By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Easing rules around online betting would help ensure the survival of New Mexico’s horse racing industry as it faces intensifying competition for attention from gamblers in the state and around the world, a top racing official told a panel of state lawmakers Thursday. New Mexico law prevents residents from betting …

Peter Stein/News-Sun Richard Erhard had an unhappy task on Wednesday. Erhard, executive director of the New Mexico Horsemen’s Association, was cleaning office equipment out of Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino, something he did not imagine he would be doing just a week earlier. The NHMA was instructed by the New Mexico Racing Commission to clear the premises of Ruidoso …

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — One of the five commissioners responsible for overseeing New Mexico’s horse racing industry has been ousted over comments she made regarding changes in the way horses are tested for certain medications. The governor’s office confirmed Friday that Freda McSwane was removed from the Racing Commission earlier this week after she refused a request to resign. McSwane …

New Mexico regulators delay decision on racino license ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Bidders vying for a license to build New Mexico’s sixth and final horse racetrack and casino will have to wait for a final decision after regulators on Thursday put off awarding the coveted license when an applicant sought a preliminary injunction. The New Mexico Racing Commission voted unanimously …

In the race for New Mexico’s sixth racetrack and casino, the Economic Development Corporation of Lea County is rooting for Tucumcari. The New Mexico Racing Commission is weighing benefits of five applications for another “racinco” — one for Lordsburg, one for Tucumcari and three for Clovis. EDCLC president and CEO Steve Vierck said, “After much review, EDC’s position is that …

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Revenue from slot machines at New Mexico horse-racing tracks has declined to its lowest point since the opening of the state’s newest track in 2005, but no one is quite certain what’s driving the drop. State economists expect the slot revenue at tracks to continuing dropping over the next five years as the revenue from …