New Mexico Legal Sports Betting

New Mexico often gets bunched into the category of not having legal sports betting, but that’s not the truth. The southwestern state does take in bets, but probably not in the way most bettors are accustomed to or want.

Yes, New Mexico restricts betting so much so that it might as well not even have legalized sports betting. In this article, we’ll give you a better way to bet on sports while inside the state. A way where you don’t have to jump through hoops to place a wager, and something you can do no matter where inside of New Mexico you are. Keep reading for our expert guide to sports gambling in New Mexico!

Is Sports Betting Legal In New Mexico?

Betting on sports is legal, but it’s very, very limited. Only tribal casinos have the right to offer sports betting within state borders. Not only that, but the betting must be done inside their casinos — there is no online component. This betting situation came out of a compact agreement between the tribes and the state government. There was no bill or vote to be made, only a compact between the two sides.

There are more than a dozen tribal casinos located around the state. Of these, only six have chosen to offer sports betting in their facilities.

The question is, will Mew Mexico ever expand its betting, and allow non-tribal casinos to offer it? It’s not likely if we’re being honest. We wouldn’t count on commercial apps like BetMGM or FanDuel entering the state UNLESS they partner with the casinos. The tribes are sitting on a golden goose egg with sports betting exclusivity and will fight tooth and nail to make sure their compacts keep them the sole providers.

So what are New Mexico bettors supposed to do? Here’s an idea: use an offshore sportsbook. These don’t have to abide by the state’s limiting rules, thus they work anywhere and everywhere inside New Mexico. It’s the best option for betting in the state as we’re about to explain in-depth!

International Online Sportsbooks Available in New Mexico

New Mexico allows legal sports betting, but state-regulated sportsbooks come with limitations. For example, they don't offer wagers on political events or college sports involving in-state teams. If you're interested in betting on these restricted markets, you’ll need to look beyond local options to international online sportsbooks.

Offshore sportsbooks provide a broader range of betting options, from political outcomes to nationwide college sports, and they are perfect for bettors seeking more diverse markets. These platforms cater to users seeking bets that simply aren't available through local sportsbooks.

We promote these international sportsbooks because we’ve used and tested them extensively over the years. They’ve proven to be safe and trustworthy, offering secure payment options, excellent customer service, and reliable systems. With these platforms, you can confidently expand your betting experience while knowing your information and funds are in safe hands.

Legal online sportsbooks available in New Mexico

New Mexico Sports Betting Timeline

Best Sportsbooks In Each Category In New Mexico

Best overall	Name of Bookie
Best bonuses
Most unique bonuses
Top VIP program
Best reputation
Best sportsbook
Best casino
Best mobile app
Best for live betting
Best for new players
Best up-and-coming sportsbook

New Mexico Quick Facts

While sports betting is technically legal in New Mexico, the current landscape is quite limited. At present, there are no online sportsbooks operating within the state. Sports wagering is confined to tribal casinos, which means bettors must physically visit these locations to place their bets.

For those seeking more convenient options or who prefer not to travel to a casino, alternative sportsbooks that operate internationally may be worth considering. These platforms often provide a wider range of betting options and the convenience of online wagering. However, it's important to research and choose reputable operators when exploring these alternatives.

Top 7 New Mexico Sports Betting Sites

If we could only pick seven offshore sportsbooks for New Mexico bettors to use, it would be the following:

1. BetUS - The biggest bonuses in the business.
2. Bovada - User-friendly interface and reliable mobile betting experience.
3. BetOnline - Competitive odds and early line releases.
4. XBet - Excellent mobile app for on-the-go betting.
5. BetNow - Generous bonuses and ongoing promotions for regular players.
6. MyBookie - Elite rewards program for serious players.
7. Everygame - Long-standing reputation and ton of live betting opportunities.

#1 BetUS

If you value free bets — which you 100 percent should — then stop number one should be BetUS. There is no one in the business that comes even close to matching BetUS in the promotion department, and that includes the commercial platforms like FanDuel.

From the moment you sign up, you’re greeted with a massive welcome bonus. Right now, new users can get up to $3,125 in free play, which blows away most competitors that might top out at $1,000. And that’s just for signing up! BetUS keeps the free play rolling with plenty of other deals.

We can’t possibly name them all here, but here is one jaw dropper worth calling out: the $6000 referral bonus. Not a typo, they’re seriously doling out up to six grand for bringing friends to the site. This is a throwaway deal at most bookies, but at BetUS, it’s one of its biggest deals of all. That goes to show you the type of platform that BetUS is.

On top of these killer promotions, BetUS also boasts an impressive range of betting options. Whether you’re into sports betting or online casino games, there’s no shortage of choices to keep things exciting. This level of variety means the free play earned actually has a lot of mileage.

Bottom line: BetUS brings together unbeatable promotions and a ton of betting variety, all wrapped in a user-friendly platform. If you want consistent value and fun, BetUS is a top pick that won’t let you down.

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#2 Bovada

Are you on the fence about this whole offshore betting thing? We don’t blame me if you have some nagging doubts, the word “offshore” tends to bring that — no matter the industry. That’s why we had to recommend Bovada in this spot.

Bovada is a trusted name in the betting world. Its existence predates many top bookmakers like DraftKings for instance. It’s also attracted one of the biggest user bases in the country. Ask yourself, would any of this be the case if Bovada was untrustworthy? Hell no!

What’s been one of the keys to Bovada’s success is its simplicity. The platform is super user-friendly, making it easy to navigate, place bets, and deposit money without any hassle. If you’re new to online betting, Bovada is a great starting point. Its straightforward design makes it simple for beginners to dive right in.

For New Mexico bettors who value a no-fuss, reliable platform with plenty of betting options, Bovada is a solid choice that won’t let you down. We like to call it “Ol Reliable” cause it always delivers a consistent, good experience.

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#3 BetOnline

While all the sportsbooks on this list have deep betting menus, we think all are playing catch up to BetOnline. New Mexico betters will have it all — and we mean all — when using the BetOnline sportsbook.

Of course, you’ll find all the major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, but it doesn’t stop there. The platform also lets you bet on more niche sports like international soccer (Belarus soccer, anyone?), rugby, and even snooker. With so many options under one roof, there’s no need to juggle multiple betting sites. You could realistically do all your betting at BetOnline, and not miss a beat.

Not only does BetOnline offer variety, but value too. Most bets are priced at very bettor-friendly prices so it’s not like BetOnline is trying to “pull a fast one” with juiced-up lines.

Another thing New Mexico bettors will love is BetOnline’s knack for listing betting lines extremely early. These go up almost immediately after games end so you can lock in your bets before the lines have fully matured. It’s a smart way to stay ahead of the game and beat the rush.

If you’re a New Mexico bettor looking for a betting site with tons of options and an all-in-one convenience factor, BetOnline is definitely worth checking out. It truly is a one-stop shop of sorts.

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#4 XBet

XBet is the perfect antidote to New Mexico’s in-person betting only laws. This platform has crafted one of the best mobile betting experiences you’ll find. That’s a lofty claim in a uber competitive industry.

First of all, XBet’s mobile experience feels like it was made with modern life in mind. Whether you’re catching a quick break, stuck in line, or out with friends, their platform delivers a sleek, user-friendly design that works as smoothly on your phone as it does on a desktop. What really stands out is how effortless it feels to find and place your bets — no endless scrolling or confusing menus. XBet nails the balance between functionality and ease, ensuring you spend less time figuring out the app and more time making smart wagers.

One thing that makes XBet shine is its focus on performance. While some betting apps can lag or crash when it matters most, XBet’s mobile platform stays responsive and steady, even with heavy use. You especially notice this when live betting straight from the app.

Plus, there’s no need to deal with app downloads. You can jump right in from your mobile browser without any extra steps or fuss. The platform will automatically scale to the size of any mobile device, making it versatile no matter the phone or tablet you have.

XBet doesn’t just offer all-around convenience — it’s raising the bar for mobile betting. By blending a slick design with powerful performance, they’ve created a platform that’s ready to keep pace with your lifestyle. Expect XBet to stay on the bleeding edge here.

Our score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#5 BetNow

You can’t say BetNow isn’t trying to be different. In this copycat industry, it’s really hard to stand out — for good reasons, at least. Yet, BetNow has managed to do so inside its loaded betting site that ranges from sports, casino, to poker, and everything in between.

But what really makes BetNow stand out? It’s their promotions. While they might not throw around giant bonuses to the extent or BetUS, what they lack in size, they make up for in options. We’re talking four different welcome bonuses, three reload deals, and another three rebate programs. And if that’s not enough, they’ve got referral bonuses and other perks sprinkled throughout.

This kind of variety is rare. Most platforms offer just one basic bonus and call it a day. BetNow? They at least give you options to pick from. This isn’t a cookie-cutter approach, it’s a platform built to cater to various betting styles and preferences. The flexibility here means you can find something that works for you, whether you’re new to betting or a seasoned pro.

One more standout feature worth noting is BetNow’s sportsbook rebate program. You won’t find many other platforms giving you 2 percent back on your losses. They might be the only bookmaker that does a deal like this. While it may not sound huge, it goes to show BetNow’s commitment to doing things differently.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#6 MyBookie

If you’re looking for a betting platform that covers all the bases, MyBookie is tough to beat. This isn’t just a site for one type of bettor — it’s a full-on hub for everything from slots and sports to horse racing and poker. No matter what your betting style is, MyBookie’s got you covered.

The biggest attraction at MyBookie is, undoubtedly, the sportsbook. You’ll be hard pressed to NOT find the bet you’re looking for in here. Not only does the site offer plenty of sports and leagues, but bet types too — moneyline, props, futures, and so on.

But it’s not just about sports. MyBookie’s casino is packed with hundreds of games, perfect for when you want to take a break from the sportsbook and try something new. And if poker’s your thing, the dedicated poker room is always lively, offering a constant stream of games to jump into.

Perhaps best of all though is MyBookie’s VIP rewards program. This isn’t just a one-time bonus or a flashy sign-up offer. Every bet you place — whether it’s in sports, the casino, or poker— earns you rewards points. The more you play, the more you earn, and the best part? There’s no cap. Unlike traditional bonuses that have limits, MyBookie’s rewards keep piling up, giving you even more value the longer you play.

For bettors who are in it for the long haul and want to maximize every wager, MyBookie’s VIP program is a second-to-none feature. We wouldn’t recommend this platform to “tourists” — only the most serious bettors who plan to stick with online wagering.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#7 Everygame

Everygame has cemented its spot as a go-to platform for bettors who value reliability and experience. Having started as Intertops, one of the pioneers in online betting, it has managed to evolve with the times while staying true to its roots. This kind of longevity speaks volumes, especially in a constantly changing industry.

What we most like about Everygame is its live betting system. When you’re placing bets during a live game, timing is everything. While some sites struggle to keep up with the fast-paced action, Everygame handles it with ease. You’ll see this most when betting basketball live given the high-scoring pace of the game. Even the biggest NBA shootout isn’t enough to slow down Everygame here.

For soccer fans, Everygame feels like home. With its European background, the platform offers a rich selection of soccer bets, covering everything from the Premier League to La Liga, along with international events like the World Cup. And if that’s not enough, they frequently roll out special promos tied to the biggest soccer events.

Everygame’s ability to blend tradition with innovation is what keeps it moving forward. The rebranding from Intertops wasn’t just a name change — it marked the start of continuous improvements that have only strengthened its position in the market. If they keep this pace, they’ll continue to be a key player in the betting world for another decade to come.

Our score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Where Are Sportsbooks Like Fanduel, DraftKings, Ceasars?

The big-name sportsbooks are banned due to New Mexico’s compact with the casinos. There is a slim chance of the casinos partnering with these sportsbooks to offer sports betting, but so far, none have chosen to do that. We expect that to remain the case because partnering with one of them means less money for the tribes to keep to themselves.

Again, we can’t reiterate this enough: the only real option bettors have in New Mexico now and for the foreseeable future is offshore sites. Unless they want to be forced to drive to the casino and make bets every single time. Neither the state or casinos are showing any signs of changing their ways so expect the status-quo to remain.

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Betting On Politics, Esports, Entertainment In New Mexico

Not only do offshore betting sites work up and down the state, but they’ll also let you bet on more than just sports. We're talking about stuff like the U.S. presidential election, award shows like the Grammys or Oscars, esports, and even scripted WWE matches. Offshore sites give you full access to all these fun markets.

Even in states where betting is 100 percent legal, licensed apps are usually restricted from offering these “non sport” wagers by state regulators. The powers that be worry that allowing bets on everything could open a can of worms. We think the opposite — betting on non-sport events adds some extra excitement to everyday events.

Betting Apps In New Mexico

The biggest knock we have on New Mexico’s legal betting restrictions is the in-person component. We all live busy lives and having to drive to the casino (and spend on gas money) to place a bet just doesn’t make sense. Good thing offshore betting sites have mobile apps that can fill the gap.

If you want the full scoop on mobile betting apps in New Mexico, we’ve got you covered with a special guide. It’s a big topic, so we dedicated a whole guide to it. Check it out for everything you need to know about betting anytime and anyplace whilst inside the state.

Start Betting In New Mexico Today — Our Guides

While betting should be entertainment first (more on that at the end), it’s still not a bad idea to want to actually make money at this thing. Flying by the seat of your pants probably isn’t going to get the job done, but for bettors who can learn and perfect their betting craft, profits are on the other side of your hard work. Here’s some must-read guides to becoming the best bettor you can possibly be:

• Top Betting Tips — want to make money wagering? Read this!
• Best Sports Betting Strategies — the above article is a college 101 class to this one, which take your betting to the next level!
• How Do Odds Work — self-explanatory here, learn everything there is to know about understanding betting odds.
• Types of Sports Bets — a complete primer to the various types of sports betting forms.
• Betting Odds Calculator — calculate how much money a bet or parlay pays out

Payment Methods Available For New Mexico Sportsbooks

Don’t think going offshore means you won’t have payment options — that couldn’t be further from the truth. A variety of payment methods are available from site to site, but these will be the most popular:

• VISA — the co-most popular card accepted on rhe majority of betting sites.
• Mastercard — the other co-most popular card across the betting landscape.
• Bitcoin — the payment method that'll earn you the most free play possible.
• Bank wire — The classic, no-nonsense way to fund your betting account.

New Mexico Casinos and Resorts

We already mentioned which casinos currently have sportsbooks. How about the ones that don't now — but could in the future? Here's a massive list of ones that can eventually get things going:

• Apache Nugget Casino in Cuba, NM
• Billy The Kid Casino in Ruidoso, NM
• Camel Rock Casino in Tesuque Pueblo, NM
• Casino Apache Travel Center in Mescalero, NM
• Casino Hollywood in San Felipe, NM
• Cities of Gold Casino in Pojoaque Pueblo, NM
• Cities of Gold Sports Bar in Pojoaque Pueblo, NM
• Dancing Eagle Casino in Casa Blanca, NM
• Downs at Albuquerque Racino in Albuquerque, NM
• Fire Rock Navajo Casino, in Church Rock, NM
• Kicks 66/Convenience Store and Phillips 66 Service in Santa Fe, NM
• Northern Edge Navajo Casino in Fruitland, NM
• Ohkay Casino Resort in San Juan Pueblo, NM
• Palace West Casino in Isleta, NM
• Route 66 Casino in Laguna Pueblo, NM
• Route 66 Casino Express in Laguna Pueblo, NM
• Sandia Casino in Sandia Pueblo, NM
• Santa Claran Hotel and Casino in Espanola, NM
• Sky City Casino in Acoma, NM
• Sun Ray Park and Casino in Farmington, NM
• Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino in Sunland Park, NM
• Taos Mountain Casino in Taos, NM
• Wild Horse Casino in Dulce, NM
• Zia Park Casino, Hotel and Racetrack in Hobbs, NM

History of New Mexico Legalization Efforts

Sports betting went live in New Mexico as soon as the federal ban on it was removed by the Supreme Court in 2018. Here's how that happened:

Tribal Casinos and Betting In New Mexico

New Mexico is home to over 30 tribal casinos and several state-licensed horse racing tracks that also house casinos. So, how did the Santa Ana Star Casino get to offer sports betting so soon without the state actually going through the tedious legalization processes?

In their pre-existing gaming compact with the state, the Santa Ana Star had permission to offer any type of Class III Gaming, where sports betting falls, so even though sports betting isn’t mentioned in any gaming compacts, it’s implied that it’s covered as a Class III act. As soon as the PASPA ruling was appealed in May 2018, sports betting was allowed at New Mexico tribal casinos.

Expanding Sports Gambling In New Mexico

There are more tribal casinos opening up sportsbooks on their properties, and we expect more and more to pop up. As for non-tribal casinos, or an online sports betting option, a bill would need to be passed — and there are none in the works right now.

Betting On New Mexico Teams

While Albuquerque and Santa Fe are fine cities, they are not nearly big enough to have professional sports teams in them. This leaves the state with zero professional sports teams in the “Big Four” leagues, and heck, even MLS.

Most of the locals support teams in neighboring states — either Arizona or Texas. New Mexico is sandwiched in between both. So you’ll see you’re fair share of Dallas Cowboys or Phoenix Suns fans depending on what part of the state you’re in. Either way, all these major teams are easy to find at New Mexico sportsbooks.

Betting On New Mexico NCAA Teams

There's a pair of division I programs in the state — the University of New Mexico Lobos and the New Mexico State Aggies. The Lobos are more high-ranking sports-wise since they play in the Mountain West while the Aggies are in the smaller Conference USA. Basketball is both program’s strong suit.

When they compete with one another, the feud is referred to as the “Battle of I-25” or the “Rio Grande Rivalry.” Those matchups are always betting attractions so get ready to choose your side when the time comes.

Other Types Of Betting In New Mexico

Sure, sports betting is now a thing for these tribal casinos, but make no mistake about it, the big money for them remains in casino gaming. The majority of its revenues come from Vegas-style casino games they offer like blackjack, roulette, slots, and so forth. This is why several casinos have yet to even build out a sportsbook — that’s baby money compared to the casino games.

Outside of tribal betting, New Mexico also runs a state lottery. It’s all the usual games here, such as national draw games (Powerball and Mega Millions), as well as scratch-off tickets and state-specific draws.

An offshoot of regular sports betting is horses and daily fantasy sports. Both of those are fully legal in the state. Both these can be wagered online too.

Sports Betting Rules In Each State

New Mexico is one of 50 different guides we’ve written. That’s right, we have a detailed guide for every single state in the country. We’ve linked everything below if you want to learn more about other state policies:

Responsible Gaming In New Mexico

It wouldn’t be responsible of us not to mention the potential risks of betting. While yes, betting can be a fun hobby and, at times, a profitable one, if left unchecked, it can spiral into financial problems, stress, and even addiction.

There are early warning signs that can indicate things are moving in the wrong direction, and they aren’t always easy to spot. Here are a few key red flags to look for in yourself or your friends:

• Chasing losses: Increasing bets in an attempt to win back money lost on previous wagers.
• Betting with money you can't afford to lose: Using funds meant for essentials like rent, bills, or groceries.
• Constant preoccupation with betting: Spending too much time thinking about or planning bets, or dwelling on past wins and losses.
• Escalating risk: Gradually increasing the size of your bets to maintain excitement.

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or others, taking action early is important — before these habits can took root in your mind. The good thing is New Mexico offers various resources for anyone needing help with gambling-related issues. Here are a couple of options to start with:

New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling (https://councilonproblemgambling.com/)

This organization provides free and confidential counseling services for problem gamblers. Their helpline, 1-800-572-1142, is available 24/7 for those needing immediate assistance.

Gamblers Anonymous New Mexico (http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/locations)

Gamblers Anonymous offers support groups throughout New Mexico where individuals can share experiences and seek help in a safe and confidential environment.

New Mexico Gaming Control Board (https://www.nmgcb.org/)
Provides information on responsible gaming and self-exclusion programs.

National resources are available too:

Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)

A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.