William Hill US is to enter the New Mexican gambling market through a new partnership with the Mescalero Apache Tribe, operator of the state’s Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino.
The tribe has selected William Hill to power the launch of a new sportsbook within the venue, the operator and supplier’s first partnership in the state, and its first tribal agreement outside of Nevada.
“Over the years, our customers have come to expect a high level of service and the best casino offerings possible,” Inn of the Mountain Gods chief operating officer Frizzell Frizzell Jr said. “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.”
Based southeast of Albuquerque, Inn of the Mountain Gods will open a new sportsbook powered by William Hill’s proprietary technology later this summer.
“Working with the Mescalero Apache Tribe and the National Indian Gaming Commission on this partnership agreement was important to us,” William Hill US president of retail David Grolman said.
“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.”
While sports betting legislation has not been passed by the New Mexico legislature, a number of tribal casinos have launched legal wagering under the auspices of their state gaming compacts.
The Tamaya Nation at the Pueblo of Santa Ana tribe’s Santa Ana Star Casino was the first to go live, launching in November 2018, followed by the Pojoaque Pueblo-owned Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort in December that year.
The Pueblo of Isleta became the third tribal operator to announce plans to launch sports betting, with the roll-out at its Isleta Resort & Casino expected to take place this summer.
In related news, William Hill has noted that Eldorado Resorts’ acquisition of Caesars Entertainment will significantly expand its market access agreement with the operator. It noted that the deal covers any subsequent acquisitions by Eldorado, as well as the properties it owned or managed when the agreement was signed.
“Therefore, the rights apply to casinos currently owned or managed by Caesars if Eldorado’s acquisition of Caesars is completed,” William Hill said.
The partnership, signed in September last year, saw William Hill granted exclusive rights to operate sportsbooks in all properties owned or managed by Eldorado in the US, and mobile wagering in states where it obtains a license.