Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — On Tuesday New Mexico state lawmaker John Block urged the state’s tribes and pueblos to renegotiate the intertribal gaming compact to legalize statewide online sports betting. Currently, it’s only allowed in-person at tribal casinos. Block said, the 17 tribes and pueblos that are part of the state’s gaming compact should reopen the agreement to allow the practice and charge taxes and fees. By prohibiting online sports betting, he said, the state is forgoing “tens of millions” of dollars in revenues from online sports gambling, which is legal in 33 states. Reopening negotiations requires approval from the state governor, and tribal government members. The New Mexico Legislature and the U.S. Interior Department secretary then must sign off on the compact once it’s negotiated.
