LVDC Director of Sales, Jay Vaccaro, has confirmed to Gambling Insider the sportsbook launched on Monday, following in the footsteps of the Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel in October.

Sports wagering is yet to be fully regulated in New Mexico, but a compact with the state allows tribal casinos to operate all forms of Class III gaming, which refers to all gaming that is not Class I (social gaming) or Class II (specified games of chance). 

Some reports claimed the sportsbook will be run by a joint venture between National Sports Book Management (NSBM) and the South Point Hotel and Casino.

However, Vaccaro explained to Gambling Insider: "Some of the reports published are not 100% accurate. The arrangement is with Buffalo Thunder and LVDC. That’s who’s partnering up to supply sports betting services.

"There are related companies to LVDC: South Point Casino and National Sports Book Management. They are just related companies supplying some consulting or information services to help LVDC provide a sportsbook here.

"But LVDC is the licensee and we are the ones providing the service and housing the infrastructure. It is an LVDC project, which has been the pari-mutuel race provider here at Buffalo Thunder for the last 20 years."

Asked if there could be any long-term regulatory roadblocks for tribal sports betting in New Mexico, Vaccaro expressed confidence in the legal freedom to offer wagers.

He said: "We’re confident the tribal compacts are strong enough and we’ve had our lawyers look at it. Many lawyers have done the same and the opinion is tribes are allowed to have Class III gaming, which includes sports betting.

"I don’t worry about opposition. I only worry about putting forward the best product we can. If the law says we can’t do it, we’ll certainly abide by the law. But, as the law reads right now, we are allowed to do so and the state recognises that right."