New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVI, Issue 24 / December 23, 2025

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

The Gaming Control Board hereby gives notice that the Board, at a Regular Board Meeting open to the public, will consider public comments received and determine whether to adopt the described rules below.

The Regular Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 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/85909302122?pwd=UKa28nW0AZurFQDYYssCfGVWbDmoxf.1

Meeting ID: 859 0930 2122

Passcode: 8Bh6th

The public comment period for this rulemaking continues through to the upcoming February 18^th 2026, New Mexico Gaming Control Board regular board meeting.

15.4.1.7 NMAC - DEFINITIONS:

Purpose: Amend definition of “Bingo employee”, replacing the word “technicians” with “professionals”, amend to add definition for “Drop”, “Drop box” and “Technician”, amend definition for “Ticket in / Ticket out” (TITO), replacing the word “session” with “business day.”

Summary: The clarification on the definitions “Bingo employee” and “Ticket in / Ticket out” with the new definitions for “Drop”, “Drop box” and “Technician” will support the agencies efforts to enhance and clarify processes which are intended to protect licensee assets and the integrity of games of chance.

15.4.2.9 NMAC - LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS:

Purpose: Amending subsection B to add “cash handler” and “bingo account check signers” to the list of Bingo Operation employees required to be staff permitted.

Summary: To more specifically identify bingo operation employees which require licensing for the purpose of clarity and to ensure that the assets of the bingo operator licensee are protected against theft, abuse and misappropriation.

15.4.4.9 - AREA OF LICENSED PREMISES; RESTRICTION:

Purpose: Amending subsection D and I to require board review and approval of lease agreement prior to going into effect. Amending subsections E, F, G to state “applicant or licensee”. Amending subsection I to include board review of contracts. Amending to add subsections J, K, L, and M.

Summary: Clarifying for Bingo Operator Licensees which leases and contracts require board review, the process of review and the minimum elements that the board requires for review.

15.4.5.8 NMAC - GENERAL DUTIES

Purpose: Amend to add subsection J to require bingo operator licensees to more timely notify the Gaming Control Board of changes in contact information, and changes to their board members or officers and their contact information as well.

Summary: Since bingo operator licensing renewal is on a three year rotation, it is important and critical that licensees keep their information with the agency current and up to date instead of waiting until their three year anniversary renewal.

15.4.5.15 NMAC - EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

Purpose: Amend subsection D to require bingo employees (staff permittees) to more timely notify the Gaming Control Board of changes to their contact information.

Summary: Staff permittees renew licensing on a three year rotation, it is important and critical that staff permitted bingo employees keep their information with the agency current and up to date instead of waiting until their three year anniversary renewal.

15.4.6.13 - MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND SERVICEING OF PULL-TAB EQUIPMENT

Purpose: Amending to add new subpart 13 and subsections A through I, regarding the permitting, training and approval of technicians for pull-tab dispensers.

Summary: The newer larger electronic pull-tab dispensers are larger and much more complicated than the older more simpler dispensers. Repairs and servicing requirements in the rules were due for an update and added clarity.

15.4.10.13 - DROP, COUNT, AND SECURE PROCEDURES:

Purpose: Amending to add a new subpart 13 and subsections A through T, regarding adopting appropriate regulations for the secure drop and count procedures for pull-tab dispensers.

Summary: Pull-tab dispensers are seeing an increase in use across the state. The rules for the conduct of the drop and count are to protect the safety of bingo operator employees and assets.

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 regular board meeting, scheduled for February 18, 2025. Before the February 18, 2026, regular board meeting, written comments may be sent to GCB-PIO@gcb.nm.gov or by regular mail at Attn: Angela M. Armstrong - proposed bingo rule making, The Gaming Control Board, 4900 Alameda Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113. The deadline to receive written comment is Tuesday February 17, 2026. All written public comments will be posted on the website throughout the written comment period at: https://ww.gcb.nm.gov/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.