Internet Gambling in New Mexico a Complicated Matter, Frowned Upon by Some

Internet gambling will be discussed by legislators in the US state of New Mexico this summer but the situation there is somewhat complicated.

Should New Mexico move forward and legalize online gambling, the Navajo Indian Tribe would no longer have to share their lucrative slot machine revenues.  This has resulted in some legislators backing off the idea of offering Web gambling.

From the Albuquerque Journal:

The tribe would be required to enter “good faith negotiations” — and arbitration, if needed — on a new revenue-sharing agreement with the state that reflected the impact of Internet gambling on its casinos.

“This provision was intended to discourage the adoption of Internet gaming in the state, while ensuring that, if Internet gaming is adopted, revenue sharing continues in light of any new benefit/detriment to the (Navajo) Nation,” said Enrique Knell, a spokesman for Gov. Susana Martinez.

North American Tribal casinos have been in discussions to form compacts amongst themselves as a means of offering Internet gambling, however, the Navajos could be left out of the equation should they enter into the new compact with New Mexico.

The said compact prohibits the Navajo Tribe from offering online gambling unless the state itself authorizes the activity or it becomes legal at the federal level.  There is, however, one exception and an important one at that.  Online poker is excluded.

The Navajos could still offer other forms of Web gambling such as slots and blackjack though they would be required to share that revenue with the state.

In any event, add New Mexico to the growing list of US states exploring legalized Internet gambling. 

- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher