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What's in the Cards: More Casinos, Tracks, Keno and Slots in Bars?

"There are more questions than answers.

"Will New Mexico allow Indian tribes to build off-reservation casinos? Will tribes with relatively remote locations be able to put casinos in populated areas, like the corridor connecting El Paso and Las Cruces?

" Will the state expand the number of horse tracks with casinos?

"...Should bars and restaurants, which say their cash registers aren't ringing like they did before casino gambling, get a chance to compete with their own slots?

"How about allowing track casinos to be open more hours or having the state Fair Commission build a new casino for the operators of the fairgrounds track?

"The state lottery also may renew efforts to add a fast-paced keno game to its menu.

" The continuing push to expand the gambling industry is no surprise, given the money at stake.

"…State government, a benefactor of casino gambling and its biggest beneficiary, is projected to take in about $84.4 million this year from gambling. That figure includes revenue-sharing payments from tribes (slots only) and taxes from the tracks and veterans and fraternal clubs that operate slots.

"Gov. Bill Richardson, a longtime supporter of casino gambling who will play a pivotal role in any expansion, has sent mixed signals over the last year.

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