SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) A new report says New Mexico doesn't have enough auditors and inspectors to regulate the state's $1 billion-plus gambling and horseacing industries. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that a recent Legislative Finance Committee report found that proper oversight of casinos run by Indian tribes is hampered by the inability of the Legislature or the State Auditor's Office to review tribal casino records.
In addition, the report says provision in the Gaming Control Act and tribal gaming compacts limit lawmaker's ability to monitor the Gaming Control Board's effectiveness as an oversight agency. The report says the Racing Commission also doesn't routinely audit racetrack reports on revenue from betting.
The committee's evaluation noted that 3.5 racehorses die per 1,000 race starts in New Mexico, twice the national average.
