Is Online Sports Betting Legal in New Mexico?

New Mexico hasn’t legalized sports betting but it is available at tribal locations because of pre-existing compacts. There hasn’t been much of a push for the legislation in the state, and there are no signs that sports betting will arrive in New Mexico soon, which is disappointing for betting fans.

New Mexico Sports Betting Overview

What Is The Current Sports Betting Landscape In New Mexico?

In New Mexico, all legal gambling is restricted to tribal lands. There is no formal state law that has technically legalized betting, and any non-tribal-run gambling locations are strictly illegal in New Mexico.

Due to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1998, specifically the section on Class III, which was amended to allow sports betting, tribes are able to offer gambling without needing to secure permission from state or federal regulators. Several tribal locations in New Mexico offer sports betting, overseen by the tribes who partner with established gaming companies. Furthermore, any future changes to sports betting would have to be accepted by the tribes. 

Retail sportsbooks are available on tribal lands. The first to open was at the Santa Ana Star in October 2018, after PASPA was overturned. Since then, four other tribal sportsbooks have opened at Buffalo Thunder Casino, Inn of the Mountain Gods, Isleta Resort & Casino, and Route 66 Casino. Currently, there is no indication that New Mexico will move forward with legislation to allow statewide retail or online sports betting officially.

When Is Sports Betting Expected To Launch in New Mexico?

Since the tribes have control over sports betting in New Mexico, the state would have to negotiate with them to offer non-tribal sports betting. Realistically, it is not in the tribes' interest for major operators to enter the market, as it could significantly diminish their betting revenue. Therefore, it would be difficult for the state to come to an agreement that satisfies all involved parties.

As there hasn’t even been any preliminary discussion on this matter, it’s safe to say that it’ll be a long time before New Mexico legalizes statewide online and retail sports betting. Reaching agreements, drawing up legislation, and passing bills would be a lengthy process, taking at least a few years. 

New Mexico Sports Betting Updates

Here is a timeline of key events in New Mexico sports betting:

• Nov. 1, 2023 - BetMGM announces the opening of a new retail sportsbook at Isleta Resort & Casino in Albuquerque.

• June 2023 - Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel opens its new Legend Sportsbook with cutting-edge features.

• April 13, 2023 - IGT announces entering the New Mexico market with the Pueblo of Santa Ana partnership.

• January 2020 - The Navajo Nation announces interest in introducing sports betting at three of its casino locations in New Mexico.

• Nov. 4, 2019 - The Pueblo of Isleta becomes the fifth tribe to launch sports betting, opening a retail sportsbook at the Isleta Resort & Casino and collaborating with USBookmaking.

• Aug. 29, 2019 - The Route 66 Casino, owned by the Pueblo of Laguna, launches its sportsbook in partnership with the Las Vegas Dissemination Company.

• July 25, 2019 - The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino, operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribes, introduces a sportsbook partnering with William Hill, now part of Caesars in the US market.

• March 11, 2019 - The Hilton Buffalo Thunder Casino, owned by the Pueblo of Pojoaque, becomes the second tribal casino in New Mexico to have a sportsbook, working with National Sports Book Management.

• March 4, 2019 - While HB 441 does not advance further, the New Mexico Lottery Authority ceases its plans for a parlay betting game.

• Jan. 31, 2021 - HB 441 is presented to the House to prevent the New Mexico Lottery Authority from proceeding with a parlay betting game.

What Sportsbooks Are Expected To Launch in New Mexico?

There are no signs of the top multi-state sportsbooks arriving in New Mexico any time soon. However, they can be accessed in states with legal online sports betting, including the likes of Arizona and Colorado, which border New Mexico. Check out our favorite sites below:

1. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile Betting

FanDuel is the most popular sportsbook in the US, leading the way in total betting revenue, a title it truly deserves. If you’re looking for a top sportsbook that prioritizes its users, FanDuel is the perfect choice.

The emphasis on user convenience is what sets FanDuel apart from competitors. From signing up to exploring markets to cashing out, it is a smooth and intuitive process ideal for beginners and seasoned bettors alike. The platform itself has a clean and modern interface that is easy to navigate, fast, and free from any technical issues. This is delivered on both the website and FanDuel’s dedicated app, which provides a mobile experience so outstanding that it’s regarded as one of the leading apps in the sportsbook industry.

If you have any problems or questions, the customer support team is friendly, informative, and available around the clock through live chat, email, and social media. Bettors can have their winnings in their pockets within a day when using PayPal, Venmo, and PrePaid+.

Take a look at our in-depth FanDuel review to learn more about our top sportsbook.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

• App rating: 4.9/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

2. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: All-round Platform 

DraftKings provides unique and innovative features, making it a close runner-up to FanDuel’s popularity. If you want a sportsbook that goes the extra mile, DraftKings should be the choice for you.

DraftKings has a wide selection of betting markets with many exclusive options. As well as standard betting, the site is packed with tons of interesting features like live betting, DFS, a social hub, and (depending on the state) an online casino and poker room. The platform strikes the perfect balance of being versatile with all these features without being chaotic or overwhelming. Personally, it is my favorite sportsbook in terms of visual design, delivering sleekness and modernity.

Payouts are speedy, the app is excellent, and the minimum deposit is only $5. What’s not to like? New bettors can also take advantage of detailed betting guides and resources. The platform’s loyalty scheme, ‘DraftKings Dynasty,’ offers many reward opportunities and more odds boosts than any other competitor. 

Head over to our in-depth DraftKings review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

3. Caesars Sportsbook

Best for: Loyalty Scheme

Known for its extensive network of luxury entertainment locations, Caesars has a renowned legacy in the US and has expanded its reach to offer a fantastic online sportsbook. If unbeatable rewards are your priority, try out Caesars Sportsbook.

Caesars Rewards is my top choice for a loyalty program in the betting industry, leveraging Caesar’s brand to provide rewards. Credits are awarded for various activities, including making bets online or spending money at Caesars resorts. As you climb through the ranks of the scheme, these credits can be redeemed for amazing benefits like hotel discounts, room upgrades, access to exclusive events, and vouchers for shops and restaurants. Bettors are given a complimentary bonus of 1,000 credits when joining the sportsbook. It’s a no-brainer choice for a sportsbook if you’re already a Caesars Rewards member. 

The platform is just as luxurious as the rewards, with a sophisticated and user-friendly design. There are many different markets and odds that are just as good, if not better, than those of leading competitors. 

Explore our Caesars Sportsbook review for an in-depth overview. 

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars

• Promo Code: WSN1000

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

4. BetMGM

Best for: Promotions

BetMGM is the online sportsbook from MGM Resorts, another hospitality industry titan. If you want a trusted sportsbook with an abundance of promotions, check it out.

At BetMGM, you’re in for a rewarding time with plenty of regular offers, like odds boosts, prizes, and refer-a-friend bonuses. On the platform's promotions page, there’s something new to explore every day. You’ll also find lots of special offers to drum up excitement around the different sports seasons and events, like major league championships. 

When bettors sign up for BetMGM, they become part of MGM Rewards. Similar to Caesars Rewards, points from this scheme unlock rewards that utilize the MGM brand. Top perks include tickets to events, hotel stays, and fine dining vouchers. I’m also a big fan of live betting at BetMGM, where you can live stream games and helpfully view detailed stats.

Read our full BetMGM review for more details. 

• WSN rating: 4.4/5

• Sign up offer: Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets!

• Promo Code: WSNMGM

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.2/5 (Android)

5. ESPN Bet

Best for: Integration with Sports Media and Betting

ESPN Bet is the new kid on the block, launching at the end of 2023 in 17 states across the US. If you’re looking for a fresh and innovative sportsbook, ESPN is the latest sportsbook to hit the betting scene.

Originally Barstool Sportsbook, ESPN Bet has a lot of similar features to its predecessor, giving it the feel of an experienced platform despite its relative youth. The difference is that the new sportsbook utilizes ESPN’s vast sports coverage, providing expert content and predictions. Bettors who value sports journalism or analysis will find this particularly attractive. I also really enjoyed the quality of the live betting, which takes advantage of ESPN’s broad access to sports content.

ESPN partnered with PENN Entertainment, among the biggest gambling operators in the US, to launch ESPN Bet. Because of this collaboration, ESPN Bet users can enjoy exclusive perks at Penn Resorts through the Penn Play Rewards program.

Head over to our in-depth ESPN Bet review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.6/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $10, Get $150 in bonus bets

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.4/5 (Android)

6. Fanatics Sportsbook

Best for: Withdrawal Process

Since it went live at the start of 2023, Fanatics Sportsbook has become a key player in the betting industry. If you want a modern and sleek sportsbook app, consider Fanatics for your next betting destination.

Fanatics is known as a titan within the sports merchandising sector, recently broadening its scope to the online betting market. Sportsbook users can even benefit from using FanCash, which can be used as credits for merchandise. My stand-out feature for Fanatics is the withdrawal process since it has a nifty feature that allows you to track the progress of your payout. Think of it like a pizza tracker. I haven’t seen this tool before, and I like how it eliminates the frustration of wondering what’s happening with your withdrawal. 

FanDuel operates exclusively through its app, which is limiting for those who are used to desktop betting. However, with the prevalence of mobile betting, this isn’t much of a problem anymore for most bettors. Any problems can be easily solved by getting in touch with the support team, which is available 24/7 through live chat, email, phone number, and social media. When I talked to the agents, they were happy to help and gave me all the information I needed.

Take a look at our detailed Fanatics review to learn more.

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5 for 10 Days, Get $1,000 in bonus bets

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.5/5 (Android

Nearby Betting States

New Mexico is bordered by Colorado in the north, Oklahoma and Texas in the east, and Arizona in the west. Sports betting has not been legalized in Oklahoma and Texas, but bills have been introduced in both states to potentially change that in the future.

Arizona fully legalized sports betting at the end of 2021. Currently, there are 17 online sportsbooks in the state, including all of the top US sportsbook operators. This number can increase as the sports betting bill allows up to 20 mobile licenses. Arizona produces a monthly handle of around $700 million, making it a powerhouse for sports betting. We explore Arizona sports betting in depth on our dedicated page.

In 2021, Colorado legalized retail and online sports betting with 20 online sportsbooks in the state. Leading sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are available, as well as less mainstream options. Considering the number of sportsbooks, it’s no surprise that Colorado is a major player in the betting industry, generating a monthly handle of about $600 million. We’ve got a Colorado sports betting page with more information.

Arizona and Colorado are two of the biggest states for sports betting in the US. If you’re looking to use an online sportsbook in NM, then crossing over to either of these states is your best option. 

What Sports Will You Be Able To Bet On in New Mexico?

If sports betting does land in New Mexico, you’ll have the opportunity to bet on popular sports and make the most of lots of different promotions.

NFL Betting

As the most popular league in the US, the NFL is a leading choice for bettors. Sportsbooks witness a surge in betting activity throughout the NFL season, from September to February. The Super Bowl is the peak of this betting frenzy, being the most-wagered event in the country. Bettors can explore a variety of betting markets, from the standard types to unique prop bets, like how long it will take the singer to complete the national anthem or which brand will have the first commercial. You’ll also find a lot of specific promotions; for examples, take a look at our NFL betting promo page.

NBA Betting

The NBA is followed by basketball fans around the world, making it a massive betting market for sportsbooks. You can bet on the NBA in lots of ways, from the total score of the game to who will score the first basket. During the NBA season and the playoffs, sportsbooks ramp up the excitement by rolling out various promotions, from ticket giveaways to profit boosts. Check out our NBA promotions page for more information.

MLB Betting

The MLB holds a special place in the heart of American sports culture, with a rich and storied history. The MLB season runs from April to October, and thanks to the sheer number of games, bettors have lots of opportunities to wager on their favorite players or teams. You’ll find a lot of promotions on sportsbooks, especially surrounding the World Series. Read our MLB bonuses page to learn more about these basketball promotions.

NHL Betting

Hockey fans can make the most of the NHL season on sportsbooks, with the range of betting markets and promotions available. From September to April, bettors can predict anything from the season’s MVP to the rookie of the year and the Stanley Cup winner. Additionally, bettors can take advantage of NHL-specific promos, which we explore on our NHL betting promotions page.

UFC Betting

The UFC is the leading light of MMA, gaining serious traction as one of the fastest-growing sports in the US. With this popularity, UFC betting has become a big deal for sportsbooks. Take a look at our UFC betting guide for the latest information, promotions, and how-to’s for betting on this sport.

What Wager Types Will Be Available in New Mexico?

If sports betting is legalized in New Mexico, you’ll have the chance to delve into the betting markets available on sportsbooks. Below are the standard types of wagers that you’ll be able to explore:

Moneyline Bets

A moneyline bet involves choosing the team or individual that you think will win a match. Positive odds indicate the underdog, whereas negative odds represent the favorite to win. Here’s an example:

• COL Avalanche (-162)

• MIN Wild (+136)

It’s easier to understand moneyline odds when using $100 as a reference point. If the Avalanche wins, a $162 wager would make a $100 profit for a total payout of $262. For the Wild, you’d have to make a $100 bet to win $136, resulting in a $236 payout if they win.

Point Spreads

In a point spread bet, you predict the victory margin between the two teams rather than simply picking the winner. The sportsbook sets a point spread that outlines how many points the favorite needs to win for the bet to pay off. This approach balances the playing field in this betting. It can look like this:

• COL Avalanche -1.5 (+145)

• MIN Wild +1.5 (-175)

For a bet on the Avalanche to win, they’d have to win the game by 2 points or more as they’re the favorite. The Wild have to either win the game or avoid losing by 2 points for a bet on them to be successful. Point spread betting typically has odds of around -110 for both sides.

Totals

This kind of bet focuses on the total points scored in a game instead of who will win or lose. It is also called an Over/Under bet, as you wager whether the score will be more or less than a set number. Take a look at this example:

COL Avalanche vs. MIN Wild:

• Over 6 (-120)

• Under 6 (+100)

Prop Bets

Prop bets center on specific events within a game, regardless of the final result. These bets can encompass various situations, especially on individual players' achievements, a team's collective performance, or simply random scenarios. For example, in football, you can bet on the number of rushing yards by a running back, the distance of the longest field goal, or the last touchdown scorer. Examples of novelty prop bets include the color of Gatorade poured over the winning coach or the length of the national anthem at the Super Bowl.

Futures

Future bets are made on outcomes of significant events or competitions long before they happen, such as the winners of the Super Bowl or NBA Championships. Due to the uncertainties and changes that can occur before the finalization of the bet, these wagers tend to have good odds. This kind of betting drums up excitement for upcoming events before the season has even begun, although these bets can be placed at any point during the year.

Parlays

In a parlay bet, you combine several separate bets onto one ticket. For the parlay to pay out, each of the bets must win. Parlays offer the chance for larger rewards but come with increased risk. A teaser bet gives you the option to modify the point spreads or totals to your advantage in a parlay, but this does come with a lower payout.

Live Betting

Live betting immerses you directly into the action of a game as you place a bet, as it happens in real-time. Unlike traditional betting, where wagers are placed before the event begins, live betting lets you react to different events in a game as they happen. The odds are continually updated to reflect the current situation, and you can bet on things like the next team to score or the final number of points. Most sportsbooks have a specific live betting section, with some offering live streaming and stats.

Expected Betting Restrictions in New Mexico?

We can’t know exactly what legal sports betting will look like in New Mexico. Below are a few common restrictions in other states:

• Betting on politics.

• Betting on entertainment events or award ceremonies.

• Betting on high school sports.

• Betting on eSports.

College sports betting is currently allowed at tribal locations. However, this may change if sports betting is fully legalized. While some states allow college sports betting, others have banned it. You can bet on teams from other states but not in-state teams or events in certain states. There are also restrictions on prop bets involving college players in a few places.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in New Mexico?

Daily Fantasy Sports is unregulated in New Mexico, as no laws have explicitly banned or legalized it. Therefore, you can access DFS platforms in New Mexico, like these:

1. DraftKings DFS

Best For: Mobile App

DraftKings entered the Daily Fantasy Sports industry in 2012, quickly becoming the top DFS platform in the US. Now, you can find it in just about every state. The platform has a massive lineup of contests across various sports, each with impressive prize pools. There’s even an interactive feature where users can create their own personal contests with friends. Aside from this, speedy transactions, regular bonuses, and excellent customer support make DraftKings a leading platform. All of this can be easily enjoyed on the go from the dedicated DFS app, which boasts a nearly perfect rating of 4.9/5 on the App Store.

Claim your DK DFS NM bonus.

2. FanDuel DFS

Best For: Beginners and Free Play Games

FanDuel is a close competitor to DraftKings in the DFS realm, providing a user-friendly platform that is perfect if you’re new to Daily Fantasy Sports. Similar to DraftKings, it is also available in almost every state. FanDuel levels the playing field with exclusive contests for beginners and entry limits so that experienced players can’t dominate every contest. You’ll also find a bunch of free games where you can win actual cash prizes. It gives everyone a fair chance and is a great option for those beginning to explore DFS.

Grab FanDuel's deposit match promo offer.

3. OwnersBox

Best For: Simplified Option

OwnersBox has gone for its own spin on fantasy sports by concentrating on WFS (Weekly Fantasy Sports). It’s a smart move that sets it apart from the daily formats hosted by major players like DraftKings and FanDuel. For WFS, the competition happens over a week or the entire round of matches with innovative game formats like Lightning Lineups and SuperFlex. In Lightning Lineups, players are given a pre-selected set of athletes and must pick the top-performing trio of the week for points. SuperFlex is more like the traditional fantasy format played out over a whole weekend.

Join OwnersBox for weekly fantasy action.

4. Sleeper DFS

Best for: Flexible Fantasy Picks 

Sports fans in search of a unique Daily Fantasy site can harness the power of the flexible picks at Sleeper. The DFS site is designed to put you in control, with a focus on Football, Basketball, and League of Legends. Whether you're on the go or gaming at home, the mobile or desktop site is at your service. Sleeper includes a variety of tutorials that are perfect for beginners to DFS. Veteran players can access Daily Drafts and Sleeper Picks for quick contest options. The Channels section is also a great feature, providing players with private or public areas to connect with other DFS members.

Start wagering on DFS with Sleepers

Social Sportsbooks in New Mexico

Since online sportsbooks aren’t allowed in New Mexico, social sportsbooks have become a popular alternative. Let's take a look at best social sportsbooks available in New Mexico.

1. Fliff Social Sportsbook

Let's start with most important question: is Fliff Legal in New Mexico? Yes, Fliff is legal in New Mexico.

Fliff allows you to enjoy free-to-play sports prediction games. On sweepstakes sites, you don’t need to spend real money, although you can purchase additional coins if you want. You can also redeem winning coins for cash prizes. Think of it as a social media platform combined with sports betting. 

At Fliff, sports predictions that follow the format of bets are made using virtual currencies, called Fliff Coins or Fliff Cash. After signing up, new users are welcomed with a bonus worth up to 600,000 Fliff Coins and $100 Fliff Cash. You can also get both through various other kinds of bonuses and promotions. 

Take a look at our Fliff Review for in-depth information on how it works.

Claim your Fliff NM promo offer.

2. Sportzino Social Sportsbook

Sports fans searching for freeplay sports picks similar to a sports betting site will enjoy the Sportzino sweepstakes platform. And if you're wondering about the legality of Sportzino, don't worry. Just like Fliff, Sportzino is completely legal in New Mexico.

The brand features a full selection of sports markets, with options for United States and International leagues. You have selections from NFL, NBA, NHL, Premier League, and more, with the option to use Gold or Sweeps Coins. Post picks with Sweeps Coins and are eligible for real money prizes with no purchase necessary.

Sportzino is also home to a social casino gaming platform, offering access to Megaways, Hold & Win, and Jackpot slots. Check out the full selection of services by reading our full Sportzino review.

Grab your Sportzino welcome offer.

Sports Teams in New Mexico

Although New Mexico has no major league teams, you can find much support from the neighboring states of Colorado and Texas. 

Why You Should Trust Us

At WSN, we’re passionate bettors ourselves, so we understand the importance of reliable and trustworthy guidance. We’ve been deeply involved in the betting industry for decades, and as it has evolved, so has our expertise. This wealth of experience informs every review we write. 

We dive and test each sportsbook ourselves, ensuring that we deliver honest and authentic feedback. We leave no stone unturned, signing up, making real-money deposits, opt-in promotions, and proceeding with cash-outs. Everything we write is from our direct experience. This hand on approach is crucial aspect of our rating process. We don’t rely on second-hand information.

Our readers rely on us to help guide them in betting decisions, and we take that responsibility seriously. That's why we go the extra mile to ensure our reviews are transparent, accurate, and well-informed.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in New Mexico

Although legalized sports betting has not come to New Mexico, those struggling with problem gambling can access resources for support. If it is legalized, the state may introduce additional measures to offer assistance.

• The New Mexico Problem Gambling Helpline can be called for immediate assistance at (888) 696-2440. 

• The New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling offers problem gambling treatment and prevention through meetings, therapy sessions, and assessments.

• The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico has many resources and articles about how to combat problem gambling.