New Mexico casino expands sports betting

The Isleta Resort & Casino from New Mexico has decided to participate in sports betting that involves in-state universities’ teams.

US.- Sports betting expands in the US but its reach continues to worry the authorities. As some states only want professional sports to be involved, bans on wagering at collegiate sporting events are becoming common.

However, a New Mexico casino, Isleta Resort & Casino, decided to accept bets on collegiate football and basketball games. The only condition is that they involve in-state teams, from the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University.

“There is a huge Lobo and Aggie following in this market,” Isleta Resort & Casino CEO Harold Baugus said. “We feel there is enough training and measures in place that taking bets on UNM and NMSU games won’t be a problem.”

“We already communicate with our donors and student-athletes all the time about the NCAA rules and regulations regarding sports betting and will continue to do so,” UNM athletic director Eddie Nuñez said. “But now, the fact is we’re going to have to do more.”