Online casinos are illegal in New Mexico, and the state does not license or regulate any real-money online casino platforms. Legal gambling is limited to in-person tribal casinos and some mobile sports betting apps operated by tribes on tribal land.
Legal Gambling Age in New Mexico: | 21+ |
Latest Online Gambling Bill: | No recent legislation has been passed to legalize online casinos |
Who Will Regulate Online Casinos in NM: | New Mexico Gaming Control Board (if legalization occurs) |
Expected Real Money Casinos: | BetMGM, Caesars Palace, DraftKings, Golden Nugget, BetRivers, Fanatics, Horseshoe |
Number of Social Casinos in New Mexico: | 20+ |
Number of Land-Based New Mexico Casinos: | 25 |
New Mexico does not currently allow online casinos; no significant legislation has been introduced to change that. Because most gambling is operated through tribal casinos, any legalization effort would require renegotiating tribal compacts and navigating complex regulatory challenges.
New Mexico has no plans to legalize online casinos, and legislative efforts have stalled. A 2021 proposal (HB 101) to expand gambling, including online sports betting, did not move forward, and no similar bills have been introduced since. In the meantime, many players in the state use platforms like social casino USA for free-to-play gaming without real money stakes.
New Mexico’s debate over online gambling, especially online casinos, highlights a divide between lawmakers pushing for expansion and tribal leaders focused on protecting existing gaming agreements. The issue has drawn support and opposition from key political and tribal figures.
Although some lawmakers view online gambling as a path to economic growth, strong resistance from tribal leaders and existing compact limitations have hindered its legalization in New Mexico.
With real money, online casinos are still illegal in New Mexico, so players can either try offshore casino sites or stick with legal social and sweepstakes casinos. While offshore options may offer real money play, they come with serious risks.
Until online casinos are legalized in the state, it's best to avoid offshore sites due to the risks and lack of legal protections.
Land-based casinos in New Mexico are mainly located on tribal lands and offer popular games like slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps with no state restrictions on table games.
Casino | Town/City | Opening Hours |
---|---|---|
Apache Nugget Casino | Cuba | 10:00-00:00 |
Buffalo Thunder Resort Casino | Santa Fe | 24 hours |
Casino Apache | Mescalero | 08:00-00:00 |
Cities of Gold Casino | Santa Fe | 08:00-00:00 |
Dancing Eagle Casino | Paraje | 08:00-02:00 |
Downs at Albuquerque | Albuquerque | 10:00-04:00 |
Fire Rock Navajo Casino | Church Rock | 24 hours |
Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino | Mescalero | 24 hours |
Isleta Resort & Casino | Albuquerque | 24 hours |
Northern Edge Casino | Farmington | 09:00-00:00 |
Ohkay Hotel Casino | Ohkay Owingeh | 08:00-02:00 |
Palace West | Albuquerque | 08:00-02:00 |
Route 66 Casino Hotel | Albuquerque | 24 hours |
Sandia Casino | Albuquerque | 24 hours |
Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel | Bernalillo | 24 hours |
Santa Claran Hotel Casino | Espanola | 24 hours |
Sky City Casino | Acoma Pueblo | 24 hours |
SunRay Park & Casino | Farmington | 11:00-04:00 |
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino | Sunland Park | 10:00-01:00 |
Taos Mountain Casino | Taos | 08:00-02:00 |
Wild Horse Casino & Hotel | Dulce | 24 hours |
Zia Park Casino Hotel & Racetrack | Hobbs | 10:00-01:00 |
Sandia Resort & Casino | Albuquerque | 08:00-04:00 |
Kewa Pueblo Casino | San Felipe Pueblo | 24 hours |
Tesuque Casino | Santa Fe | 24 hours |
These casinos are the only places where gambling is legally allowed in the state, each offering a unique experience based on location.
New Mexico is committed to promoting safe and responsible gambling by offering resources to help individuals control their gaming habits. If gambling becomes harmful or overwhelming, support is readily available across the state.
New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling
Website: www.nmcpg.org
Helpline: 1-800-572-1142
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line
Website: www.nmcrisisline.com
Helpline: 1-855-NMCRISIS (662-7474)
Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico
Website: www.rganm.org
If you or someone you know is struggling, these resources are here to offer support and guidance.
Real money online gambling is not legal in New Mexico. While some tribal casinos offer online sports betting on tribal land, the state does not regulate online casinos. Until laws change, players can legally use social and sweepstakes casinos, which provide free games and prizes without real money wagering.
In New Mexico, you must be 21 to gamble at casinos or bet on sports, and 18 for lottery or bingo. Underage gambling can lead to lost winnings or penalties.
Yes, New Mexico taxes all gambling winnings. Whether you win at a casino, lottery, or raffle, your earnings must be reported on your state and federal tax returns. Larger payouts may have taxes withheld automatically, but you're still responsible for reporting all gambling income when filing your taxes.