New Mexico Becomes Sixth US State with Regulated Sports Betting
New Mexico became the sixth American state to offer regulated sports betting this Tuesday.
Sports betting was launched at the Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel in Bernalillo, situated just outside Albuquerque. Run by the Tamaya Nation at the Pueblo of Santa Ana, the 100,000 square-foot venue offers classic dice games and card games such as blackjack.
John Cirrincione, CEO of Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel, said: “We are extremely proud of the fact that Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel is the first tribal casino in the state of New Mexico, and one of the first in the nation to launch a sportsbook,”
USBookmaking
USBookmaking is the operator of the live wagering on professional and college sporting events at Santa Ana Star.
“We have found that there is tremendous demand for Nevada-style retail sportsbook operation in a multitude of casinos throughout the US.” said USBookmaking president Vic Salerno.
There are a few restrictions nevertheless. Players are not allowed to place bets on any local teams, including the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State.
“Although we believe there would be interest on betting on local teams, we believe it best not to take bets on these teams,” stated Cirrincione.
Sportsbook Features
The sportsbook at Santa Ana Star will be open from Monday to Friday from noon to 8 pm. Its opening hours during weekends will be 7 am to 10 pm. Four betting stations and two self-service kiosks will be available during non-business hours.
“We specialise in the ability to get to market quickly and operate efficiently,” described Salerno. “We have carved out a unique position where we are a very attractive service provider to the many independent casino operations that exist today.”
Regulated sports betting in New Mexico is restricted to on-site betting at Santa Ana Star , which means online gambling and sports betting are against the law anywhere else in the state.
Tribal Sports Betting
Two other Native American tribes also offer sports betting, namely the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe in Laughlin, Nevada and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
The New Mexico tribal compact seems to have only allowed sports betting in a land-based setting.
“We will closely monitor NM tribal gaming compacts and work with the legislature for proper statutory and regulatory oversight to require responsible gaming and enhanced integrity to create an even playing field for all,” said David Carl, press secretary for the Office of the Attorney General.
According to Cirrincione, tribal casinos can legally operate all forms of Class III gaming under the compact.
“Sports betting is Class III gaming. The Pueblo of Santa Ana is a sovereign nation with its own laws allowing all forms of Class III gaming in its casino,”