Gaming News

New Mexico Track, Casino Promoted

HOBBS, New Mexico -- The state could see millions of additional dollars pumped into its coffers thanks to a horse track and casino under construction here.

Bruce Rimbo, a partner in Zia Park Race Track & Casino, told members of the Legislative Finance Committee last week that the new track and casino is projected to pay about $12 million each year in gambling taxes.

The $43 million project is also bringing southeastern New Mexico hundreds of constructions jobs and more than 200 casino jobs, Rimbo said.

The new casino, scheduled to open in mid-November, is projected to have more than 1 million visitors each year. Rimbo said many of those visitors will be snapping up area hotel rooms and going out for meals.

Tracks pay the state 25 percent of their net slot revenue, and the four tracks currently doing business in New Mexico are projected to pay the state more than $40 million this fiscal year.

Copyright © Las Vegas Sun. Inc. Republished with permission.

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