Land Based Gambling
Online Gambling
Overview
The subject of Gambling in the United States of America is never a straightforward discussion because the legal structure among the various states differs so much. While there are guideline federal laws within the country, the individual states are independently governed and may legalise and outlaw various practices at will, if the voters support the bill.
New Mexico boasts more liberal laws than many other states in the nation and offers a wide variety of gambling options for players of all types, generating close to $1,000,000,000 in revenues each year. Unfortunately, online casino gambling is outlawed in the region.
New Mexico has a steeped past in horseracing, which only became properly regulated in 1946. Along with its legalisation, came the introduction of race betting, which was originally done at the track itself. Nowadays, with modern technology, betting on the horses can be done remotely via licensed off-site bookmakers. New Mexico had a monopoly on horseracing in the area until the 80’s when Texas officially regulated the sport and began competing for dominance in the area.
The gambling climate revolved around horses until the 1990’s when Governor Gary Johnson came into power in the state, living up to his promise at the polls to introduce a state-lottery and giving the native tribes the rights to open tribal casinos on reservations. These compacts got underway from 1995 onwards to the point that there are now 24 tribal operators in the state.
The state lottery was also introduced in the ‘90s, giving people a legalised gambling outlet and providing the state with an opportunity to boost their coffers. Other charitable gambling can also be hosted by Non-Profit Organisations in the form of Bingo and raffles, but this can only be conducted under strict guidelines.
The increase in casino gambling eventually took a toll on horseracing in the state, leading to Ruidoso Downs and Sunland Park Racetracks lobbying the government for gambling licenses to operate racinos in the region. For this reason, you can now play slots, video poker, and other arcade type table games at these two racetracks. Racino licensing then followed to 3 more tracks, including Sunray Park, The Downs at Albuquerque, and Zia Park.
While traditional online casino gambling is outlawed in the state, players over the age of 18 can enjoy Daily Fantasy Sports, as this game is defined as a game of skill under the state’s regulation. It can, therefore, be played online and is offered by prominent fantasy leagues, like FanDuel, DraftKings, Yahoo, and CBS Sports.
Regular sports betting was also introduced in the state in 2018, making New Mexico the 6th state to legalise the practice, however, it cannot be done online but rather at licensed tribal casinos, instead.
