New Mexico racinos against sixth licence

The five facilities have urged the local racing commission to not issue a sixth licence.

US.- The New Mexico Racing Commission has been asked by the state’s five racetrack-casinos to not issue a sixth licence this year, as they believe that adding one more would only harm the industry.

According to a letter obtained by the Albuquerque Journal, the documents were addressed to the commission’s chairman and vice chairwoman, and signed by representatives of The Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack and Casino, Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, Ruidoso Downs and Billy the Kid Casino, SunRay Park and Casino near Farmington and Zia Park Casino Hotel and Racetrack in Hobbs.

“It is our opinion that the issuance of a sixth racing licence would be contrary to the Commission’s stated mission and would result in economic harm, instability and uncertainty for all segments of the state’s horse racing industry,” the racinos wrote. “Instead, we feel the Commission’s focus should be on working with the current stakeholders to improve, embrace, enhance and grow the horse racing industry.”

There are currently five bidders competing for the sixth and last racing licence allowed under current tribal compacts. The bidders said that drawing attendees from Texas would help the state bring new revenue and revitalise. the industry.

However, the racinos described that the industry in New Mexico is far from healthy, and not in need of additional forces creating “additional downward pressures.”