New Mexico Sports Betting 2025: NM Sports Betting
LEGAL (LIMITED)
New Mexico sports betting is only allowed at tribal casinos, and there has been little interest from lawmakers to change that anytime soon. Discover the details below.
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Last Updated: 1 July, 2025
Yes, but only in person at select tribal casinos.
New Mexico never passed a state law to legalize sports betting.
Instead, a few tribes interpreted their compacts to allow it and opened retail sportsbooks.
There are no legal online sportsbooks or mobile apps available statewide.
Key facts of New Mexico betting
How do I gamble in New Mexico?
New Mexico’s gambling laws are tightly tied to tribal gaming compacts.
While a few tribal casinos offer in-person sportsbooks, there’s no state-regulated online betting.
Legal options are limited, and expansion efforts have stalled in recent years.
Daily fantasy sports in New Mexico
Daily fantasy sports are allowed and widely available.
Platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Underdog Fantasy accept players from the state.
You can join contests and pick lineups legally from your phone.
Other legal gambling options
Tribal casinos are the main gambling venues, offering slots, table games, and on-site sportsbooks.
Social sportsbooks like Fliff and Rebet are also legal and offer sweepstakes-based betting.
Horse racing is legal too, with live races, simulcast wagering, and online betting through sites like TVG.
Charitable gaming, like bingo and raffles, is allowed under regulated conditions.
You must be at least 21 years old to place a sports bet in New Mexico.
This age requirement applies to all tribal casinos and sportsbooks.
Daily fantasy sports and horse race betting also follow the 21+ rule statewide.
Can I bet on sports in another state?
If you're in New Mexico and want more options, you can legally bet in other states, as long as you're physically there when placing your bets.
Most states with legal sports betting use geolocation to enforce this.
Nearby states like Arizona and Colorado offer full access to online and mobile sports betting.
Arizona also has retail sportsbooks and apps backed by tribal casinos and major sports teams.
In Colorado, you can bet on sports from anywhere in the state through licensed mobile platforms.
Crossing state lines for legal betting is allowed, but once you’re back in New Mexico, those apps will no longer work.
Betting sites to avoid
Some websites claim to accept players from New Mexico, but that doesn’t make them legal or safe.
These offshore sportsbooks operate outside US law and don’t follow New Mexico’s gambling regulations.
Using them puts your money and personal information at serious risk.
⚠️ Avoid these offshore online sports betting sites, they are not licensed or legal in the US. ⚠️
Pros and cons of sports betting in New Mexico
Pros
- ✅ Legal retail betting available at tribal casinos
- ✅ DFS and online horse race betting are allowed
Cons
- ❌ No online or mobile sports betting access
- ❌ Limited number of legal sportsbook locations
Latest sports betting updates in New Mexico
The future of sports betting in New Mexico
New Mexico’s sports betting industry remains locked within tribal boundaries.
Without statewide legislation, there’s no path to regulated mobile or online sportsbooks.
The biggest hurdle is political.
Lawmakers have shown little urgency to pass a new New Mexico sports betting bill, and past efforts, like HB 101, never advanced.
Tribes operate under compacts that allow in-person betting, but those agreements don’t extend to mobile apps or off-reservation platforms.
Unless the state revisits its compact terms or passes new legislation, retail sportsbooks will remain the only legal option.
Our expert view: No major changes are likely before 2026.
Tribal casinos may continue expanding retail offerings, but a full New Mexico sports betting law with online access seems far off.
Other types of legal betting in New Mexico
While sports betting isn’t legal in New Mexico beyond tribal casinos, a few other types of gambling are allowed, and some are available online.
Horse racing
New Mexico is home to five racetracks that offer live racing and simulcast betting.
Racinos like Ruidoso Downs and Sunland Park also feature slot machines.
Online betting is legal, but only for races happening outside New Mexico.
Sites like TVG and FanDuel Racing are available to state residents.
Daily fantasy sports
DFS is legal and widely played in New Mexico.
Major providers like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Underdog Fantasy accept users 21 and older.
Players can enter contests, make picks, and win real cash legally.
DFS is one of the only online betting-style activities currently allowed statewide.
Pari-mutuel wagering
Pari-mutuel betting is allowed at the five racetracks in the state.
This includes live and simulcast horse races.
You can place bets in person or online, as long as the races are out of state.
All pari-mutuel betting follows state regulations and oversight.
Charitable bingo and raffles
Charitable gaming is legal with proper licensing.
Churches, nonprofits, and community groups can run bingo nights and raffles under state law.
These events must register with the New Mexico Gaming Control Board and follow strict prize and reporting rules.
Yes, social sportsbooks like Fliff, Rebet, and Thrillz are legal in New Mexico.
These platforms use sweepstakes or virtual currencies instead of real money.
Players can still win cash prizes through promotional coins or points.
They’re a popular option in states without legal sportsbooks. No gambling license is required to use them.
How to start betting in New Mexico
You might see guides saying you can bet on sports online in New Mexico, but that’s not true.
We’ll only show you real, legal ways to gamble in the state, even if they don’t include online sportsbooks.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports are fully legal in New Mexico.
Sites like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Underdog let you create player lineups, enter contests, and compete for cash prizes.
It’s a legal workaround for fans looking to engage with sports.
DFS is mobile-friendly and easy to access across the state.
Online horse race betting
New Mexicans can legally bet on horse races online but only for races held outside the state.
Platforms like TVG and FanDuel Racing are licensed to operate in New Mexico.
You can deposit, place wagers, and withdraw winnings from your phone or computer.
For local races, you’ll need to visit a track in person.
Charitable gambling
Charitable bingo and raffles are legal in New Mexico under state rules.
Organizations must be registered and follow guidelines on prizes and event frequency.
These games are a common feature at churches and fundraisers.
While not high-stakes, they’re a fun, legal way to gamble for a cause.
Social sportsbooks
Social sportsbooks like Fliff, Rebet, and Thrillz operate legally using sweepstakes or virtual currency models.
You can make picks on games and win cash prizes without using real money to bet.
These platforms are mobile-accessible and open to New Mexico residents.
They're a great entry point for casual players.
Crossing state lines to bet legally
If you're near Arizona or Colorado, you can place legal sports bets using mobile apps once you're physically in those states.
Arizona allows statewide mobile betting with top sportsbooks like FanDuel and BetMGM.
Colorado offers dozens of licensed apps as well.
Just make sure you’re inside the state borders, and geolocation tech will verify your location.
Daily fantasy sports in New Mexico
Daily fantasy sports are legal and active in New Mexico.
Players can enter contests, pick lineups, and win real cash through licensed platforms.
1. DraftKings
DraftKings is one of the most popular DFS platforms in New Mexico.
It offers a wide range of contests for NFL, NBA, MLB, and more.
The app is user-friendly and supports both casual players and high-stakes competitors.
Daily and weekly contests make it easy to join anytime.
New users often receive bonus credits or free contest entries.
Read our expert DraftKings review.
Top features
Large-scale tournaments with six-figure prizes
Real-time scoring and live contest tracking
Salary-cap and pick’em game formats
Frequent promos for new and returning players
Strong mobile experience and desktop support
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Easy to use and packed with features
- ✅ Covers nearly every major sport
Cons
- ❌ Can be overwhelming for new users
- ❌ Tough competition in larger contests
2. Underdog Fantasy
Underdog Fantasy focuses on simple pick’em games with big payout potential.
You select player stats to go over or under, and can win up to 20x your entry.
The platform also offers season-long best ball drafts. It’s a good fit for casual players and sharp bettors alike.
Clean design and fast withdrawals make it stand out.
Top features
Pick’em slips with multi-player combos
Best ball leagues for long-term fun
Mobile-first design with smooth navigation
Regular deposit bonuses and promotions
Transparent payout system and quick processing
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Great for fast, flexible contests
- ✅ Clean and simple interface
Cons
- ❌ Limited player pool in some sports
- ❌ Fewer contest types than DraftKings
3. Sleeper
Sleeper blends fantasy sports with a strong social community.
You can create private leagues, join public contests, and chat with friends directly in the app.
Its pick’em format is growing fast, and payouts are competitive.
It’s ideal for players who want to mix strategy with friendly competition.
Custom features add a personal touch.
Top features
Group chats and league-based social play
Competitive pick’em contests with multipliers
Low minimum entry for casual use
Regular bonus offers for new users
Clean design across app and desktop
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Fun, social gameplay options
- ✅ Easy for beginners to get started
Cons
- ❌ Smaller prize pools than larger platforms
- ❌ Not as many sports as DraftKings
Types of bets in New Mexico
At New Mexico’s retail sportsbooks, you’ll find a variety of standard bet types, though availability may vary by location.
Moneyline: A straight bet on which team will win the game. Odds determine how much you win based on your wager.
Point spread: This bet evens the odds by giving one team a points handicap. You win if your pick covers the spread.
Over/under: Also called totals, this bet focuses on the combined score. You wager on whether the final total goes over or under a set number.
Futures: A long-term bet on events like championship winners or MVP awards. Payouts are higher, but results take time.
Parlays: A multi-leg bet that links two or more wagers. You must win all legs to receive a payout.
Prop bets: These bets focus on player stats or in-game events. Common examples include total touchdowns or passing yards.
Live betting: Also known as in-game betting, this lets you place bets as the action unfolds. Odds shift quickly during the game.
Frequently asked questions
Responsible gambling in New Mexico
Gambling can be fun, but it can also become a problem.
New Mexico offers support for anyone who feels their betting habits may be out of control.
Help is confidential and free, whether you’re dealing with sports betting, slots, or other games.
Know the signs, and don’t hesitate to reach out.
New Mexico-specific resources:
New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling – www.nmcpg.org | Helpline: 1-800-572-1142
Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico – www.rganm.org
New Mexico Behavioral Health Services – bh.sd.state.nm.us
National help organizations:
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
Gamblers Anonymous – www.gamblersanonymous.org
National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
Watch for these signs of problem gambling:
Chasing losses after a big loss
Gambling with money you can’t afford to lose
Hiding your gambling habits from others
Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
Help is always available; don’t wait to ask for it. Learn more about how to gamble responsibly.
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References
Contributors
Bradley Gibbs
Author
With over 12 years of experience, Bradley Gibbs is a seasoned sports betting writer and analyst specializing in uncovering value bets across football, horse racing, tennis, and golf.
His extensive coverage of these sports has been featured on numerous websites and in The Racing & Football Outlook, a renowned UK betting publication.
Bradley's expertise lies in identifying betting edges and delivering insightful, data-driven content for informed wagering.
Josh Miller
Reviewed By
Josh Miller, Sporting Post’s Sports & Casino Editor, brings over five years of experience in feature writing, blogging, and SEO.
With a strong background in football coverage and sports betting, his work has been featured in VAVEL.
Josh also writes extensively about online casinos, providing expert insights into games, bonuses, and gambling trends.
His engaging and informative content makes him a reliable resource for Sporting Post readers.