Mescalero Apache Tribe enters into partnership for sports betting

Monday, June 24, 2019  

The Mescalero Apache Tribe will be opening a sportsbook at its casino in New Mexico this fall, becoming the third tribe in the state to enter the sports betting industry.

The tribe has partnered with William Hill to use the firm's technology at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino. The sportsbook is expected to open in September, in time for the NFL season, EGR North America reported.

“Over the years, our customers have come to expect a high level of service and the best casino offerings possible," Frizzell Frizzell Jr., the chief operating officer at the casino, said in a press release. "Our sports book will be no exception. Together with William Hill, we will offer state-of-the-art betting technology, and innovative wagering opportunities including in-play options. We know this is something our customers have been looking forward to and we’re thrilled to be able to partner with the best in the business to bring it to them.”

“Inn of the Mountain Gods is one of the premier resorts and casinos in the southwest and together we plan to bring a first-class experience to sports fans in the region," said David Grolman, the president of retail for William Hill US. He said the tribe worked with the National Indian Gaming Commission on the partnership agreement.

The Pueblo of Santa Ana was the first to offer sports betting in New Mexico following a landmark decision from the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. The Pueblo of Pojoaque followed up with a sporstbook last year.

The Supreme Court decision opened the door for tribes and states to offer wagers on sports events. But differences in state law and in tribal-state gaming compacts have not led to widespread adoption of sports betting at this point.

William Hill signs first tribal sportsbook deal outside Nevada (EGR North America June 24, 2019)

Syllabus | Opinion | Concurrence [Thomas] | Concurrence / Dissent [Breyer] | Dissent [Ginsburg]

Oral Argument Transcript: Christie v. NCAA / New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Inc. v. NCAA (December 4, 2017)

Oneida Nation moves forward with sports betting partnership (June 3, 2019)
Sports betting moves slowly amid concerns from tribes in several states (April 9, 2019)
Mohegan Tribe enters agreement with sports betting service provider (April 1, 2019)
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians support sports betting bill (March 27, 2019)
Pueblo of Pojoaque becomes second in New Mexico with sports betting operation (March 18, 2019)
Cronkite News: Sports betting bill advances over tribal opposition (February 27, 2019)
Bill authorizes sports betting at tribal casinos in Washington (February 18, 2019)
Cronkite News: Debate on sports betting bill delayed in Arizona (February 11, 2019)
Tribes weigh in on efforts to legalize sports betting in South Dakota (February 7, 2019)
Tribes move slowly when it comes to sports betting industry (January 29, 2019)
Bill in Arizona restricts sports betting to tribal gaming facilities (January 24, 2019)
Tribes prepare for state of Arizona to demand more gaming revenues (January 17, 2019)
Pueblo of Santa Ana jumps into sports betting industry (October 10, 2018)
'It's the wave of the future': Sports betting in Indian Country (September 26, 2018)
Chickasaw Nation lands first-ever casino partnership with NFL team (September 7, 2018)
Mississippi Choctaws become first in Indian Country with sports betting (September 3, 2018)
Winnebago tribal corporation makes another go at gaming (August 16, 2018)
'On the road to recovery': Sports betting raises concerns about addiction (July 13, 2018)
Seminole Tribe looks to offer sports betting at new Hard Rock facility (July 12, 2018)
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians announces sports betting at casinos (June 13, 2018)
Delaware becomes first state with sports betting after Supreme Court ruling (June 6, 2018)
Cronkite News: Media prepares for a new era with sports betting (May 30, 2018)
Stateline: Problem gambling a concern as sports betting fever spreads (May 29, 2018)
Online gaming also on the table as Connecticut negotiates with tribes (May 24, 2018)
Connecticut governor seeks to negotiate sports betting with tribes (May 22, 2018)
Tribes seek a seat at table as states look into sports betting (May 21, 2018)
Tribes continue to weigh impact of Supreme Court ruling on sports betting (May 18, 2018)
Oneida Nation already lining up sports betting after Supreme Court ruling (May 15, 2018)
Supreme Court opens the door for sports betting for states and for tribes (May 14, 2018)
Cronkite News: Supreme Court decision could open doors to legalized sports betting (May 2, 2018)
Supreme Court takes up sports betting case whose outcome could impact tribes (December 4, 2017)
Gaming group promotes tribal interests in Supreme Court sports betting case (September 5, 2017)
Indian Country warms up to legislation to repeal federal ban on sports betting (August 21, 2017)
National Indian Gaming Association clarifies position on sports betting coalition (August 8, 2017)
National Indian Gaming Association backs effort to legalize sports betting (August 1, 2017)