Off Track Betting New Mexico

New Mexico horse racing fans have a wealth of options when it comes to catching live racing and simulcast action, as there are no less than five thoroughbred and Quarterhorse racing tracks operating in the state at Sunland Park, SunRay Park, Ruidoso Downs, The Downs at Albuquerque and Zia Park. All five locations offer year-round simulcast wagering, and all include a casino. There is also a racebook for OTB betting located at the Buffalo Thunder Resort in Santa Fe. 

New Mexico Off Track Betting Sites

Even though live racing abounds in New Mexico, it's always convenient to be able to play the ponies anytime and from anywhere with a PC or mobile device and an account with a secure online racebook that feature promotional programs and bonus offers, all with a minimal intitial deposit. 

Daily or weekly cash back bonuses on racing bets are one of the staple features at all of the best online wagering sites, where you get a percentage of your total bets deposited back to your account, win or lose. BetOnline offers one of the better cash back programs simply because they offer the same 7% cash back on all types of online bets, whether you like to play a straight Win, Place or Show, or exotic bets such as exactas and Daily Doubles.  

New Mexico Horse Race Tracks

Horse racing in the state of New Mexico started with non-wagering races at the state fair back in the late 1930s, and pari-mutual wagering was legalized and the first track opened in the mid-1940s. For decades, New Mexico racing was aided by an influx of race fans from Texas, where pari-mutual wagering was banned until 1987. In the 1990s New Mexico suffered form the same economic downturn in the racing that was happening all across the US and the future of racing was in serious doubt until the state laws were amended to allow tracks to operate as racinos.

New Mexico

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino

Located just across the state border from El Paso, Texas, Sunland Park opened as a race track in 1959, and expanded into a track and casino facility in the mid-90s.

The track hosts live racing from mid-December to mid-April, with thoroughbred and Quarterhorse racing. The highlight of the thoroughbred season is the running of the $800,000 (G3) Sunland Derby, which is part of the series of races that serve as qualifying events for the Kentucky Derby.

Live racing is held at Sunland on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday afternoons. Simulcast wagering is available year-round and seven days-per-week typically beginning at 10 AM. The casino at Sunland features slots, video poker and electronic table games.

There is a hotel on site, and mutiple dining options.

SunRay Park & Casino

Located in Farmington, near the "Four Corners" landmark, SunRay is one of New Mexico's newer tracks, having opened since the advent of legalized racinos in the state.

Live thoroughbred and Quarterhorse racing takes place from mid-April to Mid-June, with racing on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The track is open for simulcast wagering daily, and includes races form tracks throughout North America as well as Australia.

The casino features slots and electronic table games. There is pub-style dining in the casino, two bars and an entetrtainment room at the facility.

Ruidoso Downs & Billy The Kid Casino

Located near Alamogordo, New Mexico, Ruidoso Downs is unique in that it is the only track in the US that includes a designated straight track for Quarterhorse racing and a seperate oval for thoroughbreds. Ruidoso holds live racing from late May to early September, with racing on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday through to early July, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the rest of the season. Post time all days is 1:00 PM. Daily simulcast racing is available at the racebook room as part of the connected Billy The Kid Casino, which also includes a sports bar and grill.

The Albuquerque Downs Racetrack and Casino

Located on the southeast side of the city of Albuquerque, the track holds live thoroughbred racing from late June to late September, on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. The grandstand is open daily for simulcast wagering, and simulcast wagering is also avilable in the Turf Lounge located in the casino.

The casino opens daily at 10 AM, and offers slots and electronic table games. There are a number of eating and drinking options including cafes, fine dining and an outdoor patio bar.

Zia Park

Located in Hobbs, Zia Park is a race track, casino and hotel complex. Live racing is held from early September until mid-December, with racing every Saturday through to Tuesday, There is daily simulcast wagering as well. The casino features slots and electronic table games, and there's a full service steakhouse/pub and a bar and grill. There is also a hotel located at the site.