Despite there being in-person wagers on the table for people who want to participate in New Mexico betting, it hasn't been wasted on anyone that online options still are not legal. This has been something that people in the state have been quite upset about, with no changes looking imminent. However, could a New Mexico lawmaker joining the fight for online sports betting impact things a bit down the road?
That's what plenty of people are hoping for, as Republican John Block didn't hold back with his thoughts during a Legislature’s interim Indian Affairs Committee meeting that took place earlier this summer. According to multiple reports, Black essentially voiced his support for online betting to the local tribes, while also urging them to take action to see if the wheels can get in motion to get things done.
“It would be really nice, at least, to get some more revenue for people, because if people are already here operating in the state illegally online, then that robs you, it robs us, it robs every single New Mexican of that tax revenue,” Block said according to an article from reporter Patrick Lohmann of the Source New Mexico.
It's easy to agree with what Block had to say there, as New Mexico is missing out on plenty of potential sports betting revenue the longer online bets aren't available. Block also alluded to things being done illegally, with the discussion over prediction markets continuing to heat up in the state. If it were up to block, online sports betting as a whole would be on the table, but in order for that to happen, the right kind of bill needs to be put in place.
Prediction markets continue to dominate sports betting conversations in New Mexico
Going off of what Block had to say too, it's important to keep in mind here too that prediction markets continue to dominate sports betting conversations in New Mexico. In June, a lawsuit was officially filed to bring those operations to a halt. Unfortunately, things are still being worked out, and no final decisions have been made, which adds to the angle for plenty of local citizens.
This is something that Block of course is not happy about, which is why he's hoping that something can be done for legal online options soon. With the way laws are in place right now, people can use the prediction markets for their online needs. With NFL betting season about to take off in full force, people can place futures bets without breaking a sweat in New Mexico.
The New Mexico AG has filed a motion to remand the state’s civil enforcement lawsuit against Kalshi back to state court. (Kalshi had previously removed the case to federal court). States are undefeated on remand motions vs. prediction markets (MA, MI, NV & WA).
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) July 10, 2026
And this is why plenty of officials aren't pleased. Overall online betting is illegal, but because prediction markets are regulated at a federal level, people in New Mexico can have their fun. For a state without online wagers as a whole, this doesn't seem fair. It will be interesting to see if things are flipped soon, but the uncertainty leaves everyone guessing on the future of prediction markets, plus the future of online sports betting.
New Mexico still only has six in-person sports betting options
A big reason why there continues to be quite a bit of chatter for online wagers is because New Mexico still only has six in-person sports betting options. Because of this, there isn't a ton of flexibility for people when it comes to making plans and getting their wagers in. In turn, this has become a prime reason as to why people are depending on prediction markets.
While having an in-person option is nice, this means that you still have to get in your car and drive somewhere to put money down on your favorite team. In a perfect world, online sports betting will be legalized, and people can place those bets from the comfort of their own home while watching a game or tournament.
It's unknown if more casinos will add sports betting options, but bringing online options to life will fix a ton of problems revenue wise for the state. There's no official betting handle report in New Mexico, but we can say with all the confidence in the world that the numbers would skyrocket with online options. It's on lawmakers to push for things to get done, but Block showing fight like this could be what's needed to get the push back going at a high level.
