New Mexico’s gaming sector appears to be experiencing a slowdown according to a brief published by the State Legislature which shows revenues and taxes from racetrack gambling either static or contracting.
As originally reported by the Associated Press, the brief from the Legislature’s nonpartisan Finance Committee revealed a 10% shrinkage from 2012-2018 in annual revenues that are shared by tribal casinos with the state, slowing from $69.7m to $62.8m.
The brief also shows that state tax receipts from non-tribal gambling, mainly racetrack casinos, fell by 3% from $63.4m to $61.6m for the period. Growth in online gaming, currently illegal in New Mexico, was cited by the report as a possible cause for the slowdown.
Currently there are 24 tribal casinos in New Mexico alongside six other Indian gaming facilities which are located across 10 counties. Between them they are owned by 14 tribes. In addition, there are five state-licensed racinos in operation.
Sports betting has yet to take off fully in the Enchanted Land. It is currently prohibited under state law, but not specifically under tribal compacts. As of now, the only place in New Mexico to lay down a sports wager is at the Santa Ana Star Casino & Hotel sportsbook located 10 miles out of Albuquerque. More tribal gaming locations, however, are expected to follow.