pitch for new racino set for commission vote

In the ongoing contest to win what will be the sixth and final license for a combined racetrack and casino in New Mexico, a new proposal is being aired that could cost up to $100 million to become reality.

The owners of the Clovis-based Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino say they want to build a racino facility, also in Clovis, that will measure anywhere from 150,000 square feet to 200,000 square feet, spread out over a 150-acre site.

The proposal, still being worked out, will have to be submitted to the New Mexico Racing Commision before that body’s July 30 deadline.

There are currently efforts underway by various parties to build the final racino in Tucumcari, as well as another pitch for Clovis.
Applicants have to document, among other things, the size of the racino facility planned, the number of spectator seats and parking spaces, and size of staff.

Members of the New Mexico State Legislature in 1997 approved a bill limiting the number of racino operating licenses in the state to six.

At present there are combined racetrack and casino outlets in Albuquerque, Farmington, Hobbs, Ruidoso, and Sunland Park.
The New Mexico Racing Commission is expected to announce a decision on where the final racino will be built by the end of this year.

By Garry Boulard