The Legal Landscape of Sports Betting in New Mexico
Sports betting in New Mexico operates in a unique legal gray area. While the state has not passed any specific legislation to legalize and regulate sports wagering, it has been available in a retail-only capacity since 2018. This was made possible through the interpretation of existing tribal gaming compacts, which allow for Class III gaming, a category that includes sports betting. The Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel was the first to pioneer this, opening its sportsbook in October 2018, making New Mexico the sixth state in the US to offer legal sports betting following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
However, this means that sports betting is confined to the premises of tribal casinos. There is currently no legal framework for online or mobile sports betting in the state. While there have been discussions and legislative attempts to formally legalize and expand sports betting to include online platforms, none have been successful to date. For now, bettors in New Mexico must physically visit one of the tribal casinos to place their wagers.
Available Sportsbooks in New Mexico
As of early 2026, sports betting in New Mexico is exclusively available at a handful of tribal casinos. These establishments offer retail sportsbooks where patrons can place wagers in person. Here are the key locations for sports betting in the state:
- Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel: Located in Bernalillo, this was the first casino to offer sports betting in New Mexico. Their sportsbook is operated in partnership with USBookmaking.
- Buffalo Thunder Resort Casino: Situated in Santa Fe, this resort also features a retail sportsbook for its visitors.
- Isleta Resort & Casino: Located in Albuquerque, this casino offers a sportsbook also in partnership with USBookmaking.
- Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino: This Mescalero-based resort has a sportsbook powered by Caesars, a major player in the national sports betting market.
- Route 66 Casino Hotel: Located west of Albuquerque, this casino also provides a retail sportsbook for its patrons.
While major online sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel operate their Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests in New Mexico, their sportsbook platforms are not available for real-money wagering in the state.
Types of Bets Available
Bettors at New Mexico's retail sportsbooks will find a familiar array of betting options available for a wide variety of sports. These include:
- Moneyline: A straightforward bet on which team will win a game.
- Point Spread: A bet on the margin of victory in a game, where the favorite is given a handicap.
- Totals (Over/Under): A wager on the total number of points scored in a game by both teams combined.
- Parlays: A single bet that links together two or more individual wags for a higher payout. All of the bets must win for the parlay to be successful.
- Teasers: A type of parlay where the bettor can adjust the point spreads in their favor in exchange for a lower payout.
- Futures: A long-term bet on an event that will happen in the future, such as which team will win the Super Bowl.
- Prop Bets: Wagers on specific events or player performances within a game that do not necessarily relate to the final outcome.
It is important to note that betting on in-state college teams is prohibited in New Mexico.
Tax Implications for Winnings
Gambling winnings are considered taxable income in the United States. This includes winnings from sports betting. In New Mexico, any gambling winnings are subject to both federal and state income taxes. The federal withholding rate for gambling winnings over $5,000 is 24%. New Mexico's state income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 1.7% to 5.9%. It is crucial for bettors to keep accurate records of their wins and losses for tax reporting purposes. It is recommended to consult with a tax professional for personalized advice.
Mobile vs. Retail Betting Options
Currently, the only legal option for sports betting in New Mexico is through retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos. There are no legal mobile or online sports betting platforms available in the state. This means that bettors must be physically present at one of the casinos to place their wagers. While this provides a classic and social betting experience, it lacks the convenience and accessibility of mobile betting. Neighboring states like Arizona and Colorado have embraced online sports betting, and it remains to be seen if New Mexico will follow suit in the future.
Tips for Bettors in New Mexico
- Shop around: Since all betting is done in person, you can compare the lines and odds offered at the different retail sportsbooks to find the best value.
- Do your research: Before placing any bets, research the teams, players, and any relevant statistics. Informed bettors are more successful in the long run.
- Manage your bankroll: Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Understand the bets: Familiarize yourself with the different types of bets and how they work before wagering your money.
- Take advantage of promotions: While online promotions are not available, retail sportsbooks may offer their own promotions and loyalty programs.
Responsible Gaming Resources
It is important to gamble responsibly and to be aware of the potential risks of problem gambling. New Mexico provides several resources for individuals who may be struggling with gambling addiction:
- The New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling: Offers a confidential helpline at 1-800-572-1142.
- The National Council on Problem Gambling: Provides a national helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
- Gamblers Anonymous: A fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
All of the tribal casinos with sportsbooks also have responsible gaming programs in place and can provide assistance to those who need it.