New Mexico's Sandia Resort & Casino opens new 10,000-square-foot sportsbook

New Mexico's Sandia Resort & Casino opened the doors to its new sportsbook on Tuesday, offering the state's highest wager limits and a new venue for sports bettors to place wagers. The grand opening saw Pueblo of Sandia Gov. Felix Chaves, Chicago Bears star Brian Urlacher, and Albuquerque native and NBC Analyst Notah Begay III among the notable figures celebrating the launch.

Occupying a 10,000-square-foot area on the casino’s third floor, the Sandia sportsbook boasts the highest wager limits in the state, with a max bet of $8,000. The new facility features four betting kiosks on the third floor and an additional eight kiosks on the first floor, where bets are capped at $500 each. Guests can also try the Sandia Sportsbook Bar & Grille, over 50 televisions, and an outdoor patio with views of the Sandia Mountains.

Gov. Chaves, placing the first official bet of $20 on the Philadelphia Eagles moneyline against the Washington Commanders, told local media: “We took our time to make sure that this sportsbook is the best sportsbook in the state,” he said.

Chicago Bears star Brian Urlacher said: “I guess I can tell my sports betting story, which is terrible. So I’m not very good. You would think I’d be better at betting sports with my background, especially the NFL, but I am not. But I’m excited. This is going to be a great place to place a bet and watch the games. This is exciting.”

Though sports betting is not legally sanctioned across New Mexico, in-person wagering is available at several tribal casinos, including Santa Ana Star Casino, Buffalo Thunder, Isleta Resort & Casino, and Inn of the Mountain Gods. Sandia joins this roster, further expanding the options for sports betting in the state.

The sportsbook officially opened to the public on Wednesday.