The state of New Mexico has never fought the tribes since they began to offer sports gambling nor has the state made an effort to write any new laws for expanded sports wagering beyond what the tribes offer. Buffalo Thunder, Isleta Resort & Casino, Mescalero Apache Tribe, and Inn of the Mountain Gods followed the Santa Ana Pueblo tribe in offering sports gambling.
The state of New Mexico is perfectly located to become a hotbed and leader in the sports gambling industry. New Mexico borders Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. Each of those states have major league professional sports teams as well as Division One Power Five college athletic programs.
How Does Sports Gambling Work in the State of New Mexico?
Gamblers must be 21 years of age or older to bet on sports at the tribal casinos in the state of New Mexico. Sports betting can only be done in person and there are no online or mobile wagering options available.
You can bet on all major pro and college sports in the state of New Mexico. However, you can’t wager on games involving the New Mexico Lobos or New Mexico State Aggies.
Betting options and limits may vary depending on which tribal casino that you visit.
Sports Teams of Interest in the State of New Mexico
On New Mexico’s eastern border is the great state of Texas and its multitude of sports teams. Of course, first ranked in popularity and fan following are the National Football League Dallas Cowboys. Dallas also offers the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball, Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association, and Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League. The San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association have a huge following as one of the most accomplished franchises in that league’s history. The Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association, Houston Astros of Major League Baseball, and Houston Texans of the National Football League also have strong pockets of fans in the state of New Mexico.
On the northeastern tip of New Mexico’s border is the state of Oklahoma which features the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association.
New Mexico’s northern border is with the state of Colorado. Naturally the National Football League Denver Broncos have a massive following in New Mexico. Also popular are the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball, Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association, and Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League.
On the northwest tip of New Mexico borders the state of Utah with its National Basketball Association Utah Jazz.
And then on New Mexico’s western border is the state of Arizona. The city of Phoenix offers the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball, Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League, and Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association.
But pro sports are hardly the only source of passion when it comes to residents of the state of New Mexico. Big time college programs surround the state and will be major sports wagering draws as well.
The Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Utah Utes, Utah State Aggies, Colorado Buffaloes, Colorado State Rams, Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies, Texas Christian University Horned Frogs, Baylor Bears, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Texas El Paso Miners, Houston Cougars, and SMU Mustangs all have followings in the state of New Mexico.
As a result of so many major teams having significant followings in the state of New Mexico, the tribal casinos are looking like absolute geniuses for launching sports wagering. Growth is rightfully seen as unlimited. Perhaps the biggest question is whether or not the state of New Mexico is going to eventually pass new laws so that they can capitalize on this potential.