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Sports betting has been legal in New Mexico since 2018, albeit with a twist.
While New Mexico never formally legalized sports betting, it signed compacts with the state’s Native American tribes in 1988 that legalized all forms of Class III games, including sports betting. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, sports betting became legal at the state’s tribal casinos.
Mobile sports betting is not allowed in the state, however.
New Mexico Sports Betting Sites
There are no legal sports betting sites in New Mexico, so all sports betting in the state must be done in person. Bettors can legally bet on sports at these five tribal casinos, all of which have retail sportsbooks:
- Buffalo Thunder Resort Casino (Santa Fe)
- Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino (Mascalero)
- Isleta Resort & Casino (Albuquerque)
- Route 66 Casino Hotel (Albuquerque)
- Santa Ana Star Casino & Hotel (Bernalillo)
Legal Sports Betting Age
New Mexico’s minimum sports betting age is 21, which is true for most states with legal sports betting. If you’re under 21 and try to enter a casino in the state, you won’t be allowed in.
If the state ever legalizes online sports betting, you’ll likely need to be at least 21 to sign up for an online sportsbook as well.
Professional Sports Teams in New Mexico
New Mexico doesn’t have any professional sports teams but does have three minor-league sports teams.
One is the Albuquerque Isotopes, the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies that plays in the Pacific Coast League.
Another is the New Mexico Ice Wolves, a Tier II junior ice hockey team of the NAHL.
The third is New Mexico United, which plays in the USL Championship.
Fortunately for sports fans in the state, New Mexico is bordered by Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Utah and Oklahoma, all of which have at least one professional sports team.
College Teams in New Mexico
New Mexico has several college teams to cheer for.
The Lobos have fielded a football team since 1892 and play in the Mountain West Conference. They’ve won four division championships, most recently in 1964. Their main rival is the New Mexico State Aggies.
The Lobos have made 16 NCAA Tournaments on the hardwood and have advanced to the Sweet 16 twice (1968, 1974), but have yet to go all the way.
A Conference USA team, the Aggies have won four conference championships and played in back-to-back bowl games in 2022 and 2023.
The men’s basketball team joined Conference USA in 2024. Two of its former players have their numbers retired in the NBA (Sam Lacey and John Williamson). The team made the Final Four in 1970.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a sports betting app in New Mexico?
No. You can only bet on sports in person in New Mexico.
Is DraftKings legal in New Mexico?
No, DraftKings Sportsbook isn’t legal in New Mexico. However, DraftKings DFS is available there.
Is FanDuel legal in New Mexico?
No, FanDuel Sportsbook isn’t legal in New Mexico. However, FanDuel DFS is available.
How old do I have to be to gamble in New Mexico?
You need to be 21 years old to enter a casino and bet on sports in New Mexico.
How many online sportsbooks are in New Mexico?
There are no online sportsbooks in New Mexico. You can only bet on sports in person at a casino.
When might New Mexico legalize online sports betting?
There’s been no progress or recent updates around legalizing online sports betting in New Mexico, so it likely won’t happen anytime soon.
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