As a betting enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that the state of New Mexico permits pari mutuel wagering on both live and simulcast horse races. While US gambling laws by state differ, here it is perfectly legal. The New Mexico Horse Racing Commission oversees the industry, ensuring fair and exciting races for you to wager on. With numerous racetracks in operation across the state, you’ll have ample opportunities to place your bets and experience horse racing.
Address: 145 Louisiana Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Phone: 505-767-7171
Hosting both thoroughbred and standardbred races, this one-mile racetrack offers an exciting live racing experience during the racing season in September and October. You can place standard and exotic bets like Pick 3, Daily Double, Show, Win, Place, and Exacta on both live and simulcast races, including popular events like the La Fiesta Futurity, Triple Crown Races, and the Breeders Cup.
The Grandstand is equipped with daily simulcasting, a snack bar, a beverage station, a VIP room, and more. The First Turn Lounge, with its 30 screens, offers a fantastic spot for enjoying simulcast betting and live horse racing. If you’re looking for more fun, the casino, open seven days a week, offers 700 games including slots, blackjack, and roulette.
Address: 26225 US 70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346
Phone: 575-378-4431
Ruidoso Downs is a comprehensive venue that offers more than just a racetrack. With a wide variety of betting options such as Pick 3, Daily Double, Show, Win, Place, Exacta, and Trifecta. The 0.87-mile track hosts both thoroughbred and standardbred races from May to September, including popular events like the Mountain Top Futurity and Ruidoso Derby. The live broadcasts ensure you never miss a moment, even from home.
Beyond the track, Ruidoso Downs offers a casino open seven days a week and a sports bar for relaxation. The 440 Smokehouse & Bar and Anejo Cantina provide delicious dining options, making your visit to Ruidoso Downs a complete package of entertainment.
Address: 1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park, NM 88063
Phone: 575-874-5200
At Sunland Park Racetrack the state-of-the-art one-mile track hosts both thoroughbred and standardbred races during the racing season in August and September. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer, you’ll enjoy a variety of betting options like Pick 3, Daily Double, Show, Win, Place, Exacta, and Trifecta. Don’t miss their popular races like the Shue Fly Stakes and Sunland Park Derby.
Beyond the track, Sunland Park offers a casino with 700 slots, video poker games, and electronic table games like blackjack and roulette, open seven days a week. Dine at the Corralito Steakhouse and Grill, and enjoy live music entertainment.
Address: 39 Road 5568, Farmington, NM 87401
Phone: 505-566-1200
The 0.75-mile track at SunRay Park offered both standardbred and thoroughbred betting during the lively racing season in August and September. You’ll find a wide array of betting options, from Pick 3 and Daily Double to Show, Win, Place, and Exacta. Be sure to catch the popular Jimmy Drake Stakes. Year-round, you can enjoy daily simulcast and off-track betting.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at the track. The casino, equipped with 400 slots, 30 video poker machines, and 5 video blackjack tables, offers regular promotions. Satisfy your hunger with a variety of dining options, from quick bites to fine dining. Plus, you can enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday.
Address: 3901 W Millen Drive, Hobbs, NW 88240
Phone: 888-942-7275
The Zia Park Racetrack hosts live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing, with a variety of bet types like Pick 3, Daily Double, Show, Win, Place, and Exacta. Season tickets are reasonably priced at $800, or opt for a box for 5 guests at $1,150 for the entire season. For a day visit, the Turf Club entry is just $10 per adult and $5 for kids under 12.
The excitement continues off the track with a casino featuring 750 slots, electronic table games, and video poker, open 7 days a week. The casino offers numerous promotions, from free slot play to enticing prizes. When hunger strikes, choose from three restaurants serving everything from premium beef and fresh seafood to casual burgers.
Check out these top-rated New Mexico race tracks, perfectly suited for both seasoned bettors and casual spectators alike.
| Racetrack | Address | Phone Number | Betting Allowed? |
| Downs at Albuquerque | 145 Louisiana Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 | 505-767-7171 | Yes |
| Ruidoso Downs | 26225 US 70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346 | 575-378-4431 | Yes |
| Sunland Park Racetrack | 1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park, NM 88063 | 575-874-5200 | Yes |
| SunRay Park | 39 Road 5568, Farmington, NM 87401 | 505-566-1200 | Yes |
| Zia Park Racetrack | 3901 W Millen Drive, Hobbs, NW 88240 | 888-942-7275 | Yes |
Aside from physical New Mexico race tracks, simulcast betting is another legal option in the state. With numerous facilities scattered across the state, you can enjoy pari mutuel betting on horse races taking place around the country, all from the comfort of these local venues. Explore our list of top simulcast wagering facilities right here in New Mexico.
| Betting Location | Address |
| Downs at Albuquerque | 145 Louisiana Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 |
| Ruidoso Downs | 26225 US 70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346 |
| Sunland Park Racetrack | 1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park, NM 88063 |
| SunRay Park | 39 Road 5568, Farmington, NM 87401 |
| Zia Park Racetrack | 3901 W Millen Drive, Hobbs, NW 88240 |
New Mexico’s horse races offer a unique blend of competition, tradition, and entertainment. Here’s a list of these events along with their usual annual dates.
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| Shue Fly Stakes | January | Sunland Park |
| Sunland Park Derby | March | Sunland Park |
| Jimmy Drake Stakes | May | SunRay Park |
| Ruidoso Futurity | June | Ruidoso Downs |
| Mountain Top Futurity | June | Ruidoso Downs |
| Ruidoso Derby | June | Ruidoso Downs |
| Rainbow Derby | July | Ruidoso Downs |
| Rainbow Oaks | July | Ruidoso Downs |
| Rainbow Futurity | July | Ruidoso Downs |
| Zia Futurity | August | Ruidoso Downs |
| All American Futurity | September | Ruidoso Downs |
| All American Derby | September | Ruidoso Downs |
| All American Oaks | September | Ruidoso Downs |
| La Fiesta Futurity | September | Downs Albuquerque |
| Championship at Sunland Park | December | Sunland Park |
In New Mexico, you have a wide array of legal horse betting options at your disposal. You can place standard bets such as Win, Place, and Show, which are based on a horse’s finishing position. If you’re up for more thrilling bets, exotic wagers like Daily Double, Pick 3, Trifecta, Superfecta, and Exacta are available, allowing you to predict the outcomes of multiple races or the exact finishing order of horses.
The state hosts a variety of races featuring different breeds of horses, including Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, and Quarter Horses. Whether it’s Quarter Horse racing or Thoroughbred racing, you’re sure to find a race that suits your betting preferences.
Learn more about New Mexico gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:
The New Mexico Horse Racing Commission (NMHRC) oversees the industry, ensuring compliance with the Horse Racing Act of 1933. This Act stipulates that a race meet must be a minimum of 17 days and that the NMHRC approves all dates and meets.
In 2007, New Mexico renegotiated its gaming compacts with casino-operating tribes, limiting racino licenses to six. While there were five existing licensees, the sixth license has yet to be granted. A developer was given a gaming license in 2009 but failed to finance the building by a 2010 deadline, resulting in the revocation of his license.
The New Mexico racing industry faced a significant challenge in 2012 when a New York Times expose highlighted the state’s poor record on horse injuries. In response, New Mexico passed two bills that introduced more rigorous regulations. The bills increased resources to the NMHRC for preventive and enforcement efforts against horse doping and prescribed harsher penalties for infractions.
The creation of the Racehorse Testing Fund through SB444 ensured that racehorses are tested at a laboratory that meets national standards for testing of foreign substances. This move aimed to increase the number of horses tested both in and outside of competition. Now, the NMHRC has the authority to impose a fine of either $100,000 or the total purse amount.
While the PASPA: Sports Protection Act was primarily focused on sports betting, its repeal in 2018 opened up new possibilities for states to regulate their own sports and horse racing betting industries, potentially impacting the future of horse racing in New Mexico.
Yes, New Mexico horse racing is perfectly legal. As a participant or spectator, you’re subject to the regulations overseen by the New Mexico Horse Racing Commission. The state has a rich history of horse racing, dating back to the Horse Racing Act of 1933.
Yes, you can bet on horse races in other states by visiting simulcast betting facilities. These venues broadcast races from around the country and allow you to place bets on them, just as if you were at the track where the race is taking place. It’s a great way to participate in the excitement of horse racing from afar.
The largest horse racetrack in New Mexico is the Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. This venue not only offers thrilling horse races but also features a fully-equipped casino. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a blend of racing excitement and gaming fun.
Yes, you can bet on horse races online in New Mexico. Several online platforms offer this service. Just make sure to choose a reputable site, create an account, and deposit funds. Always remember to follow responsible gambling practices and understand the site’s terms and conditions.
There are several ways you can bet on New Mexico horse racing events. You can go directly to the racetrack and place your bets there, enjoying the live action. Another option is to visit a simulcast facility or an off-track betting location, where you can bet on races happening elsewhere.
In New Mexico, the minimum gambling age to bet on horse races is 21. This applies whether you’re betting at a racetrack, off-track betting location, or online. Always ensure you’re of legal age before participating in any gambling activities.
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