New Mexico – Some Of The Strictest Gambling Laws In The US
New Mexico Gambling Laws
Today at Jackpotfinder.com we thought that we’d take a deep dive into the gambling industry in New Mexico. This way you can know exactly what to expect if you happen to go there and look for a casino. As with all states within the US, each has its own laws in relation to gambling. And New Mexico is no different. Except things are pretty strict! Once we’ve looked at the laws, then we’ll look at the online gambling situation in the state, as well as the rules surrounding charity jackpot games like lotteries and raffles.
The State Of Gambling In New Mexico
The first thing you’ll be happy to learn is that there are some forms of gambling that are perfectly legal in the state of New Mexico. But not many! As a given, all visitors can play at the tribal casinos, as well as take part in horse race betting. Have a look at the table below to see an overview of casino gambling in New Mexico.
- New Mexico Gambling Age (Lottery & Racing): 18+
- New Mexico Gambling Age (Tribal Casinos): 21+
- Number of Tribal Casino in NM: 20+
- Number of Commercial Casinos in NM: 2
- Smoking Ban: Exempts Casinos
- Casino Regulatory Body: New Mexico Gaming Control Board
As it’s pretty much normal with all casinos around the world, players will need to be at least 18 years or over in order to bet at the racetrack. Casinos are slightly different. Here you’ll need to be over 21 years of age. And games such as the lottery, jackpot bingo and raffles all fall under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico Gaming Control Board. To all intents and purposes, this is the local legal gambling regulator.
New Mexico Online Gambling Laws
When it comes to online gambling in the state of New Mexico, we should point out that there are no definitive gambling laws. To that extent, internet gambling is a bit of a great area. On the one hand, it’s not entirely legal. But any other, you’ll find that many casinos like Omni Slots Casino, are perfectly happy to accept players from New Mexico. Technically all gambling is prohibited by federal law. This is thanks to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (31 U.S.C.A. §5361).
In short, this means that no online gambling betting or wagering activity is endorsed or approved. But at the same time, you have to keep in mind that the local gambling authority does not regulate, licence or control online gambling in any way. So, for example, they are not blocking international casino websites at the IP level. So you could still play and technically win the jackpot online.
But just to make things even more crystal clear, it’s explicitly written in the New Mexico Gaming Control Board’s website, that old references and opinions which might appear to promote the idea that gambling is legal in New Mexico, are in fact wrong. If you want to play at a casino then you can always go a little bit east and check out the New Jersey casinos. Likewise, you’ll find great casinos in Michigan.
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Casino Gambling Laws in New Mexico
When you consider that the state of New Mexico has a population of a little more than 2 million, then there are easily enough land-based casinos to provide for everyone. In fact, there are twenty brick and mortar casinos to win the jackpot. You’ll find them in the most populated areas including Santa Fe and Albuquerque. For an easier life, you’ll more often find these casinos situated strategically close to the state borders in order to attract out of state gamblers.
As we previously mentioned, all forms of gambling are technically illegal under the casino gambling laws of New Mexico. That is unless they have an exemption under state law. Back in the mid-1990s, this included Native American casinos. It’s interesting to note that though there are just a couple of commercial casinos in New Mexico, all the others are located on Native American reservations. We suggest that you head over to Omni Slots Casino. Not only can you play from the comfort of your own home, but they offer all new players a fantastic welcome bonus of 150% up to €500 plus 70 free spins. This is much more than you’d ever hope to get from a land-based casino. And it’s a great means by which to instantly grow your bankroll.
Charitable Gambling in New Mexico
You’ll find a popular pastime, for both visitors and locals, is to play in charitable gambling activities. The state passed the Bingo & Raffle Act which allows some charitable organisations to receive a licence from the New Mexico Gaming Control Board. With this, individuals and groups with state permission can organise the selling of raffle tickets and the playing of bingo games. As written in the law, all the money from these charitable gambling activities must go towards a lawful purpose.
Nevertheless, there are some exceptions under the state’s Bingo & Raffle Act. An example would be any qualified organisation can hold a bingo or raffle game providing they do so not more than once every 3 months, and no more than 4 times a year. You may also find that under the New Mexico Criminal Code, there are some exceptions that, for example, prohibits movie theatres from offering advertising merchandise or any associated promotional cash prizes.
Bingo And Raffles For Senior Citizens
You’ll also find that senior citizen groups are able to organise raffles and bingo games at senior citizen centres. The definition of a senior citizen group is an organisation in which most members are aged over 55. Also, it must demonstrate that the primary purpose is to provide social and recreational activities for the elderly. Only those playing the game are able to receive any part of the proceeds from the game itself. Furthermore, no minors can take part. This goes for both the organisation and the playing of any bingo or raffle games.
Other Types of Gambling in New Mexico
Though all these laws sound very strict, there is still some good news to be found for gamblers in New Mexico. There are a few other forms of gambling activities that you are allowed to take part in if you’re in the state.
Poker
If you’re a poker fan then, unfortunately, though jackpot poker is incredibly popular, you’ll find there are only a handful of casinos in New Mexico that have live poker rooms. Nevertheless, these host high profile tournament events such as the World Poker Tour and the Heartland Poker Tour. You’ll find these land-based casinos are in Santa Fe, Masculero and Albuquerque. Other events are many charity poker tournaments taking place all over the state. One thing to keep in mind is that you can’t play poker at a charity event. All poker games are illegal for those purposes.
Horse Racing
In the first half of the 20th-century horse racing was legalised in New Mexico. This means that since 1946, anybody can place wagers at the horse race track. Anyone that is involved in the business of horse racing will require a state licence in order to operate legally. What’s interesting here is that slots are readily available and legal at the racetrack. Providing the company has a separate permit for this purpose which also comes under the Gaming Control Act.
The New Mexico State Lottery
For those of you who love playing the lottery, then you’ll be happy to learn that in 1996 the New Mexico Lottery joined the Multi-State Lottery Association. This allows players to participate in those massive progressive jackpot lotteries such as the Powerball and Mega Millions. One interesting point to note is that you cannot buy your lottery tickets online. They’re only available at state-controlled high street retailers. One good thing about the lottery is that it contributes at least $40 million annually to the New Mexico state’s General Fund. Essentially this means that much of the money spent on lottery tickets goes towards helping the community with social programs.
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