William Hill US has partnered with the Mescalero Apache Tribe to launch a sportsbook this summer at Inn of the Mountain Gods casino in New Mexico.

Not only will this be William Hill’s first sportsbook in New Mexico, but it will also be the operator’s first tribal agreement outside  Nevada.

Players visiting the casino will be able to wager at William Hill’s kiosks and have access to its in-play wagering menu. At present, there is no official date as to when the sportsbook will go live.

Sports betting is unregulated in New Mexico, but tribal casinos can operate all forms of Class III gaming; that covers any form of gaming that is not traditional tribal gaming (Class I) or a game of chance (Class II).

Earlier this month, Gambling Insider reported William Hill was still open to a US merger, after it held failed talks with Caesars Entertainment over a potential £6bn ($7.59bn) deal last year.

On Monday, Caesars Entertainment agreed on a cash and stock merger with Eldorado Resorts, worth $17.3bn.

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.”

Inn of the Mountain Gods COO Frizzell Frizzell Jr said: “Together with William Hill, we will offer state of the art betting technology and innovative wagering opportunities including in-play options.”