’s best, breath taking views, of mountain views. Located at the top floor of the casino. Offering fresh seafood cuisine coupled with elegance and golden ambiance.
Council Room Restaurant – One of the best restaurants to have buffet. The service is professional, prompt and down to earth. You do need to walk through the casino to dine at the restaurant.
Thur Shan Buffet – If you want an affordable yet delicious buffet that offers the best in dining then you must come to Thur Shan Buffet. By far the most popular is the Seafood buffet at $34.95 per adult. There are also specials during the week, and plenty of food that children will enjoy.
Pa Shur Deli & Roadrunner Grill – $3 for a burger? You can’t get much better than that for a quick bite. Conveniently located at the casino floor.
Clubhouse Grill – This venue is more than just a clubhouse. It is huge! Able to seat up to 300 guests indoor and more outdoors. Situated alongside the soft greens of the golf course, the views are stunning.
Isleta Resort and Casino
11000 Broadway SE Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87105
Arguably the second best casino in New Mexico. Huge gaming floor, with great table limits. Puts their players first, with the excellent sanitisation and glass shields to ensure health standards are met. Perhaps the only draw back is that the hotel is a fair distance away. Not the closest of walks, but still not too far. The rooms are fantastic and reasonably priced.
Gaming
Slots – over 1,700 slot machines, that are regularly updated with fresh and new games.
Table Games – over 30 tables that offer craps, roulette, blackjack and many other player favourites.
Bingo – a huge bingo hall for players looking for the social fun plus the chance to win prizes and jackpots.
Dining
Embers Steakhouse – craving for juicy steak? Then patron the Embers Steakhouse. The finest chefs that use the freshest of produce. Plus an array of fine wine to drink with.
TIWA Restaurant – famous for its Elk sausage. Throw in gourmet pizza and pasta. It’s one of the best in fine dining.
Gambling Laws
- Legislation does not prohibit players from online gambling, but online onshore operators are unlawful
- Commercial land based casinos are prohibited
- Tribal casinos and sports books based on Indian reservation territory are permitted.
- On-track pari-mutuel horse race wagering, simulcasts and slot machines are authorized at licenses racetrack facilities;
- Lawful charitable gaming includes bingo, raffles, pull-tabs, and sweepstakes
Gambling Taxes
- Land based casino tax determined by tribal-state compacts
- Racetracks pay 20% of net revenue from racetrack purses
- 10% tax for non-profit organizations
- Other licensed operators pay 26% tax
Regulation and Governance
- Alcohol and Gaming Regulation and Licensing Department
Gambling Legislation
- New Mexico Statutes
New Mexico Gambling Market Developments
Background
What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico Usa
- Casino gambling in New Mexico is limited to federally recognized tribes, with gaming licenses to operate class II and class III gaming.
- Two bills were introduced in 2012, to increase regulation and drugs testing in horse racing, following reports identifying a number of breaches over substance abuse and dosing.
June 2015
Gambling compacts, authorizing federally recognized Indian tribes to continue their operation of casinos in New Mexico, for the next two decades, received final approval after review by the US Interior Department.
October 2015
Intralot, announced they secured an eight (8)-year contract with the New Mexico State Lottery as it’s principle gaming vendor. Intralot will implement, operate and maintain the lottery’s gaming system including software platforms, terminal network, communications and associated gaming products.
February 2016
Representative Nate Gentry introduced a bill to regulate daily fantasy sports. HB314, seeks to define fantasy contests, as games of skill and therefore exempt them from the prohibition on games of chance. The bill sets out a consumer protection framework whilst also detailing the penalties for none compliance, it was referred to the House Rules & Order of Business Committee for consideration.
August 2016
The State Lottery launched a pilot program which allows players to buy lottery tickets at fuel pumps. The “Play at the Pump” system was initially installed at 13 fuel stations and allows players to buy Powerball and MegaMillions tickets if they pay via debit card.
June 2018
The State Lottery awarded Scientific Games a new eight (8) year contract to supply instant games and related services.
July 2018
The State Lottery Authority considered introducing a sports betting game. It was reported that a quick play random number generated parlay football game was being considered. It is not expected that the lottery would opt to offer players a more comprehensive range of sports betting products.
The State Horse racing Commission has been lobbying for racetracks to be permitted to offer sports betting.
October 2018
The Gaming Control Board confirmed that sports betting can be legally operated by tribes within the scope of the Class III provisions under the tribal state gaming compact. As such, land-based tribal casinos may offer retail sports betting on professional and collegiate events.
The Santa Ana Star Casino launched its sports book in partnership with US Bookmaking on 16 October 2018. It is expected that sports books will be established at the majority, if not all, of the 14 other tribal casinos in the state.
November 2018
The State Lottery Board unanimously approved plans to introduce a sports betting style lottery game. The exact details of the game were not finalized at this stage however, it will involve a parlay type wager with players predicting the outcomes of multiple events and winning if all are correct;
The New Mexico Lottery Board awarded Intralot a two (2) year contract extension to operate and maintain the lottery’s online systems. The contract also includes the launch of its Sport Lottery Gaming Platform and the operation and maintenance of software platforms and retail terminals.
March 2019
The House of Representatives passed a lottery amendment bill to prohibit the New Mexico Lottery from expanding its sales into sports betting, by a vote of 64-0. Specifically, the bill would restrict the state lottery to create a game tied to the outcome of sports.
The Hilton Buffalo Thunder Casino in Santa Fe launched its retail sportsbook on 11 March 2019.
July 2019
The Mountain Gods Resort and Casino launched its retail sportsbook in partnership with William Hill on 25 July 2019.
August 2019
The Isleta Resort and Casino in Albuquerque launched its retail sportsbook on 12 August 2019.
Neighboring States
- Chihuahua
- Sonora
FAQ
Is it legal to gamble online in New Mexico?
Gambling laws vary for each type of game. Online games are not permitted to be offered by onshore gaming operators. As a result, online operators are based offshore at regulated and licensed jurisdictions. New Mexico players are accepted by the offshore operators. In regards, to player legality, the laws neither explicitly declare online gambling as illegal or legal. As a result New Mexico players can continue to enjoy playing online games.
What is the legal minimum age to play at online casinos?
Legal minimum ages vary from online casino to online casino, however their requirement is that the higher of the player’s jurisdiction the the online casino’s own legal minimum is taken to be the determine age limit. Therefore, for New Mexico players the legal minimum age is 21.
New Mexico gambling has a long history of horse racing. The other forms of gambling in New Mexico did not take place until the 1990’s, when Governor Gary Johnson used it as a platform in his election campaign. Johnson promised to sign gaming compacts with Native American tribes and create a state lottery. He was successful in doing both. New Mexico casinos and racinos were also created under his watch.There are currently 26 New Mexico casinos currently operating in the state. Most casinos in New Mexico are Native American casinos located on reservations; with only two being commercial casinos. To locate the nearest casino, players can use our New Mexico casinos map or the list below.
| New Mexico Casinos & Gambling | |
|---|---|
| New Mexico Legal Gambling Age | 18 lottery & racing 21 casino |
| Number of Casinos | 50 |
| Estimated Casino Revenue | $900 million |
| Smoking ban | Exempts casinos |
| Can You Gamble Online in Alabama? | Yes |
| New Mexico Online Gambling | Horse Racing |
Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico
Paying Gambling Taxes in New Mexico
Important: Your gambling income is taxable! OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos has gathered everything you need to know about paying taxes on your gambling winnings straight from a Certified Public Accountant. For more information please visit our exclusive Gambling Taxes article.
New Mexico Casinos Map & Guide
- Isleta Resort
- Wild Horse Casino
- Buffalo Thunder Resort
- Cities of Gold Casino
- Kicks 66
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Types of New Mexico Online Gambling Allowed
The only form of legal online gambling in New Mexico is off-track betting. TVG is the only site licensed to accept bets from players in the state.
Daily fantasy sports sites operate in New Mexico. They claim to be a skill game so they assert legality under state law. The state legislature and its attorney general have issued no opinions that refute this position.
There are dozens of online casinos, poker, and sports betting sites that accept New Mexico players. None are licensed to operate there, and players should verify their legitimacy.
Types of Live New Mexico Gambling
There are four types of live gambling options in New Mexico. There are two horse racing tracks. They are Ruidoso Downs and Sunland Park. These venues offer live racing, off-track betting, slots, video poker and electronic table games.There are 24 Native American casinos and two commercial New Mexico casinos currently operating in the state. These New Mexico casinos may offer popular games like slots, video poker, electronic table games, live poker, craps, roulette, blackjack, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and any house-banked table game approved by the New Mexico Gaming Control Board. Some of the smaller New Mexico casinos can only offer slot games and video poker.
| Types of Legal Gambling in Wyoming | |
|---|---|
| Game Type | Is it Legal? |
| Slots | Yes |
| Blackjack | Yes |
| Poker | Yes |
| Craps/Roulette | No |
| Horse Racing | Yes |
| Lottery | Yes |
| Sports Betting | Yes |
There is a state lottery that sells scratch-off and lotto tickets. Religious organizations and nonprofit private clubs hold bingo nights and raffle drawings.
What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico Casinos
New Mexico Gambling Laws
New Mexico gambling laws state that all forms of gambling are illegal unless specifically exempted under state law. Charities may hold games of chance if they qualify as a nonprofit organization under federal law. Raffles may not exceed $75,000 in prizes without 10 days of notice to the state gaming commission. Bingo and raffles may not be held more than once time per month and four times per year. The charity law exempts senior organizations, which may hold bingo nights as often as they wish.
The state’s racetracks must be licensed. Off-track betting is only permitted at registered tracks. Racing venues may also have slot machines, video poker, and electronic table games. New Mexico racinos have a tax rate of 46.25 percent.
The New Mexico Indian casinos must have a gaming compact. There is no limitation on casino games they can offer. Slots, video poker, electronic table games, live poker and table games are permitted. Table games may be of luck or chance. The tax rate on New Mexico casinos is 9 percent.
List of New Mexico Casinos
What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico Today
Ruidoso Downs and Sunland Park are the two New Mexico racinos. Each offer live racing, simulcast racing, slots, video poker, and electronic table games. There are 24 Native American casinos in New Mexico that offer a full slate of games. Find your preferred casino below or use our New Mexico casinos map to find the nearest one to you.
| Casino | Size | Address | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache Nugget Casino – Dulce | 130 Slot Machines | US-550 | www.apachenugget.com |
| Buffalo Thunder Resort – Santa Fe | 1,200 Slot Machines | 20 Buffalo Thunder Trail | www.buffalothunderresort.com |
| Camel Rock Casino – Santa Fe | 500 Slot Machines | 17486A Co Rd. 84 | www.camelrockcasino.com |
| Casino Apache – Mescalero | 380 Slot Machines | 25845 US-70 | www.innofthemountaingods.com |
| Casino Xpress – Casa Blanca | 132 Slot Machines | I-40, Exit 108 | www.dancingeaglecasino.com |
| Cities of Gold Casino – Santa Fe | 575 Slot Machines | 10-B Cities of Gold Rd. | www.citiesofgold.com |
| Dancing Eagle Casino – Casa Blanca | 600 Slot Machines | 167 Casa Blanca Rd. | www.dancingeaglecasino.com |
| Fire Rock Casino – Church Rock | 900 Slot Machines | 249 Rte 66 | www.firerocknavajocasino.com |
| Flowing Waters Casino – Waterflow | 125 Slot Machines | 2710 US-64 | www.flowingwater.com |
| Inn of the Mountain Gods – Mescalero | 840 Slot Machines | 287 Carrizo Canyon Rd. | www.innofthemountaingods.com |
| Isleta Resort – Albuquerque | 1,800 Slot Machines | 11000 Broadway Blvd. SE | www.isleta.com |
| Kicks 66 – Santa Fe | 10 Slot Machines | 67 Ogo Wii Rd. | www.phillips66gas.com |
| Nambe Falls Casino – Santa Fe | 180 Slot Machines | 17730 US-84 | www.nambefallscasino.com |
| Northern Edge Navajo Casino – Fruitland | 750 Slot Machines | 2752 Indian Service Road 36 | www.northernedgenavajocasino.com |
| Ohkay Casino – San Juan Pablo | 700 Slot Machines | 68 NM-291 | www.ohkay.com |
| Palace West Casino – Isleta | 90 Slot Machines | 2 NM-45 | www.isleta.com |
| Route 66 Casino – Albuquerque | 1,700 Slot Machines | 14500 Central Ave. SW | www.rt66casino.com |
| San Felipe Casino – San Felipe | 600 Slot Machines | 25 Hagen Rd. | www.sanfelipecasino.com |
| Sandia Resort and Casino – Albuquerque | 2,300 Slot Machines | 30 Rainbow Rd. | www.sandiacasino.com |
| Santa Ana Star – Bernalillo | 1,450 Slot Machines | 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd. | www.santaanastar.com |
| Santa Claran Casino – Espanola | 650 Slot Machines | 460 N. Riverside Dr. | www.santaclaran.com |
| Sky City Casino – Acoma | 640 Slot Machines | I-40 Exit 102 | www.skycity.com |
| Taos Mountain Casino – Taos | 200 Slot Machines | 700 Veterans Hwy | www.taosmountaincasino.com |
| Wild Horse Casino – Dulce | 190 Slot Machines | 13603 US-64 | www.apachenugget.com |
New Mexico Gambling History
Racing was the first form of legalized New Mexico gambling. That occurred in 1946. It held a monopoly in the region until the 1980’s. When Texas legalized horse racing, it led to a decline in the industry in New Mexico. That is when there began a push to bring in New Mexico casinos.
New Mexico Governor Bruce King was unwilling to negotiate compacts with tribes that were operating gray area games in the early 1990’s. Future Governor Gary Johnson ran on a platform that he would expand and legalize gambling on reservations. Johnson defeated King and in 1995 compacts began with more than a dozen tribes to operate New Mexico casinos.
Governor Johnson was also a proponent of a state lottery. He pushed for it and won in 1995. Johnson bought the first lottery ticket in state history.
Racetracks saw steep declines with the expansion of gambling on reservations. Ruidoso Downs and Sunland Park lobbied to add slots at their tracks, becoming the only two New Mexico racinos in the state. They prevailed in 1998, but the tax rate is 46.25 percent for these games; one of the highest in the country.
| Michigan Regulated Gambling | |
|---|---|
| Racing | 1946 |
| Casinos | 1995 |
| Lottery | 1995 |
| Bingo | 2009 |
New Mexico Casinos & Gambling FAQ
Yes. It has been since 1946.
Yes. There are 26 casinos in the state.
Video poker, slots, live poker, craps, roulette, blackjack, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and other house-banked card games are spread at New Mexico casinos.
What games are spread at Ruidoso Downs and Sunland Park?
Live horse racing, off-track betting, slots, video poker and electronic table games are spread at New Mexico’s two racinos.
Tribal casinos pay the state nine percent on qualified games. The racinos have an effective tax rate of 46.25 percent on all games.
The minimum New Mexico gambling age is 18 years for lottery and horse racing. New Mexico casino players must be at least 21 years. There is no minimum gambling age for charitable gaming.
New Mexico’s smoking ban exempts casinos.
What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico Right Now
Is betting on horses over the Internet legal in New Mexico?
What games are offered by the New Mexico Lottery?
Scratch-off tickets and lotto drawings, including Powerball and Mega Millions, are spread by the New Mexico Lottery.