Report looks into regulation of Indian gaming in New Mexico

Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Filed Under: Compacts | Regulation
More on: new mexico

A report that was prepared by the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee examines the regulation of gaming, including Indian gaming.

The report said the New Mexico Gambling Control Board performed 29 tribal casino audits in fiscal year 2012. That's a big increase from the three audits of tribal facilities in fiscal year 2011.

However, the report said the Class III gaming compact limits the information that can be obtained during an audit. And state lawmakers have no way to determine whether a particular tribe is in compliance with the compact.

"Numerous tribes declined consent for LFC staff to review data related to compliance audits," the committee wrote. "The confidentiality clause in tribal gaming compacts limits information the Legislature can access to monitor tribal compliance."

The report also said there is a staffing issue. The board only has 13 auditors for 86 gaming sites but three positions were vacant as of March.

Get the Story:
Report: State’s ability to police gambling limited (The Santa Fe New Mexican 6/26)

Get the Report:
New Mexico Racing Commission Gaming Control Board Operational Effectiveness of Gambling Oversight in New Mexico (May 15, 2013)

Related Stories:
Opinion: Tribes in cozy relationship with gambling regulators (06/10)