nm-85c40a7d-cf32-4e5b-81bb-adadf33f5789: Gaming Control Board — 4.1.7 NMAC

Notice New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVII, Issue 18 / September 22, 2026     NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING   The Gaming Control Board hereby gives notice that the Board, at a Regular Board Meeting open to the public on August 27, 2026, during the open session, approved the initiation of rulemaking regarding the rules listed below.   The Rules Hearing will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, beginning at 9:00 am at the Gaming Control Board, 4900 Alameda Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113.  Interested individuals may also attend via Zoom:   https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88312735219?pwd=X2ypeRvstT51cIXoBROv7vJEe3XaAi.1 Meeting ID: 883 1273 5219 Passcode: 8XmRr3 To Join Telephonically: Phone Number: 1-253-205-0468 Meeting ID: 883 1273 5219 Passcode: 051661   Join instructions https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/88312735219/invitations?signature=i2-fF1g466yb_KZhu6OfvxQOSNBP65OVymxD3BPKZFc   The public comment period for this rulemaking continues through to the upcoming November 4, 2026, Hearing date.   15.4.1.7 NMAC - DEFINITIONS:   Purpose:  Add definition of “Primary Executive” and amend the definition of “Point of sale system.”   Summary: Adding a definition for Primary Executive is to support the change in rule requiring the owners and primary executives of Bingo Manufacturers and Distributors to be licensed and will also support the establishment of a Primary Staff Permit.  Amending the definition of the point of sale system is done to allow patrons time after closing to cash out their TITO tickets on the same day they are won as required by rule.   15.4.2.9 NMAC - LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS:   Purpose:  Amending to add subsection C to add “Bingo, Pull-Tab Halls” which will prohibit any person or entity licensed with by the board from acting as a lessor to a non-profit bingo operator and requiring that lease or contract agreements shall be approved or disapproved by the Board.   Summary:  Allows licensed bingo operators to lease facilities to hold games of chance.  Prohibits lessors from attempting to interfere or exert control in bingo operators operations and protects against a licensee attempting to participate in a revenue sharing scheme which is prohibited by law.   15.4.2.12 NMAC– APPLICATION FOR STAFF PERMIT:   Purpose: Amending to add subsection H to allow for a provisional staff permit.  Giving a staff permit or primary staff permit applicant time so that an applicant can begin training and working while their application is being processed.   Summary:  This will prevent nonprofit bingo operators from having to shut down while a staff permit or primary staff permit application is pending.  The loss of certain personnel can cause a bingo operator to close.   15.4.2.13 NMAC– APPLICATION FOR MANUFACTURER’S AND DISTRIBUTOR’S PRIMARY EXECUTIVES AND OWNERSHIP, PRIMARY STAFF PERMIT:   Purpose: Amend to add rule requiring the licensing of the ownership of manufacturers and distributors.   Summary:  Manufacturer and Distributor ownership and decision makers, in the past have not been required to license in the state.  With the growth in nonprofit charitable gaming it’s necessary to replicate this from the gaming side.  Substantial increase in revenue especially justifies this.   15.4.11.9 NMAC– VARIANCE PROCEDURES:   Purpose:  Amend this subpart to allow all current and valid licensees the ability to submit a variance request to a rule.    Summary:  Currently, the rule only permits a bingo manager to submit a variance request.  Again, the growth in nonprofit gaming has indicated the need for other valid licensees to be able to do this.   Authority:  Section 60-2F-3 NMSA 1978 and Section 60-2E-7 NMSA 1978.   Details for Obtaining a Copy of Rule and Submitting Oral or Written Comments: Copies of the proposed rules are available on the Gaming Control Board’s website at  https://www.gcb.nm.gov/rulemaking/ or can be obtained by emailing GCB-PIO@gcb.nm.gov.  The proposed rules are also available on the New Mexico Sunshine Portal.  Interested individuals may provide comments at the hearing scheduled for November 4, 2026, 9am to 1pm.  Before the hearing, written comments may be sent to GCB-PIO@gcb.nm.gov, or by regular mail at:   Attn:  Angela M. Armstrong, Staff Counsel Proposed Bingo Rulemaking New Mexico Gaming Control Board 4900 Alameda Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113   The deadline to receive written comment is Tuesday November 3, 2026.  All written public comments received by USPS mail or email, will be posted on the website throughout the written comment period at: https://www.gcb.nm.gov/new-mexico-gaming-control-board-legal-resources/#Rulemaking.   Any person with a disability who needs a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing should contact (505) 841-9700.