New William Hill-Powered Sportsbook Opens In New Mexico

“Working with the Mescalero Apache Tribe and the National Indian Gaming Commission on this partnership agreement was important to us,” said David Grolman, President of Retail for William Hill US.  “Inn of the Mountain Gods is one of the premier resorts and casinos in the southwest and together we plan to bring a first-class experience to sports fans in the region.”

Other Sportsbooks In New Mexico

Sports betting in the state of New Mexico is currently not sanctioned by the local government, however Indian reservations are governed by their Native tribes rather than state government. Tribal casinos have been expanding their businesses with sportsbooks due to the 2015 Indian Gaming Compact they have with the state.

“The Tribe may conduct, only on Indian Lands, subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Compact, any or all forms of Class III Gaming.”

Placing wagers on sporting events is seen as Class III gaming, therefore, tribes in New Mexico are technically allowed to offer it to their customers no matter what the state law says.Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel in Bernalillo saw that there was nothing in the documents that stated they couldn’t open up a sports betting lounge. They were the first to open up a sports wagering facility in New Mexico in October of 2018.

Buffalo Thunder Resort Casino in Santa Fe, New Mexico became the second tribal casino to open a sportsbook in March 2019.  Buffalo Thunder is associated with the Hilton Santa Fe. The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino just became the third to offer sports betting to their customers.

A fourth sports wagering lounge also anticipates opening in New Mexico at the Isleta Resort and Casino, though it originally announced plans in April.

While the compact allows for these tribes to open sports wagering expansions in their establishments, mobile betting cannot be offered by any of them. All wagers must be placed on tribal grounds as is the state law.