Updated on: September 27th, 2024
While gambling in casinos in New Mexico, players will enjoy time at top table games, slots and electronic gaming machines. Casinos in New Mexico are open for 24 hours a day, and although some casinos have a bar, they are prohibited from serving alcohol on the casino floor. New Mexico casinos offer more than just gambling tables. The establishments also have great amenities and additional entertainment spots.
The state is known for its rich history and scenic mountains and deserts. The state was nicknamed the Land of Enchantment for its unforgettable landscape. The best part about casinos in New Mexico is that most of them overlook great lakes or are minutes away from popular local attractions. Albuquerque, New Mexico has five casinos, making it the city with the most casinos. The casinos in the state are not the top attractions in New Mexico. There is a casino in all the top cities. See our guide to New Mexico casinos for all the gambling laws and the must-know info about gambling in the state.
Gambling Laws in New Mexico
The gambling laws in New Mexico allow for a large variety of gambling options. The states allow for a legal casino, tribal, and charitable gambling. The lottery, poker, and horse racing betting are also permitted in the state. The gambling laws in New Mexico state that unless a gambling form is exempt under the state law, it will be regarded as illegal.
Internet gambling in the state is not explicitly addressed, meaning the activity is not necessarily illegal in the state. Gamblers in New Mexico can enjoy their favourite casino games as top regulated and licensed offshore sites without worrying about breaking the law. The minimum gambling age in New Mexico is 21 and over.
Gambling Legislation Timeline
Gambling in the 1900s
Horse racetrack betting and the lottery were legalized in the early 19th century. Tribal casinos and race track casinos venues were also permitted. This saw the development of five race tracks in the state.
Gambling in the 2000s
Daily fantasy sports were allowed in the state as well as bingo games. Lawmakers also gave new race track casinos venues the go-ahead.
Regulatory Bodies in New Mexico
New Mexico has several gambling regulatory bodies. Every gambling form is regulated and falls under its own regulatory body that issues its licenses and oversees the gambling activities in the states.
- The New Mexico Gaming Control Board regulates gambling in New Mexico. The Board aims to uphold the integrity of gaming in the state. The Board regulates tribal gaming, racetrack casinos, bingo and raffles.
- The New Mexico Racing commission regulates the pari-mutuel horse racing industry in the state.
- The lottery is governed by the New Mexico Lottery that ensures the lottery adheres to all the stipulated rules from the New Mexico Lottery Act.
Several organizations support problem gambling in the state. The New Mexico gaming control works on maintaining a compulsive gambling plan among the casinos. The Board also has a self-exclusion program. Problem gamblers can also seek help from the New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling.
New Mexico’s Best Land Based Casinos
There are several regulated bricks and mortar casinos in New Mexico. We know it can get overwhelming, trying to find the perfect casino to suit all your needs. Our experts have narrowed your search down to the top five casinos in New Mexico.
- Sandia Resort and Casino overlooks the majestic Sandia mountains and offers over 2000 slot machines, tables games and poker tables. Sandia is the largest casino in New Mexico. Entertainment at the casino happens under the stars in an amphitheatre. Other amenities include a spa, bar, pool, fitness center and more. Address: 30 Rainbow Road Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
- Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino overlooks the Mescalero lake, and the casino floor is jam-packed with the blackjack, bingo and poker tables. The casino also has a sportsbook for all the sports-loving gamblers. The Inn has a hotel, spa, seven restaurants and offers regular entertainment. The resort also has a number of outdoor activities, such as lake activities, horseback riding, fishing, and so much more. Address: 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero, New Mexico.
- Sky City Hotel & Casino is one of the popular gambling destinations in New Mexico. The casino offers table games, slots and bingo games daily for 24 hours a day. Gamblers planning to stay over can book into the Sky Hotel, dine at any of the three eateries a or enjoy entertainment at the sky lounge. Address: I-40 Exit 102, Acoma, New Mexico
- Isleta Casino & Resort is one of the best gambling destinations in the state. The casino floor is packed with table games, bingo and over 1600 slot machines. The amenities at the casino include a bowling alley, a spa, golf course, indoor and outdoor pool, the casinos’ golf course is set around lakes. Address: 11000 Broadway Boulevard Southeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Santa Ana Star Casino is a tribal casino owned by the Pueblo of Santa Ana tribe. The casino has over slot machines, table games, video poker and live-action poker games. The casino is minutes from a resort and golf course for players looking for alternative entertainment. Address: 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Road, Bernalillo, New Mexico
State Casino Stats
New Mexico has a mixture of Indian casinos, race track casinos as well as tribal gaming facilities. The gaming facilities are owned and separated among 14 tribes in the state.
Number of regulated casinos | 23 |
Number of Race track casinos | 5 |
Number of Table Games | 129 |
Number of Gaming Machines | 18816 |
Number of Poker Tables | 34 |
Number of Sportsbooks | 1 |
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