New Mexico will be the newest state to offer sports betting with the agreement announced between USBookmaking and Santa Ana Star Casino & Hotel (Santa Ana Star), which operates in Santa Ana Pueblo. The tribe considers the ability to offer sports betting part of its tribal sovereignty, even though the state has not yet legalized it, basing their decision on wording in the tribal-state compact that allows for “all forms of Class III gaming.”
The sportsbook operations will begin October 16, with retail and mobile sportsbook offered. The casino, owned by the Tamaya Nation, operates in the Albuquerque market, and is one of the most successful gaming operations in the state, which has 15 Indian casinos.
In a statement USBookmaking’s President Vic Salerno said, “We have carved out a unique position where we are a very attractive service provider to the many independent casino operations that exist today.” The company operates 125 sports books in Nevada under the Leroy’s brand.
According to Salerno the tribe’s right to offer sportsbook is spelled out in the tribal state gaming compact. He told CDC Gaming Reports, “It says sports betting right in the compact. We asked four different independent attorneys and they all agreed with me,” Salerno said. “We think this is a tremendous opportunity.”
He added, “We have a spot in the center of the casino.” He predicted that eventually all of the Indian casinos will offer sports betting. “We have found that there is tremendous demand for a Nevada-style retail sports book operation in a multitude of casinos throughout the U.S. We specialize in the ability to get to market quickly and operate efficiently. We have carved out a unique position where we are a very attractive service provider to the many independent casino operations that exist today.”
State Attorney General Hector Balderas warned last week that he will be monitoring this activity closely, but also said he wouldn’t do anything to try to stop the Tamaya Nation. The AG’s spokesman David Carl told Gambling Compliance.com: “Sports betting at the Santa Ana Star Casino is governed by the Pueblo of Santa Ana Gaming Regulatory Commission. As such, we will closely monitor New Mexico’s tribal gaming compacts and work with the legislature for proper statutory and regulatory oversight to require responsible gaming and enhanced integrity to create an even playing field for all.”
Five other states now offer sports betting. The U.S. Supreme Court lifted the ban in May. They include Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi and West Virginia.
