SENATE MEMORIAL 25

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2022

INTRODUCED BY

Craig W. Brandt and Ron Griggs

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE REVENUE STABILIZATION AND TAX POLICY COMMITTEE AND THE LEGISLATIVE INTERIM COMMITTEES DEALING WITH COURTS, CORRECTIONS AND JUSTICE AND INDIAN AFFAIRS TO EXAMINE THE STATE OF GAMING IN NEW MEXICO TO HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF GAMING IN NEW MEXICO SO THAT IT IS COMPETITIVE WITH OTHER STATES, MAXIMIZES TOURISM AND IS SUSTAINABLE INTO THE FUTURE.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico gambling laws state that all forms of gambling are illegal unless specifically exempted under state law; and

     WHEREAS, horse racing was the first form of legalized gambling in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's five horse racing tracks offer live racing, off-track betting, slots, video poker and electronic table games; and

     WHEREAS, charities may hold games of chance if they qualify as a nonprofit organization under federal law, and raffles and bingo are authorized under specific circumstances, with the state lottery being another form of state-sanctioned gambling; and

     WHEREAS, there are currently twenty-six casinos operating in the state; and

     WHEREAS, the only legal form of online gambling in New Mexico is off-track betting; and

     WHEREAS, in the future, online casinos, poker and sports betting sites could provide additional revenue options for the state;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative finance committee, the revenue stabilization and tax policy committee and the legislative interim committees that deal with courts, corrections and justice and Indian affairs be requested, but not be limited, to examine the state of gaming in New Mexico, including a detailed examination of the revenue aspects, the tax consequences to all stakeholders should gaming be expanded or changed, the state of gaming laws and opportunities and impacts to liquor license holders should gaming be expanded to selected license holders, to help shape the future of gaming in New Mexico so that it is competitive with other states, maximizes tourism, creates economic opportunity and is sustainable into the future; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committees report their findings and conclusions to the legislative council service, the gaming control board, the governor and New Mexico's gaming Indian nations, tribes and pueblos no later than December 31, 2022; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the chair of the legislative finance committee, the chair of the revenue stabilization and tax policy committee, the co-chairs of the legislative interim committee dealing with courts, corrections and justice issues, the co-chairs of the legislative interim committee dealing with Indian affairs issues, the director of the legislative council service, the governor, the executive director of the gaming control board and the governors of New Mexico's gaming Indian nations, tribes and pueblos.

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