New Mexico is a great destination to visit on your travels. From ancient historical dwellings to beautiful, diverse scenery, where you’ll find hot deserts but also bustling cities, New Mexico is a state that has something for everyone.
New Mexico is also somewhat of a hub for gambling and casinos. If Las Vegas is too busy and crazy for your liking, then New Mexico may be a better option for you if you want to hit up the casinos.
New Mexico has around 23 casinos and a few gaming centers across the counties. These casinos are largely owned by Indian tribes, and it’s a really gambling-friendly state where most types of gambling are legal.
While it will not be like Las Vegas as there aren’t many commercial casinos, there are many tribal run casinos across the state, along with racetracks, casino resorts and hotels to visit on your travels.
So, without further ado, let’s look at some of the best in the area!
8 Best Casinos In New Mexico
If you are looking for casinos, you’ll find plenty in New Mexico, from small casinos to larger complexes with hotels, there is something for everyone. Here are some of our favorites.
1. Buffalo Thunder
Buffalo Thunder is part of the Hilton Hotel group, offering a beautiful resort and casino in New Mexico.
This is New Mexico’s largest entertainment hotel, with all the glitz and the glamor of Las Vegas, but in a more relaxing atmosphere.
With a spa, golf amenities, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, a nightclub, and a casino- you’ll never need to leave this place on your travels.
The casino itself has over 1200 slot machines and 18 tables, and it’s only around 15 minutes away from Downtown Santa Fe. You’ll even find an on site Wedding Chapel, making this a mini Las Vegas itself!
Largely regarded as the best casino in New Mexico, you have to visit this one.
There are table games like craps, roulette, or blackjack, slots machines, and you can bet on sports, horse and dog racing at the Thunder Racebook and Sportsbook tables. This place is unmissable while in New Mexico.
Address: 30 Buffalo Thunder Trail, Santa Fe, NM, 87506.
2. Fire Rock Casino
Fire Rock Casino boasts Vegas-style action. Just off the i-40 highway in Gallup, New Mexico, this casino really raises the stakes and is a lot of fun.
At Fire Rock Casino, you can take the game to a new level. With a friendly atmosphere, exciting games and a lot of entertainment, you can get a real experience at Fire Rock.
Open every single day, you can spend a lot of time playing in this casino.
This casino is run by the Navajo tribe, and embodies the proverb ‘assume every guest is cold, tired and hungry, and treat them accordingly’, and this casino delivers.
With table games, slots, promotions, and even bingo, you’ll find something to play here.
The great thing about Fire Rock is that you will also find live entertainment from classic, country, rock, to R&B music while you gamble.
Address: Fire Rock Casino P.O. Box 1800, Church Rock, NM 87311.
3. Isleta Resort & Casino
Isleta Resort & Casino is another viable option for gambling in New Mexico. You’ll find an oasis of spinning reels, card games, rolling dice, and over 1800 slots to take winning to a new level.
This casino is steeped in native tradition, offering world class entertainment, games, and elegance. With not only an onsite casino, but a luxury hotel, bingo, bowling alley, concerts, events and convention center too.
There’s also options for fine dining, a food court, snacks and beverages to enjoy while you game.
Address: 11000 Broadway SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87105.
4. Northern Edge Casino
Northern Edge Casino is run by the same Navajo tribe as Fire Rock, and offers a similar experience and mentality.
The casino itself offers a lot of fun and entertainment, whether you want to spin the wheel, flip cards, or roll dice and win some money!
At Northern Edge, you can play Heads Up Hold’em, Craps, Roulette, Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Players Edge 21, Poker – you name it!
With extensive hours, a players club running promotions, slots, table games and more, no matter what you like to play, you can enjoy it here.
Address: 2752 Indian Service Rd 36, Farmington, NM 87401.
5. Sandia Resort & Casino
If in the area of Albuquerque, then you’ll want to try the Sandia Resort and Casino.
This is referred to as ‘New Mexico’s Place For Fun!’ with incredible dining options, wedding venues, lounges and over 2300 slot machines.
Sandia Resort of course overlooks the stunning Sandia Mountains, welcoming visitors with amazing service, modern design and a Southwestern atmosphere.
The casino offers your typical games like Blackjack, Craps, Pai Gow Poker, Roulette, Baccarat, but also has bingo, slots, and other table games.
The resort offers free Wifi, a live music venue, spa, golfing, a pool, onsite restaurant and more. If you want the full package as well as a casino during your stay, then Sandia Resort is a great option.
It’s also close to a train station, and the airport, so you can travel with ease.
Address: 30 Rainbow Rd, Albuquerque, NM, 87113.
6. Casino Apache
Casino Apache is the perfect spot to have a break, chill out, rest and refuel. It is a smaller scale casino, but offers good payouts. It’s perfect for people traveling through, and loved by the locals too.
Nestled in Mescalero, New Mexico, this casino offers everything you need to wind down and have a little gambling time.
You’ll find all of your favorite games and endless slots, however it is a non-smoking casino, so bear that in mind.
There is also a full service truck stop, car wash and convenience store, making this the perfect place in New Mexico for those passing through.
There is also an Inn if you want to make it an overnight stay at the Inn Of The Mountain Gods, and the Red Hat Grille for dining options.
The great news is that although it’s a smaller casino, it is open 24/7 daily!
Address: 25645 US-70, Mescalero, NM, 88340.
7. Route 66 Casino Hotel
Over in Albuquerque, you’ll find the Route 66 Casino Hotel. This place is designed for an evening of enjoyment, and a restful night’s sleep!
The casino floor offers more than 1000 of your most favorite slot machines, with a generous club program, so you can really get your kicks here.
This themed hotel and casino is a sight to behold. You’ll feel like you’re in the heart of Las Vegas, while also enjoying the comfort and class of the hotel rooms.
You can also unwind in a pool, head to the sports bar, feast at the Thunder Road Steakhouse, or enjoy some of the vintage neon signs.
Address: 14500 Central Ave SW, Rio Puerco, Albuquerque, NM, 87121.
8. Santa Ana Casino Hotel
Santa Ana Casino is regarded as New Mexico’s ‘best bet’, and it truly is! You can play, stay, dine, or win at this casino hotel.
Santa Ana Star casino has over 1600 of the best slot machines in New Mexico, along with exhilarating table games, making it easier than ever to find a winner.
This casino has the certified loosest slots in New Mexico by ‘Strictly Slots’ magazine, along with video poker, keno, High Limit Slots, and much more to enjoy.
You’ll also find the usual Blackjack, Craps and other table games to raise the stakes at.
For a top class experience, you can enjoy the High Limit Room, with comfortable seating and semi-privacy if you want to up your game.
You can also make use of the Sportsbook, to place bets on your favorite sports games.
In addition, the hotel strikes a balance between comfort, affordability and sophistication. This place has everything you need.
Address: 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Road, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM, 87004.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, our 8 best casinos in New Mexico to visit on your trip.
New Mexico has so much to offer, and an abundance of casinos and resorts to enjoy if you like to unwind by playing a few games and placing some bets.
The great thing is that there are casino resorts such as Buffalo Thunder or Isleta, with extensive casino floors, but also smaller casinos like Casino Apache for those passing by, and casino hotel combinations like Santa Ana or Route 66 if you like to stay the night after an evening of entertainment!
No matter which casinos you decide to visit, you’re sure to have a wonderful time during your trip to New Mexico.
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy our article on “The 8 Best Casinos In Colorado To Visit If You’re Feeling Lucky“.
Hi, my name is Richie Thames and I have been a software developer for 12 years. I have worked on some of the most popular online slot machine games, including ones you still see in online casinos today. While there is no simple trick to win the jackpot, there is power in learning about your game before playing. With several decades of experience under my belt, I created this website in the hopes of helping newbies on their journey. Please, enjoy my website, and I hope you learn something valuable about the art of gambling. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next jackpot winner?
