Mescalero tribe urges crackdown on online sports betting in New Mexico
The Mescalero Apache Tribe is urging the New Mexico legislature and the Attorney General’s Office to help stop online gambling platforms that it claims are violating tribal gaming agreements.
Speaking to lawmakers at the tribe’s Inn of the Mountain Gods casino this week, Vice President Duane Duffy said companies like Kalshi use a “backdoor” by labeling sports bets as commodity futures trading, despite online sports betting being illegal in New Mexico.
Duffy told the economic and rural development and policy committee, “That is a threat to the gaming market here in the state, and a clear violation of the state tribal gaming compacts.”
Duffy said the tribe and others plan to approach lawmakers before the next legislative session in January to discuss possible laws to close the gaps. He also intends to seek action from Attorney General Raúl Torrez, whose office confirmed it has received letters on the matter and is monitoring related lawsuits in other states.
Duffy also highlighted that online betting by unregulated platforms reduces tribal revenue that supports local jobs and services.
The push comes after neighboring state Arizona sent a letter criticizing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for its handling of prediction platforms like Kalshi.
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
