New Mexico Horse Racing Betting – Comparing The Best NM Horse Racing Betting Sites

Horse racing in New Mexico has been an integral part of legalized sports betting in the southwestern United States for over fifty years. Although its racetracks are not the most well-known across the country, New Mexico has a thriving horse racing betting industry. From the thoroughbreds to the quarter horses, New Mexico has etched its own place in American horse racing betting history.

On this page, we will go through the best sites for horse racing betting in New Mexico, as well as the best racebooks for claiming free bonus cash. Check out the best New Mexico horse racing betting sites now.

Read further for an extensive betting guide for New Mexico horse race betting and the best US sportsbooks to wager with. Check out our list of the top 10 racebooks that offer New Mexico horse race betting.

Ranking The Top 10 New Mexico Horse Racing Betting Sites

All online horse racing betting sites in New Mexico are not made equal. While there is a great selection of wagering options for horse racing in New Mexico, you can get caught using an imitation platform, rather than the real deal.

1. Bovada – A Great Offshore For All Of The Big NM Horse Races
2. BetOnline – The Best Offshore Site for New Mexico Horse Racing
3. Everygame – Top-notch sportsbook offering Horse Racing
4. MyBookie – A Competitive Offshore Betting Site For Horse Racing in New Mexico
5. BetNow – Competitive horse racing betting promotions
6. BetUS – Fun Offshore Racebook With Major Horse Race Promotions
7. XBet – Horse Racing site with other races from around the world
8. BUSR – Fresh New Look Betting Site for Horse Racing
9. Jazz – Early betting lines for horse races around the world
10. Sportsbetting.ag – Easy-To-Use Betting Site For Horse Racing

Reviewing The Best Sites For Horse Racing In New Mexico

There are racebooks in New Mexico that have been in the industry for decades, while others are just getting involved in the action now. It’s important to know which online horse racing betting sites you can count on before making your first deposit.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top New Mexico horse racing betting sites.

1. Bovada – The Best Overall Betting Site for Horse Racing in New Mexico

Bovada is one of the sharpest racebooks for horse racing betting in New Mexico. Bovada has spent countless hours perfecting their racebook to make it as user-friendly and easy to use as possible.

The Bovada racebook is separate from the main Bovada sportsbook. Bettors are given a wide range of options for tracks throughout the United States, though some international tracks are not available. One of the few flaws of Bovada is that the international coverage for races is limited, and racebooks such as Jazz would be better suited for customers looking to bet on international horse racing.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

When you register a new account within Bovada you will be able to claim up to $1,000 in bonus money. This bonus is based on a 100% match of your initial deposit and comes with a 10x rollover before you can withdraw it.

Check out Bovada and take advantage of these special offers today.

2. BetOnline – A Great Offshore For All Of The Big NM Horse Races

BetOnline’s parent company has been involved in the internet gambling industry since 1991, making it one of the oldest active online gambling sites in New Mexico. Apart from their long-standing sports betting platform, BetOnline has developed a stronghold in the offshore horse racing betting markets, giving easy legal access to New Mexicans that enjoy betting on horses.

Like many other competitive racebooks, BetOnline offers instant payouts on races, as well as live track odds for each major American race track. BetOnline also offers special promotions such as free bets and cashback on losses during high-profile race days. BetOnline has a helpful customer support chatline that is fair and honest and has a long reputation of helping U.S. customers wager on horse racing.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

BetOnline has a competitive welcome bonus.

New customers can earn a 50% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 on first-ever deposits. Apart from the initial welcome bonus, BetOnline’s racebook also offers a $25 risk-free first bet, as well as daily rebates on losses at select racetracks.

Check out BetOnline and take advantage of these special offers today.

 

3. MyBookie –A Competitive Offshore Betting Site For Horse Racing in New Mexico

MyBookie is an offshore online betting site established in 2014 in San Jose, Costa Rica. While MyBookie tends to focus more towards standard sports betting markets such as the NFL, they do still offer their customers an easy-to-use racebook.

MyBookie offers standard live track odds for each of the tracks available for wagering. Along with that, MyBookie offers a competitive sign-up bonus for new customers. What MyBookie’s racebook lacks in innovation, they make up for in extensive promotions and free bet offers on all of the major high-profile race days.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

MyBookie presents an extensive amount of player rewards, making them one of the more generous online betting sites in the industry.

MyBookie offers a 50% sign-up bonus of up to $1000 to new customers, with the rollover rate varying between 10x and 30x, depending on the amount deposited.

Check out MyBookie Bets and take advantage of these special offers today.

4. XBet – Fun Offshore Racebook With Major Horse Race Promotions

XBet has been in operation since 2003 and is one of the best New Mexico horse racing betting sites available. Xbet offers coverage from all the big race tracks in the United States but lacks extensive coverage from the European and Australian tracks.

The racecard interface for XBet is very similar to MyBookie. The racebook lacks when it comes to eye-catching features, but it is a go-to platform for bettors who are new to horse race wagering.

It is extremely easy to make deposits and withdrawals using XBet, with all the major payment methods included. With deposits starting at a minimum of $45, customers could have their accounts funded, verified, and ready to wager in just a few clicks.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

XBet offers a 100% sign-up bonus of up to $500. The bonus comes with a 10x rollover term, and bettors must use the full bonus within 30 days of funding.

5. BUSR – Fresh New Look Betting Site for Horse Racing

BUSR.ag (Formerly Bet US Racing) is similar to MyBookie in design and operation. The two sites are very similar, but BUSR puts more focus on their horse betting product. Overall, BUSR is not the top choice for betting New Mexico horse racing, but it is still a very serviceable racebook to use, especially for novices.

BUSR awards its customers with risk-free bets on race day, as well as special bonus promotions during premier race events.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

BUSR offers a 50% sign-up bonus of up to $1000 to new sign-ups, with the rollover rate varying between 10x and 30x depending on the amount deposited.

Check out BUSR and take advantage of these special customer benefits today.

More on gambling in New Mexico…

Learn about all types of online gambling in New Mexico in our expert guides below:

• New Mexico Sports Betting
• New Mexico Real Money Online Casinos
• New Mexico Online Poker
• New Mexico Online Gambling
• New Mexico Sports Betting Apps

Comparing The Best Sites For Horse Racing New Mexico Has To Offer

There are a few factors that bettors should look out for when choosing which racebook to use when betting New Mexico horse racing bet on horse racing in New Mexico. Horse racing bettors should consistently be for the best odds, and ensure they are getting the best betting markets. Bettors should also look for things like daily betting promotions, as well as special features that make handicapping less tedious.

It’s in the best interest of the bettor to always be aware of the best welcome bonuses available, as well as the terms of these bonuses.

It may also be significantly important to some bettors that the interface they are using is user-friendly, and not overly flashy or hard to navigate. These are all factors that should be checked off when choosing the best racebook for betting on horse racing in New Mexico. Let’s take a look at these factors.

Horse Racing Odds

While most New Mexico state-regulated sites will offer true track odds, it is always best to ensure and confirm that the racebook you are wagering with is sharing their betting pools with the in-person betting pools for the track you are wagering on. This is important because the odds in horse racing are reflected by the amount of money that is invested in each horse. The more money invested on a horse, the less that horse will payout.

If you are not betting with a racebook that is offering true track odds, you may end up being paid out less than what the track pays out on long-shot winners and exotics.

Horse Racing Betting Markets

Most racebooks offer a wide variety of betting markets, but it’s important to know that you are being offered the best market available for each race. If the racebook you are using does not allow you to create a wager that another online or in-person racebook would allow you to make, you are automatically handicapping yourself against the rest of the field. Be sure that the racebook you are wagering with is offering the most betting markets available.

Horse Racing Betting Promotions

Depending on what kind of player you are, the matter of horse racing betting promotions can be a deciding factor when it comes to picking a racebook to play with. Whether you’re getting rebates on losses, risk-free bets on loyalty points, you may be inclined to research the promotions offered by each racebook available before making the final call.

Horse Racing Welcome Bonus

As any gambler will tell you, there’s nothing like a good welcome bonus. However, when it comes to New Mexico horse racing betting sites, a good welcome bonus can be hard to find. It’s important to understand the terms and rollover requirements for the racebook you are about to accept a welcome bonus from. This should be one of the deciding factors before making your decision on which racebook to wager with. The last thing a gambler needs is to be tied up in an unreasonable rollover requirement. So buyer, beware.

Special Features for Horse Racing

Handicapping horse racing is hard enough, to begin with. Although, there are features that some racebooks offer that can help make capping the big race a little bit less tedious. Depending on the racebook, you can find special features that provide tools and tips to make playing the odds that much easier.

User-Friendly Design

Some things come easier to those than others, and horse racing betting in New Mexico in the twenty-first century is no different. For those who find themselves on the tail-end of the generational gap, or are just simply not technologically inclined, the matter of user-friendly design is a make or break factor. When it comes to online racebook interfaces, the simpler, the better. Make sure you are familiar with and fully understand the design of your racebook’s interface before the big race day.

Horse Racing Live Streaming

Horse racing is one of the most televised sports in the world, with races going on simultaneously all over the globe at all hours of the day and night. Most of today’s modern online racebooks offer live streaming for members for every major race track. Before you make your deposit, be sure to check the streaming services offered at your desired racebook.

How To Choose The Best New Mexico Horse Racing Betting Sites

Horse racing is a steady fast and action-packed sport with unlimited wagering opportunities. Whether it’s the thoroughbreds of North America, the late-night international circuit, or the early morning UK races, there is always a race to bet on somewhere in the world. With so much potential for wagering, it is incredibly important to choose the very best horse racing betting site available.

When choosing the best racebook available, be sure to pick one with long-standing brand recognition. It’s essential to know the types of races and racetracks you are looking to wager on before making your first deposit. Be sure to select a racebook with simple and up-to-date payment methods.

The security and safety of racebook clients should be a top priority for whatever company you choose to do business with. Security features like two-factor authentication or captcha verification should be offered with the racebook you are looking into; otherwise, it would be smart to look else.

Continue reading for a full manual on how to choose the best New Mexico horse racing betting sites.

Brand Recognition

It is important to know who you are doing business with before making your first racebook deposit. Be sure to choose an established and trustworthy racebook that has years of operating experience before going with any kind of company that is new to the industry.

Payment Methods

Something that can easily be forgotten when choosing a racebook to bet with is the matter of depositing funds into an online betting account. The best racebooks provide the safest and most reliable deposit and withdrawal options that are fast, easy, and secure.

Safety & Security

When looking for the best horse racing betting sites in New Mexico, you should always be looking for sites that deliver the very best safety and security for their clients. Features such as two-factor authentication and captcha verification are used by the best racebooks to protect their customer’s personal information.

Speed & Design

When choosing the best New Mexico horse racing betting site, always be on the watch for the site with the fastest software and the most intuitive interface. While the general layouts for most current online racebook sites are pretty much identical, some racebooks have stepped out of the present design and have found ways to make horse race wagering easier and simple for beginners to understand.

Customer Service

The best New Mexico horse racing betting sites offer friendly customer support, with a 24/7 live chat service. Avoid racebooks that do not appreciate their customers. There are multiple examples where dealings with customer support staff for online racebooks can be a deal-breaker.

For instance, if you happen to forget your password or are having trouble depositing or withdrawing from your account, it is always important to have confidence that your problems will be resolved with the best customer support the business has to offer. With that in mind, be sure that the online racebook you chose offers satisfactory customer assistance.

Overall Value

Overall, the most reasonable way to choose the New Mexico horse racing betting site most appropriate for you is to ensure you are getting the most bang for your buck. The stand-out racebooks in New Mexico offer the best odds, live streaming from across the country and around the world, daily promotional offers, and special features. If you’re not checking off those boxes, move on to another racebook.

Is Horse Racing Betting Legal In New Mexico?

Horse racing wagering has been legal in New Mexico for almost a century. The first legalized pari-mutuel horse racing betting in New Mexico took place in the early 1940s. Meanwhile, with the advent of modern technology, online horse racing betting has been legal and regulated in New Mexico for many years, as automation and cell phone apps have made online wagering as easy as traditional in-person betting. While New Mexico racetracks have been patronized by people of all ages for over a century, only adults aged 18 years or older can place bets.

All bets made in New Mexico must be pari-mutuel wagers, meaning that bets like win, place, or show are perfectly legal, with the payouts and odds being calculated by dividing the money pools for each race among the winning bets for each market. However, sportsbook-type ‘fixed odds’ wagers are not yet legally permitted to be offered in New Mexico. For example, it would be considered illegal by the New Mexico State Gaming Commission for a racebook to offer odds on which horse will win next year’s Belmont Stakes.

Horse Betting Guides State by State

NM Horse Racing Betting Guide – How To Bet New Mexico Horse Races

With the birth of contemporary racebook technology, gambling on horse racing in New Mexico is more convenient than ever before. Wagering on horse racing is frequently described to newcomers in convoluted and complicated terms. In previous eras, the quirks and complexities of the industry left beginners bewildered and vulnerable to making avoidable mistakes. Now, in the current era of online wagering, betting on the ‘sport of kings’ has never been more straightforward to understand, no matter what your knowledge level is.

While the industry of wagering on the sport of horse racing in New Mexico was forged on the sundecks of the Enchantment State’s most renowned racetracks, online betting sites have now become the new home for racebook users across the world. While betting on horse racing is one of the oldest forms of sports betting in America, the innovations that online wagering has brought to the sport have turned the industry from a fading niche to a money-making machine.

Horse racing betting sites in New Mexico have made knowing the ins and outs of the tracks and races as easy as swiping your phone. Most online racebooks today are filled with tools that will allow you to make up your picks with speed and in an organized way that makes tracking your bets easy.

Continue reading for a full guide on how to bet on horse racing in New Mexico.

Check Out Our Popular Horse Racing Guides

How Does Horse Racing Betting Work?

Horse racing odds are published by the track at the very beginning of each day, and are listed in the track’s race program as ‘morning line odds.’ The racetrack then handles the wagers made, keeping a percentage of the revenue as an ‘operators take-out.’ The track odds are then re-calculated based on the amount of money wagered on each horse and are updated live until the post time for each race.. After the race is over, the remaining money is paid out to the bettors with the winning tickets for each betting market.

When horse racing odds are shown using fractions, the number shown represents the amount of profit to the amount invested. In other words, the more money that is wagered on a horse, the smaller the payout.

There are many other bet types in horse racing. The standard win, place, and show wager pays out at different tiers depending on the horse finishing in third place or higher. Apart from that, single-race exotic wagers can be made by forecasting the order in which the first two or three horses are place (Exacta, Trifecta), while multi-race wagers (Pick 5, Pick 6) can be placed by picking the winning horse in a string of consecutive races.

New Mexico Horse Racing Betting Explained

Let’s use this example from the latest races to explain just how New Mexico Horse Racing betting works.

Below is a racecard from MyBookie racebook.

The morning line odds are listed along with the horse’s name, poll position, and jockey. Also listed are the horse’s trainer, weight, medical status, and current claiming price. In the example below you can see that the betting favorite the #2 horse Nitro Vision, which at 9/5 odds, would pay out $180 on a $100 ‘to Win’ wager.

The best way to calculate the payout from fractional odds is to divide the fraction and multiply it by the desired amount wagered. With that, fractional odds of 9/5 would convert to moneyline odds of +180, or decimal odds of 2.80

NM Horse Racing Betting Odds

While it’s easy to understand how straight bets work in horse racing betting, there are far more intricate betting markets in horse racing than just the basic straight wager. There are also more complex ways of betting on horses, apart from the standard pari-mutuel betting markets. The best New Mexico horse racing betting sites offer multi-race pool wagering, while most offshore sportsbooks offer fixed odds for future races.

As a horse racing bettor, the best way to ensure you are getting the best odds available in your area is by sticking to the online racebook betting sites.

Fixed Odds for Betting on Horse Racing in NM

Fixed-odds betting in horse racing is the term used to describe the standard wager made with a bookmaker. When placing a fixed-odds wager in horse racing, the odds of your selection will not change and is locked in like any other traditional sports betting wager. For example, if you wagered in April that a specific horse was going to win the Kentucky Derby at +600 odds, in May, a $100 wager would pay out $600.

Pari-Mutuel Betting in New Mexico

Horse racing betting in New Mexico has historically worked on the parimutuel betting system, in which all bets of a certain market are placed in a pool together, taxed, and paid out at odds determined by sharing the pool among all winning bets.

Pool Betting on Horse Races in NM

Pool betting is another kind of horse racing wager that is different from the traditional pari-mutuel wager or fixed odds wager. With pool betting, bettors pay into the ‘tote’ pool, instead of giving their money to a bookmaker. In turn, the money is pooled together and shared among those who wagered on the winning selection.

What Are The Different Types of Horse Racing Bets?

There are numerous kinds of horse racing wager types, but the most popular wagers can be divided into two types, straight bets and exotic. Straight betting is short and simple, bet on a horse to either come first, second or third.

Exotic betting, on the other hand, allows multiple bets on multiple horses in a single wager. Exotic bets have much less implied probability to win than straight bets, but payouts are much greater, should they come through.

Let’s take a look at all of the various types of straight and exotic wagers to place when betting on horse racing in New Mexico.

Win

Place a wager on a horse to win the race. This bet is the simplest wager to make in all of horse racing. If your horse wins, you cash your ticket, if not you lose. The win bet should almost always be made on a horse that pays out at odds of 1/1 or higher.

Place

A place bet is a wager on a horse to finish in either first or second place. The payout on the horse to win outright is much lower than the traditional win bet, but a place bet will payout with either a first or second-place finish.

Show

A show bet is typically the lowest paying straight wager in horse racing. The show bet is a wager that a selected horse will come in either first, second or third place. The show bet is best utilized when wagering on a long-shot horse at high-paying odds.

Exacta

An exacta bet in horse racing is a wager that selects the first two finishers in a race in the exact order. For example, a 1/4 exacta bet is a wager that selects the #1 horse to come in the first place, with the #4 horse coming in second place. This type of wager is best used to add variance to a large betting favorite winning a race.

Trifecta

A trifecta bet is a horse racing wager that is placed on three horses that are selected to finish the race in first, second, and third place, in a specific order. A trifecta bet offers small-time bettors a chance at big scores. The best way to utilize this wager is by fading a large betting favorite and adding a long-shot underdog as the winning horse.

Superfecta

A superfecta bet is a horse racing wager that is placed on four horses that are selected to finish the race in first, second, third, and fourth place; all in a straight and specific order. While most exotic wagers in horse racing carry a $1 minimum, the implied probability of cashing on a superfecta is so small that some racebooks allow superfecta bets to be made for as little as 10 cents per wager.

Daily Double

A daily double in horse racing is a wager that picks the winner in two consecutive races. The daily double is similar to a simple two-team parlay in sports betting, where both selections are needed to win in order for the wager to payout.

Pick 3

A Pick 3 in horse racing is a pari-mutuel pool wager involving three consecutive races at the same racetrack. The goal of the Pick 3 is to select the winners of three straight races. The payouts for Pick 3 wagers are calculated based on the pool of money put in for each available selection.

Pick 4

A Pick 4 in horse racing is a pari-mutuel pool wager involving four successive races at the same racetrack. The goal of the Pick 4 is to select the winners of four straight races. The payouts for Pick 4 wagers are calculated based on the pool of money put in for each available selection.

Pick 5 

A Pick 5 in horse racing is a pari-mutuel pool wager involving five straight races at the same racetrack. The purpose of the Pick 5 is to select the winners of five consecutive races. The payouts for Pick 5 wagers are calculated based on the pool of money put in for each available selection. In the event that there is no winning ticket claimed across five races, the money pool will carry over until the next race day, until the prize pool is won.

Pick 6

The Pick 6 in horse racing is one of the most difficult wagers to cash in all of the sports betting industry and is likely one of the most lucrative. Sometimes compared to a lottery wager, a pick 6 wager can pay out life-changing amounts of money, depending on the selection and the race day.

A Pick 6 in horse racing is a pari-mutuel pool wager involving six consecutive races at the same racetrack. The objective of the Pick 6 is to select the winners of six straight races. The payouts for Pick 6 wagers are determined based on the pool of money put in for each selection.

The payouts for the daily pick 6 at most major New Mexico racebooks can be upwards of six figures, depending on the overall handle. Some racebooks will even offer a guaranteed payout on all pick 6 tickets, if and when no single winning ticket (6 out of 6 races) exists. Racebooks will also offer jackpot bonuses for winners in the event that only a single winning Pick 6 ticket exists.

New Mexico Horse Racing Betting Terms

Betting on horse racing doesn’t have to be as difficult and complex as it’s made out to be. While the terms and lingo used in the horse racing industry can sometimes seem daunting to understand, and outright confusing, a few pointers here and there will point a new horse racing bettor onto the right path.

NM Horse Racing Betting Terms Explained: 

The realm of wagering on horse racing can be a disjointed and confusing one, especially with the terms and jargon that have been conceived over a century. Below is a helpful list of standard terms used within the horse racing world, along with a brief explanation of their meanings.

Furlong

A unit used to measure distance, equal to 1/8th of a mile.

Field

The horses in a selected race.

Handle

The total amount of money taken in on a single race or race day.

Long Shot

A horse that has a small chance of winning based on the measure of expectation. The odds are always higher on long shots.

Maiden Race

A race for horses without a first-place win.

Post position

The position of the horses in the starting gate from rail out. This is also the term to refer to the number assigned to each horse.

Post time

The designated time for a race to start. Post time is essentially the last call for betting on the next race.

Purse

The prize money paid out to the owners of the winning horse.

Scratch

A horse that has been taken out of the race after the morning line is posted.

Thoroughbred

A breed of horse that is bred for racing long distances with speed and endurance.

New Mexico Horse Racing Betting Calculator

When placing a horse racing wager, it’s important to know the way that bet payouts are calculated. While long shot wagers come with big payouts, the more likely selections on the racing card may come at higher stakes.

How To Calculate Horse Racing Betting Odds

As previously explained, most horse race betting is based on the pari-mutuel betting system, implying that bettors are wagering against each other rather than against the house. Wagers are gathered in a pool for each betting market, and the winnings are dispersed after a vig is collected by the track.

The payouts in horse racing depending on which type of bet is placed. The amount paid out varies, especially between straight and exotic wagers.

While calculating the payout on an outright Win bet is rather easy, calculating the payouts for exotic wagers can be far more complicated. While straight bets offer displayed odds, exotic bets do not have exact odds due to the many variables involved.

New Mexico Horse Racing Odds Chart:

Payouts for straight wagers can be determined using basic calculations, while exotic wagers are calculated in a totally different way. Generally, exotic wagers are calculated after the house takes a 15% take. The remaining amount is then divided between the winning bettors. The payout odds are calculated by subtracting the winning dollars from the total pool, with the remaining pool of money divided by the amount of money bet on the winner.

Continue on to the chart below to learn how to calculate the best horse racing odds.

New Mexico Horse Race Tracks

While those who bet on horse racing have grown accustomed to watching all the biggest races of the day on whatever screen of their choice, there is still very little that can compare to being at the racetrack in person. The atmosphere of the racetrack can be felt at many of the big New Mexico parks as soon as you step into the doors.

Whether it be a blast from the past at Ruidoso Downs or a touch of tradition at The Downs in Albuquerque. The overall environment and atmosphere at any of the major New Mexico horse race tracks makes attending the races in person an absolute must-do.

SunRay Park – 39 Rd 5568, Farmington, NM 87401

SunRay Park and Casino is located in the Northwest corner of New Mexico, between Farmington and Bloomfield. The track has live horse racing in New Mexico from April to June and holds simulcast horse racing events seven days a week. The park also has a Las Vegas-style casino with over 500 slots and video machines.

The Downs At Albuquerque – 145 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

The Downs at Albuquerque is a classic horse racing track in the heart of New Mexico. The track features thoroughbreds, as well as quarter horse racing. The Downs holds a 17-day race meeting during the New Mexico State Fair in September, it also holds simulcast events from tracks around the world when races are not being held.

Zia Park – 3901 W Millen Dr, Hobbs, NM 88240

Zia Park is a thoroughbred and quarter-horse race track and casino located in Eastern New Mexico, just a few miles from the Texas border. Live racing typically occurs at Zia on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays at noon. The race season is 36 days long, starting around the end of September and ending in mid-December.

Sunland Park – 1200 Futurity Dr, Sunland Park, NM 88063

Sunland Park is a Thoroughbred race track located in Sunland Park, New Mexico, a small suburb of El Paso, Texas. The track opened in 1959 at the crest of the horse racing boom in New Mexico; for years, it was one of the only legalized gambling venues in West Texas.

In the late ’90s, horse racing was going through a decline as an industry, as the market became saturated with other forms of gambling. In an attempt to revitalize business, Sunland Park became the first Race Track and Casino (aka ‘racino’) in New Mexico in 1999, after legislators allowed slot machines at the track.

The Sunland Park casino is now open seven days a week, with over 650 slots, electronic table games, and video poker. The 2023 racing season at Sunland traditionally starts on December 31st, and ends in the early spring. Live racing is offered four days a week, Friday to Sunday and Tuesday.

Ruidoso Downs Park – 26225 US-70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346

The Ruidoso Downs Race Track is a thoroughbred and quarter-horse race track located in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico. The track has hosted the All-American Futurity since its inception in 1959 and is known to be the richest race in quarter horse racing.

The track also hosts to the Grade I All American Derby, which traditionally takes place in early September. The grounds of the racetrack have been informally used for horse racing since the late 1930s and became an officially sanctioned race track in 1947. Today the track hosts live simulcast horse racing, as well as weekly afternoon races from Monday to Friday starting in late August until mid-September.

The History of Horse Racing In New Mexico

The history of horse racing for sport in New Mexico can be traced back to 1938 when non-wagering races were held at the New Mexico State Fair Downs in Albuquerque. In 1939, pari-mutuel wagering was approved and in 1946 the very first pari-mutual race meet was held at La Mesa Park. In 1947, the Ruidoso Downs park was added, and the horse race wagering industry in New Mexico began to boom.

In 1959, New Mexico saw an even bigger boom in the horse racing industry, as Sunland Park would open just outside of El Paso. That same year, the first major American horse race would come to New Mexico, as the very first running of the All American Futurity was held at Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

The makeup of the New Mexico horse racing territory remained the same until Sant Fe Downs opened in 1971. From there, things would remain static the industry faced a steep drop in popularity.

By the early nineties, horse racing across New Mexico and America was on the decline. The first to suffer a loss in New Mexico was La Mesa, which closed its doors in 1992. Five years later, in 1995, Santa Fe Downs would cease operation. In order to turn the racing industry around, race tracks began to embed themselves within casinos, creating what was known as ‘racinos.’

In 1999, Sunland Park became the first race track to add regulated casino operations in New Mexico. Since then, a resurgence in the industry has stemmed from the creation of both SunRay Park and Zia Park, which were added after the turn of the millennium. The lay of the land has remained the same since then; with an attempt at resurrecting both La Mesa Park and Santa Fe Downs failing, there have been no new race tracks added since the early 2000s.

New Mexico Horse Racing Schedule 2023

New Mexico is known as the land of enchantment, and with the state’s stable climate, the New Mexico horse racing schedule goes all year round. The season takes a very brief Christmas break at the mid-point of December but kicks off traditionally at Sunland Park on New Year’s Eve. From there, across from Sunland, SunRay, Ruidoso Downs, Zia Park, and the Old Downs at Albuquerque, there is horse racing to be had during all four seasons in New Mexico.

Check out the chart below for a list of all of the horse races in New Mexico in 2023.

Comparing Betting At The Racetrack With Online Horse Racing Betting

The act of wagering at a racebook in-person, compared to online, can be a very different experience. While the overall wagering remains the same, it is the added atmosphere and periphery of the in-person racebook that can be distracting and counterproductive.

The All American Futurity 2023

The All American Futurity is an American Quarter Horse race for two-year-olds, it is run at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico, every Labor Day. The race is the last leg of the American Quarter Horse Association’s triple crown, a fete that has only been accomplished once, when Special Effort did it in 1981.

With a purse of almost $130,000 in its’ inception in 1959, the All American Futurity is known to be the richest Quarter Horse race in the world. Today, the full purse for the race is upwards of three million dollars, with the winner’s share alone reaching one and a half million dollars.

The fattest run of the All American Futurity was in 2006, when No Secrets Here finished the race in just 20.88 seconds, setting both the race and track record.

The winner of 2021 All American Futurity was KJ Desparado, who got up in the final strides to take home the winning purse. The Wesley T-trained horse opened on the morning line at odds of 6-1 and closed very close to that range before post time. A $100 bettor who placed a ‘to Win’ bet on KJ Desparado cashed out for $590.

General Terms and Conditions at Horse Racing Betting Sites in New Mexico 

The general terms and conditions on most horse racing betting sites in New Mexico will mainly include age and location requirements, as well as agreements involving the verification of customers before an account withdrawal is permitted.

The terms and conditions will also outline the roll-over requirements needed to fully withdraw a promotional bonus, as well as certain liabilities concerning consequential damages arising from the improper use of the racebook.

Before registering with a racebook, it is very important to fully understand the terms and conditions that apply to you as a bettor. Be sure to search the fine print for applicable information before agreeing to the offered terms.

Rollover Requirements

Rollover requirements are the wagering requirements set by an online racebook that is required to be bet before a bonus becomes qualified for withdrawing. Rollover requirements are usually attached as terms to bonus offers or a promotional match on an initial deposit.

Rollover requirements are an added stipulation meant to force a bettor to wager a certain amount before receiving the true value of their bonus. These types of offers are done on behalf of the racebook under the assumption that the average bettor will lose their balance before completely rolling over the required amount.

Check out the chart below for a quick comparison of the welcome bonus offers and rollover requirements at the best horse racing betting sites in New Mexico.

New Mexico Horse Racing Betting Bonuses

The leading betting sites of horse racing in New Mexico all offer a wide variety of welcome bonuses. Apart from the initial sign-up deposit match bonus, horse racing betting sites also offer bonuses in the form of rebates and enhanced betting markets.

For a full breakdown of the promotions offered by the best sites for horse racing betting in New Mexico, check out the chart below.

Virtual Horse Racing Betting in New Mexico

Virtual horse racing allows bettors to place a wager on a racing event after the day’s racing coverage has been completed. Virtual horse races are in essence a simulation of a race that would take place on a simulated racetrack, generally designed to imitate the major horse racing tracks around the world. With the expansion of online horse racing betting, alternative and niche betting markets such as virtual horse racing has become a distinguished piece of wagering in the world of horse racing.

New Mexico Horse Racing Betting Apps

Online betting has changed the way bettors access horse racing odds. Mobile betting has also changed the way that people bet in New Mexico but in less than half of the time. Now, the best New Mexico horse racing betting sites all offer state-of-the-art apps that supply smooth interfaces for betting coverage for all the primary tracks across the country.

NM Horse Betting Apps for iPhone

There are numerous horse racing betting apps for the iPhone; however, the standout app for any iOS device is surely the Bovada app, which was developed as America’s very first legal horse racing betting app. With betting coverage for over 300 tracks around the world, the TVG betting app connects horse racing bettors to the races like never before.

NM Horse Racing Betting Apps for Android

If you’re not an iPhone user, don’t fret, there is a wide array of other horse racing betting apps for Android phones. TwinSpires offers an android betting app that brings a refined edge that other racebook apps don’t offer. With over 150 live race tracks available for streaming, the TwinSpires app legally connects bettors to the best horse racing on the planet, all in the palm of your hand.

How To Start Betting At Horse Racing Sites In New Mexico

Signing up with MyBookie to start betting on horse racing in New Mexico is not at all complicated. All you have to do is provide your personal identification, along with your payment details and you should be up and running and betting on the races in no time. Continue reading for a full guide on how to register for a horse racing betting account with MyBookie.

Step 1: Sign up at MyBookie.ag

Head on over to MyBookie.ag and click on sign up.

Step 2: Enter Personal Information

Enter all of the necessary details in the fields provided. This will contain your full name, address, phone number, date of birth, email, preferred username, and your chosen password.

Step 3: Verify Your Account

Every new MyBookie member will be requested to provide verifiable identification in order to gain access to deposits and withdrawals. Once you have verified your account, MyBookie will allow you to deposit funds and collect your sign-up bonus.

Step 4: Make a Deposit and Collect a Bonus

After you’ve confirmed your account, you will be able to choose your preferred payment method and fund your account. Once your account is funded, the applicable bonus offer will be rewarded to your account, with rollover terms applied. Along with a 100% sign-up bonus, MyBookie is also offering an 8% rebate on losses for all racebook customers.

Step 6: Place your Bets

Once your MyBookie account is funded and ready to go, dive into the action and start wagering on all the best daily races.

Other Types of Gambling in New Mexico

There are other forms of gambling in the state of New Mexico apart from horse race wagering. State law allows for many forms of casino gambling in New Mexico, while sports betting on Native American land is out of the jurisdiction of New Mexico state authorities, making sports betting in New Mexico a thriving new industry. Like in most states, Super Bowl betting generates the most excitement at the sportsbooks.

What Is The Best Site For Horse Betting In New Mexico?

In closing, when it comes to horse racing betting in New Mexico, the most suitable racebook to choose from comes down to personal preference. Whether it be the comfort of familiarity, an easy-to-use app or betting site, or a friendly customer support team, the choice is ultimately subjective to the bettor themselves. With that said, the best site for horse racing betting in New Mexico, based on overall value, would have to be BetOnline.

BetOnline has over 20 years of experience in the industry and offers coverage on all racetracks across the United States and around the world. BetOnline offers seasonal promotions for the biggest horse races in the world, from the Kentucky Derby to the Breeders’ Cup. The racebook interface is a slick design that adapts to any smartphone, tablet, or laptop, making BetOnline one of the most convenient online horse racing sites to use.

BetOnline has a competitive welcome bonus, with new customers earning a 50% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 on first-ever deposits. Apart from the initial welcome bonus, BetOnline’s racebook also offers a $25 risk-free first bet, as well as daily rebates on losses at select racetracks. Head over to BetOnline and take advantage of these special offers today.

New Mexico Horse Racing FAQ

What horse race is in New Mexico?

The All American Futurity is known to be one of the world’s richest quarter horse races. The race takes place at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino in Lincoln County, New Mexico.

Can you bet horses online in New Mexico?

You can bet on horses online in New Mexico using an array of offshore racebooks.

Is betting on horse racing legal in New Mexico?

Yes, horse racing is legal in the state of New Mexico. Pari-mutuel horse race wagering has been a legal and regulated industry in New Mexico since the 1930s.

Can you bet on sports online in New Mexico?

As per current state law, online sports betting remains illegal in New Mexico. However, sports betting in New Mexico is legal on tribal land, but is limited to on-site wagering locations, and can only be done at tribal casinos that have chosen to open sportsbooks.

How many horse race tracks are in New Mexico?

The New Mexico Horse Racing Commission regulates five racetracks in the state of New Mexico. The Downs Racetrack, Zia Park Racetrack, Ruidoso Downs Race Track, Sunland Park Racetrack, and Sunray Park.