A New Mexico lawmaker is calling for the state’s tribal gaming compact to be reopened in an effort to legalize online sports betting within the state. Rep. John Block said the move could help New Mexico capture additional gaming revenue, which they’re missing out on right now under the existing framework.
Rep. Block made this proposal during the Legislature’s interim Indian Affairs Committee meeting.
He argued that the state’s 17 tribal gaming partners should consider reopening the compact to establish a regulated framework. He added that doing so could allow New Mexico to collect tax revenue and licensing fees that are currently unavailable under the existing agreement, estimating the state is missing out on tens of millions of dollars annually.
Tribal gaming revenue is important to the state, since it helps fund services such as education while providing revenue to the state. According to the New Mexico Gaming Control Board, tribal casinos generated approximately $230 million in net revenue during the first quarter of 2026, with about $22 million contributed to the state’s general fund.
Nelva Cervantes, general counsel for the Mescalero Apache Tribe, addressed the committee by outlining New Mexico’s gaming laws and responded to Block’s proposal. She said she is not aware of any active discussions to reopen the current tribal gaming compact, which remains in effect through 2037.
Cervantes noted that renegotiating the agreement would require approval from the governor and participating tribal governments before being submitted to the New Mexico Legislature and the U.S. Department of the Interior for final approval. While the Mescalero Apache Tribe has not begun negotiations to amend the compact, she indicated the tribe continues to closely monitor developments surrounding online sports betting.
While Rep. Block’s proposal does not change anything, it represents another sign that lawmakers are beginning to publicly discuss the possibility of legalizing New Mexico online sports betting. Even though there is no legislation to reopen the tribal gaming compact at this time, the proposal could help keep the issue on the legislative agenda as the state evaluates the future of its gaming industry.
If New Mexico eventually authorizes a regulated online sports betting market, the state could generate new tax revenue and licensing fees while giving bettors access to licensed operators that are subject to state oversight. Regulation also helps establish consumer protections such as secure payment processing and responsible gaming tools.
A regulated market could also reduce the number of bettors using offshore sportsbooks, which operate outside U.S. regulatory oversight. Unlike licensed operators, offshore sites do not provide the same legal safeguards for customers, making them riskier for users.
With that said, any changes would still face a lengthy approval process. But this latest news can be seen as the early stages of momentum towards New Mexico sports betting.
