Press Releases

Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel First to Open Sportsbook in New Mexico
The Pueblo of Santa Ana, N.M. – Oct. 16, 2018

Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel, New Mexico's Best Bet, is pleased to announce its opening of the first sportsbook in the state of New Mexico. The sportsbook, which officially opens today, was approved by the Pueblo of Santa Ana Gaming Regulatory Commission after the U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned a federal law that had prohibited sports betting across the country (except for Nevada). Las Vegas-based sportsbook operator, USBookmaking, is managing the sportsbook.

"Combining online fantasy sports with overseas sports betting we have seen interest in sports betting increase exponentially over the last few years," said Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel Chief Executive Officer John Cirrincione. "We are extremely proud of the fact that Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel is the first tribal casino in the state of New Mexico, and one of the first in the nation, to launch a sportsbook."

Guests will be able to place bets on all major professional sports such as NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, and UFC. Bets may also be placed on all major collegiate sporting events with the exception of New Mexico State and University of New Mexico. TV Sports packages for viewing games will be offered in both Lounge 54 and Cantina Rio. Cirrincione added, "Sports betting has a very small house advantage and is quite labor intensive. Since we won't be taking the big bets you would see in Las Vegas, our net profit projections are between a small profit and a small loss. Our intent of adding the sportsbook is to add another amenity for guests but not necessarily as a significant profit center."

Cirrincione explains, "Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent each year through illegal sportsbooks and shady overseas internet operations. It is good to see that sports betting will be strictly regulated and brought out of the shadows around the country. Our sportsbook will be highly regulated to include betting maximums very low by industry standards. Our goal is to provide a more fun and entertaining gaming experience for our guests."

Operating hours for the sportsbook will be Monday – Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Two self-service betting kiosks will be made available for off-hours betting. For more information, please call Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel at (505) 867-0000 or visit www.santaanastar.com