What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico
Legal gambling was introduced in New Mexico in 1947 when the state legalized horse racing betting.Fast forward 70 years — there is a fairly well-regulated gambling landscape in the Land of Enchantment where several forms of gambling are allowed, including poker, lottery, charitable gambling and tribal gaming. What’s the Legal Gambling Age in New Mexico? The minimum gambling age in New Mexico is 18 for the lottery and horse racing, and 21 for casinos. There is no minimum gambling for charitable gambling. Some online betting sites will accept those 18 and up. However, it is recommended to wait until you are 21 before betting online. The legal gambling age varies from one state to another. Generally speaking, you have to be at least 18 before you can spend your money at a casino. However, in some states, you have to wait until you’re 21. The most reliable way to find out what the legal age limit is in any particular state is to ask the casino personnel.
Sports betting for New Mexico residents used to be limited to only online options, but tribal casinos recently opening up their own sportsbooks, sports fans now have the ability to place their wagers in person. The openings came as much of a surprise to residents as it did for state officials. No legislation had passed authorizing local casinos to be able to offer gambling on sports but the Navajo Tribe in Santa Ana Pueblo felt that this activity fell under the Class III gaming section of it’s compact with the state. The Navajo tribe is the first to ever do something like this and has opened the possibility for other Native American owned and operated casinos to do the same. However, not all have followed in the tribe’s footsteps quite yet, meaning that unless you live near Albuquerque or Santa Fe you still might not have access to a physical sportsbook in New Mexico.
Betting on sports is not something you need to be left out of, especially not since the entire sports wagering industry is freely accessible by way of the Internet. There are several sports betting outlets for New Mexico residents to operate freely on the internet, giving players in the Land of Enchantment the ability to bet on sports without running into any trouble with the law. Should you decide to look into the many options that are available to you in this exciting and dynamic segment of the broader online gambling marketplace, you will find some of the most trusted and legitimate sports gambling sites, all with a solid set of features that beats any land-based competition. We have left no stone unturned in searching for the safest and most exciting sports betting sites on the web, and we will fill you in with all the pertinent details on our most highly rated picks in this guide to sports betting for New Mexico residents.
NFL Betting In New Mexico
There are different ways to bet on the NFL in New Mexico. Though there is no NFL franchise based out of the state , there are many Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals fans in the state that can benefit from legal sports betting. In New Mexico it is legal to place sports bets in land-based sportsbooks as long as it is a tribal casino. These locations are in the cities of Sante Fe, Albuquerque, and Mescalero. If you do not live in those cities or just don’t want to get out of your house to bet on NFL games, you can use multiple online offshore sportsbooks such as Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting, and MyBookie. Offshore sportsbooks also had the benefit of bonus and promotions when you make an account and begin betting on your favorite games.
Bovada - Betting Lines On All Major Pros and Colleges
The Land of Enchantment if full of mystical nooks and crannies, but sports fans in New Mexico might not be aware that there are some excellent sports betting sites on the internet. Bovada is the leader of the pack when it comes to online sportsbooks that accept New Mexico residents, and after checking this site out, we are sure that you will never seek out another one again. Bovada has it all, from straight bets to parlays, from teasers to futures, you will find every wager type available for all professional and most semi-professional games, tournaments, and leagues.
Bovada now has a great new feature called Mobile Betting, which will allow players to make wagers directly from their mobile devices. Just log in to your account from your iPhone, Android, Tablet, or any other device that connects to the internet and the entire sportsbook will be at your disposal. This is just one of the many great reasons to sign up for Bovada now.
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New Mexico is a melting pot of cultures, and one thing that ties people from all walks of life together is the art of sport. SportsBetting allows fans of everything from basketball to soccer, and football to rugby, to put real money down on a game or tournament. New Mexico residents can, and should, sign up for free to explore this stunning sportsbook now. You will find straight wagers, money lines, parlays, teasers, futures, and about twenty other unique ways to bet. When it comes to options, SportsBetting supplies them by the boatload.
One of the greatest things about betting online is how immediate and streamlined the whole process is. With the speed of the internet these days, sites can now offer wagering features that were unimaginable a few years back. SportsBetting uses incredible software to allow you to bet on the shifting odds of a live game. With Live In-Game Betting, you can now see the odds and lines update in real time, and bet on each aspect of the game or competition. Sign up at SportsBetting now to experience the future of online sportsbooks.
BetOnline - Odds On NCAA Football, Basketball And More
Every time we sign on to BetOnline there seems to be an exciting new feature or a profitable bonus reward. This expansive online sportsbook accepts New Mexico players and is one of our favorite sites to play at. The site seems to have new promotions and deals every time you log on. This is how this site stays on top of its game, by constantly keeping its finger on the pulse of the sports world. You will never miss an opportunity to wager on a game a BetOnline, one of the slickest sites on the web.
BetOnline comes up with new rewards all the time which you can easily view by checking out the “promotions tab” on their website. Once you’re there you may be able to find Welcome Bonuses, Lifetime Bonuses, Crypto Reload Bonuses, and more. You can use this cash or extra free plays to bet on the entire sportsbook, so there is no reason not to sign up now.
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Kentucky Derby Betting In New Mexico
Players in New Mexico can take a pick of the various ways they can bet on the Kentucky Derby. There are multiple odds on the historic horse race at the tribal retail sportsbooks around the state or the online racebooks that accept NM bettors. For all of the popular odds to win cash prizes like Top 3, win/lose/place, and all other odds, the offshore online racebooks are the best choice to bet on while in New Mexico. With these sportsbooks you do not even have to leave your house to bet on the Greatest Two Minutes In Sports odds today.
Is Sports Betting Legal in New Mexico?
Yes, sports betting is legal in New Mexico. Thanks to the tribal compact with the state, sportsbooks are actively taking bets in New Mexico right now. But these state-based sportsbooks do not have mobile wagering available. But that doesn’t mean that online sports betting is against any laws. In general, the majority of state laws do not have much to say about online wagering, and New Mexico falls into this camp. The state regulates land-based betting operations (even though the Santa Ana Star opened their sportsbook without government approval) but does not have any statutes regarding online play. This means that the state leaves it up to the federal government to decide if online betting is allowable. The online offshore sportsbooks that we have already listed are perfectly legal to use. There is not even anything in the federal laws that prevent you from using our recommended sportsbooks.
The Federal Wire Act of 1961
This Act excludes sites from functioning within the United States. This means that all the legal sports betting sites that accept New Mexico players are located in other countries. As long as a site operates overseas, it is legal and useable for New Mexico residents. All of the sites that we review are in accordance with the Wire Act, and you will never get in trouble for betting with them.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA)
This law was overturned in a landmark victory for legal sports betting nationwide by a majority decision of the US Supreme Court in May of 2018. PASPA’s role for more than a quarter of a century was to bar 46 of 50 states from passing their own state-level laws to legalize and regulate sports betting industries if they saw fit. Now that the law has been declared unconstitutional and stricken down, it appears more likely than ever that sports betting will eventually be legalized in the Land of Enchantment and in many other states as well.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA)
The UIGEA does not place any direct prohibition on individual players participating in sports wagering activities or any other form of online gambling, but rather prohibits US-based financial institutions from processing online transactions related to sports betting. This used to cause a problem for players at legal offshore sports betting sites, but nowadays most all the leading operators in the segment utilize their own in-house processing services or accept modes of deposits and withdrawals like cryptocurrencies that get around all bans in the first place.
New Mexico Sports Betting & Gambling Laws
If you look at title 30, article 19, sections 1 through 15, you will see that there are various laws prohibiting different types of gambling in the state’s borders. It is illegal to make a 'bet,' which means 'a bargain in which the parties agree that, dependent upon chance, even though accompanied by some skill, one stands to win or lose anything of value specified in the agreement.' Those who place a bet will be guilty of a petty misdemeanor. A petty misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of not more than $500.
But tribal compacts are different. They are drafted between the state and the local tribes which gives them certain freedoms. An example of this is that retail sportsbooks can open in the state but only through tribal casinos. Also, the gambling laws in the state of New Mexico have included nothing related specifically to online sports betting. The state also has no jurisdiction over sportsbooks that operate overseas, giving them the ability to accept New Mexico players with no penalties.
What Cities In New Mexico Have Legal Sportsbooks?
Though New Mexico is home to many popular professional and collegiate sports high profile sporting events like the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and others, the Land of Enchantment has not yet officially legalized sports wagering within its borders. With that said, the Santa Ana Star and the Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino have opened up sportsbooks at their casinos anyway and, according to them, they are able to do so because of their current tribal compact with the state. The state government has allowed them to do so as well.
All the major population centers and cities in New Mexico have gambling locations and casino properties that would make ideal legal sportsbooks if the state law were to change or if more tribes chose to go the same path as the Navajo Nation. Cities like Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe all boast numerous casino properties that we think could easily make the transition into offering legal sportsbooks in New Mexico, and the likelihood of this coming to pass in the relatively near term seems good now that PASPA has been overturned by the US Supreme Court. A new sportsbook has opened in Mescalero as well.
Legal Gambling Age For New Mexico Residents
New Mexicans can begin to gamble as soon as they turn 21. You have nothing to worry about if you are over 21, as you will be kept totally safe from any local law enforcement. Many of the top online offshore sportsbooks that we recommended will accept players as young as 18. However, if you use the sites while under the state’s gambling age restriction, you are doing so at your own risk.
Mobile Betting In New Mexico
Having your phone on you is more important than you think. Now with mobile betting as a feature for your online sportsbook, you can be out and about and doing a little shopping and you will be able to place your wager on your account. As New Mexico has yet to approve online sports betting, every online sportsbook available for NM residents has this feature so that means you can place a bet any time of the day and don’t have to be sitting at a local book. NFL games, sporting events and other things you can place your wager on are always happening so that means sometimes you have to be ready all the time to win some money and using your phone to be able to access your account will allow you to be on top of whenever a betting opportunity begins.
The huge benefit of having this feature is the fact that if some news breaks out at any time that could affect your wager, you can change it at any time. All you need to have is an internet connection on your phone and you will be able to make your money as quickly as you can send a text from! There is no app download needed as well! All you have to do is search your online sportsbook, and from there it will direct you straight to the mobile version of your account!
Live Betting In New Mexico
With how many different NFL games are going on and can be wagered on a football Sunday, online sportsbooks have found a way to make betting more fun and profitable for bettors by having the option to participate in live betting. Live betting on games is huge and presents a lot of different money opportunities for bettors. This is when you can bet on different situations in a game and can be rewarded cash before the game ends depending on when you placed this bet. This means that each quarter or half you can be making money before the game ends and you cash in on the bet you made before the game started.
Just like you when you watch a football game and know what is going to happen later on in it, you can place a bet on that same scenario and capitalize on it! This is also a lot easier when it comes to the team that you always watch or the player you are keeping your eye on during games. Watching a team or player for a long time and knowing how they operate on helps your place the right bets that can earn you extra money before the game ends.
Land Based Gambling In New Mexico
When it comes to land-based gambling in New Mexico, your options are as follows: Apache Nugget Casino, Best Western Ohkay Casino, Big Rock Casino, Buffalo Thunder Resort, Camel Rock Casino, Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino, Casino Apache Travel Center, Cities of Gold Casino, Dancing Eagle Casino, Isleta Casino & Resort, Palace West, Route 66 Casino, San Felipe's Casino Hollywood, Sandia Casino, Santa Ana Star Casino, Sky City Casino, Sun Ray Park & Casino, Taos Mountain Casino.
Though there are plenty of casinos in New Mexico, the Santa Ana Star, The Inn of the Mountain Gods, and the Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino are the only ones with a sportsbook that is actively taking in sports bets in the state. If you want more convenient options, you have to keep in mind that you’ll have to turn to the Internet.
Though there are plenty of casinos in New Mexico, the Santa Ana Star and the Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino are the only ones with a sportsbook that is actively taking in sports bets in the state. If you want more convenient options, you have to keep in mind that you’ll have to turn to the Internet.
FAQ About Online Sports Betting In New Mexico
1) In which title and chapter of the statutes are the gambling laws listed?
Chapter 30, Title 19, Section 1 is the beginning. We advise our readers to pay careful attention to the information contained in this chapter and section since it underpins what is and is not a legally allowable wagering activity in the state of N.M.
2) How does the law that effectively says no betting have nothing to do with gambling online?
What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico United States
There is a lot of debate over whether or not sports gambling on the Internet is covered by the existing laws related to gambling, but we have not heard of a prosecution over this. That is to say, while it is possible that you could be breaking the law for placing wagers on sporting events if you live in New Mexico, you would be the first person who was ever punished for doing so if that happened to you. It is definitely safer to bet on sports online at a reputable internet sportsbook than it is to exceed the speed limit in your car, for instance.
3) Where are these online sportsbooks located if not in New Mexico?
Each of these gambling sites are located in places such as Costa Rica, Panama, Latvia, the Caribbean regain (typically Antigua) or even the United Kingdom. They are overseen by the regulatory bodies of their home territories, which is why many sports bettors feel confident and using them.
4) What funding options are available for me to fund my gaming account?
Generally speaking, the best ways to deposit are by way of a credit card, an e-wallet, or an e-check. There are occasionally other forms of deposit methods available at the leading legal offshore sportsbook websites Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting, BetDSI and MyBookie. However, the best method both for bankrolling your wagering account or collecting your winning is to use Bitcoin or any of the other popular and widely accepted cryptocurrencies such as Dash or Ethereum.
5) What do I have to do to withdraw my money?
You will usually receive a paper check, though you can also have your money wired back to you. Again, using Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency will mitigate if not outright ameliorate the potential negative outcomes that used to plague the deposit and withdrawal process in the decade plus since the passage of the UIGEA.
6) What is the identity verification process that I keep reading about?
With every single gambling site, you have to fax in a copy of your ID, a utility bill and any credit card you may have used to deposit. This might seem like a lot of extra steps, but it is all part and parcel of keeping you safe and your personal and sensitive financial information secure while placing wagers online. Bear in mind that this is actually a huge advantage and not a hassle at all, as not every operator in the segment takes security matters as seriously as do Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting, BetDSI, and MyBookie.
7) What happens if I do not verify my ID?
You will not be able to withdraw your winnings if you do not prove your identity via the above forms. Again, that might seem harsh but it is all part of keeping you safe while placing wagers on your favorite sports over the internet.
8) Is there any way I can be ripped off or stolen from with online sports betting?
Online sports betting can be dangerous, but it is totally safe if you stick to the right sportsbooks. In that regard, the sites we always recommend the most frequently for our loyal readers here at Sports Betting New Mexico are Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting, BetDSI, and MyBookie. Do your betting at those reputable sports betting sites and you can’t go wrong when you want to get in on the action of picking winners and winning huge.
9) Over the past few years, the federal government has seized a few online sportsbooks that accept US players. How do I know this won't happen with these sites?
We are not experts and we do not take responsibility for what you do when betting at the sportsbooks we listed. It is up to you to find and check out more information about the legalities of sports betting. Check out www.LegalSportsBettingSites.com for more information.
New Mexico gambling has a long history of horse racing. The other forms of gambling in New Mexico did not take place until the 1990’s, when Governor Gary Johnson used it as a platform in his election campaign. Johnson promised to sign gaming compacts with Native American tribes and create a state lottery. He was successful in doing both. New Mexico casinos and racinos were also created under his watch.There are currently 26 New Mexico casinos currently operating in the state. Most casinos in New Mexico are Native American casinos located on reservations; with only two being commercial casinos. To locate the nearest casino, players can use our New Mexico casinos map or the list below.
What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New Mexico 2020
| New Mexico Casinos & Gambling | |
|---|---|
| New Mexico Legal Gambling Age | 18 lottery & racing 21 casino |
| Number of Casinos | 50 |
| Estimated Casino Revenue | $900 million |
| Smoking ban | Exempts casinos |
| Can You Gamble Online in Alabama? | Yes |
| New Mexico Online Gambling | Horse Racing |
Paying Gambling Taxes in New Mexico
Important: Your gambling income is taxable! OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos has gathered everything you need to know about paying taxes on your gambling winnings straight from a Certified Public Accountant. For more information please visit our exclusive Gambling Taxes article.
New Mexico Casinos Map & Guide
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Types of New Mexico Online Gambling Allowed
The only form of legal online gambling in New Mexico is off-track betting. TVG is the only site licensed to accept bets from players in the state.
Daily fantasy sports sites operate in New Mexico. They claim to be a skill game so they assert legality under state law. The state legislature and its attorney general have issued no opinions that refute this position.
There are dozens of online casinos, poker, and sports betting sites that accept New Mexico players. None are licensed to operate there, and players should verify their legitimacy.
Types of Live New Mexico Gambling
There are four types of live gambling options in New Mexico. There are two horse racing tracks. They are Ruidoso Downs and Sunland Park. These venues offer live racing, off-track betting, slots, video poker and electronic table games.There are 24 Native American casinos and two commercial New Mexico casinos currently operating in the state. These New Mexico casinos may offer popular games like slots, video poker, electronic table games, live poker, craps, roulette, blackjack, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and any house-banked table game approved by the New Mexico Gaming Control Board. Some of the smaller New Mexico casinos can only offer slot games and video poker.
| Types of Legal Gambling in Wyoming | |
|---|---|
| Game Type | Is it Legal? |
| Slots | Yes |
| Blackjack | Yes |
| Poker | Yes |
| Craps/Roulette | No |
| Horse Racing | Yes |
| Lottery | Yes |
| Sports Betting | Yes |
There is a state lottery that sells scratch-off and lotto tickets. Religious organizations and nonprofit private clubs hold bingo nights and raffle drawings.
New Mexico Gambling Laws
New Mexico gambling laws state that all forms of gambling are illegal unless specifically exempted under state law. Charities may hold games of chance if they qualify as a nonprofit organization under federal law. Raffles may not exceed $75,000 in prizes without 10 days of notice to the state gaming commission. Bingo and raffles may not be held more than once time per month and four times per year. The charity law exempts senior organizations, which may hold bingo nights as often as they wish.
The state’s racetracks must be licensed. Off-track betting is only permitted at registered tracks. Racing venues may also have slot machines, video poker, and electronic table games. New Mexico racinos have a tax rate of 46.25 percent.
The New Mexico Indian casinos must have a gaming compact. There is no limitation on casino games they can offer. Slots, video poker, electronic table games, live poker and table games are permitted. Table games may be of luck or chance. The tax rate on New Mexico casinos is 9 percent.
List of New Mexico Casinos
Ruidoso Downs and Sunland Park are the two New Mexico racinos. Each offer live racing, simulcast racing, slots, video poker, and electronic table games. There are 24 Native American casinos in New Mexico that offer a full slate of games. Find your preferred casino below or use our New Mexico casinos map to find the nearest one to you.
| Casino | Size | Address | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache Nugget Casino – Dulce | 130 Slot Machines | US-550 | www.apachenugget.com |
| Buffalo Thunder Resort – Santa Fe | 1,200 Slot Machines | 20 Buffalo Thunder Trail | www.buffalothunderresort.com |
| Camel Rock Casino – Santa Fe | 500 Slot Machines | 17486A Co Rd. 84 | www.camelrockcasino.com |
| Casino Apache – Mescalero | 380 Slot Machines | 25845 US-70 | www.innofthemountaingods.com |
| Casino Xpress – Casa Blanca | 132 Slot Machines | I-40, Exit 108 | www.dancingeaglecasino.com |
| Cities of Gold Casino – Santa Fe | 575 Slot Machines | 10-B Cities of Gold Rd. | www.citiesofgold.com |
| Dancing Eagle Casino – Casa Blanca | 600 Slot Machines | 167 Casa Blanca Rd. | www.dancingeaglecasino.com |
| Fire Rock Casino – Church Rock | 900 Slot Machines | 249 Rte 66 | www.firerocknavajocasino.com |
| Flowing Waters Casino – Waterflow | 125 Slot Machines | 2710 US-64 | www.flowingwater.com |
| Inn of the Mountain Gods – Mescalero | 840 Slot Machines | 287 Carrizo Canyon Rd. | www.innofthemountaingods.com |
| Isleta Resort – Albuquerque | 1,800 Slot Machines | 11000 Broadway Blvd. SE | www.isleta.com |
| Kicks 66 – Santa Fe | 10 Slot Machines | 67 Ogo Wii Rd. | www.phillips66gas.com |
| Nambe Falls Casino – Santa Fe | 180 Slot Machines | 17730 US-84 | www.nambefallscasino.com |
| Northern Edge Navajo Casino – Fruitland | 750 Slot Machines | 2752 Indian Service Road 36 | www.northernedgenavajocasino.com |
| Ohkay Casino – San Juan Pablo | 700 Slot Machines | 68 NM-291 | www.ohkay.com |
| Palace West Casino – Isleta | 90 Slot Machines | 2 NM-45 | www.isleta.com |
| Route 66 Casino – Albuquerque | 1,700 Slot Machines | 14500 Central Ave. SW | www.rt66casino.com |
| San Felipe Casino – San Felipe | 600 Slot Machines | 25 Hagen Rd. | www.sanfelipecasino.com |
| Sandia Resort and Casino – Albuquerque | 2,300 Slot Machines | 30 Rainbow Rd. | www.sandiacasino.com |
| Santa Ana Star – Bernalillo | 1,450 Slot Machines | 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd. | www.santaanastar.com |
| Santa Claran Casino – Espanola | 650 Slot Machines | 460 N. Riverside Dr. | www.santaclaran.com |
| Sky City Casino – Acoma | 640 Slot Machines | I-40 Exit 102 | www.skycity.com |
| Taos Mountain Casino – Taos | 200 Slot Machines | 700 Veterans Hwy | www.taosmountaincasino.com |
| Wild Horse Casino – Dulce | 190 Slot Machines | 13603 US-64 | www.apachenugget.com |
New Mexico Gambling History
Racing was the first form of legalized New Mexico gambling. That occurred in 1946. It held a monopoly in the region until the 1980’s. When Texas legalized horse racing, it led to a decline in the industry in New Mexico. That is when there began a push to bring in New Mexico casinos.
New Mexico Governor Bruce King was unwilling to negotiate compacts with tribes that were operating gray area games in the early 1990’s. Future Governor Gary Johnson ran on a platform that he would expand and legalize gambling on reservations. Johnson defeated King and in 1995 compacts began with more than a dozen tribes to operate New Mexico casinos.
Governor Johnson was also a proponent of a state lottery. He pushed for it and won in 1995. Johnson bought the first lottery ticket in state history.
Racetracks saw steep declines with the expansion of gambling on reservations. Ruidoso Downs and Sunland Park lobbied to add slots at their tracks, becoming the only two New Mexico racinos in the state. They prevailed in 1998, but the tax rate is 46.25 percent for these games; one of the highest in the country.
| Michigan Regulated Gambling | |
|---|---|
| Racing | 1946 |
| Casinos | 1995 |
| Lottery | 1995 |
| Bingo | 2009 |
New Mexico Casinos & Gambling FAQ
Yes. It has been since 1946.
Yes. There are 26 casinos in the state.
Video poker, slots, live poker, craps, roulette, blackjack, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and other house-banked card games are spread at New Mexico casinos.
What games are spread at Ruidoso Downs and Sunland Park?
Live horse racing, off-track betting, slots, video poker and electronic table games are spread at New Mexico’s two racinos.
Tribal casinos pay the state nine percent on qualified games. The racinos have an effective tax rate of 46.25 percent on all games.
The minimum New Mexico gambling age is 18 years for lottery and horse racing. New Mexico casino players must be at least 21 years. There is no minimum gambling age for charitable gaming.
New Mexico’s smoking ban exempts casinos.
Is betting on horses over the Internet legal in New Mexico?
What games are offered by the New Mexico Lottery?
Scratch-off tickets and lotto drawings, including Powerball and Mega Millions, are spread by the New Mexico Lottery.