Published on: February 4, 2026, 07:08h.
Updated on: February 4, 2026, 07:08h.
- Tribal leaders caution that racetrack casino relocation threatens revenue and jobs in Texas
- SunRay Park plans to move location near Clovis due to significant revenue downturn
- Regulators assess economic growth versus market saturation and tribal consequences
A proposal to transfer a racetrack casino in Northern New Mexico to the eastern part of the state has reignited a recurring debate among neighboring states without casinos: Who will capture the Texas dollar?
The New Mexico Racing Commission is currently considering an application to shift the gaming license for SunRay Park & Casino from its current location in Farmington to a new site near Clovis in Curry County, which is more proximal to the Texas border.
There are already commercial racinos operating near the Texas line, such as Zia Park Casino Hotel & Racetrack in southeastern New Mexico and Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino close to El Paso.
Opponents of the relocation argue that introducing another racino within driving distance to Texas could lead to market oversaturation, intensifying competition for the same pool of out-of-state patrons.
Competitive Landscape at the Border
Tribal operators in New Mexico have alerted regulators that moving the venue eastward would attract Texas gamblers who would normally travel further into New Mexico. This could adversely affect revenue that funds tribal programs and employment, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported.
In an open letter addressed to the New Mexico Racing Commission (NMRC) on January 27, Harry Antonio Jr., Governor of the Pueblo of Laguna, described the proposal as a “renewed threat” to the tribe’s economic wellbeing.
Antonio described it as “a reckless maneuver to amass personal wealth at the expense of tribal governments that depend on gaming revenues for critical services.”
The gaming environment in New Mexico consists of tribal casinos functioning under state compacts and state-regulated racinos associated with horse racing, often causing tension when new or relocated venues are proposed in lucrative border areas.
Racino’s Standpoint
In a recent comment to the Tri-City Record, SunRay’s president Paul Blanchard attributed a roughly 55% decline in revenues at his racino to the expansion of tribal gaming, making it difficult for his operations to compete efficiently.
Blanchard stated that his vision for a 200-acre site east of Clovis, which would feature a casino, hotel, and racetrack, is projected to yield approximately $14 million annually in new state tax revenues.
Local officials in Farmington assert that the relocation will inflict an economic blow to New Mexico’s northwest, resulting in job losses and reduced economic activity.
The NMRC is set to hold a special hearing on this topic on Friday, February 6, which will include testimonies from stakeholders and public feedback, with a final decision anticipated the following Tuesday.