Horse racing and the excitement coming with attending live might soon be elevated on a whole new level with the help of a new proposal coming from Full House Resorts and aiming to transform New Mexico. That would be the new site where a $200-million integrated resort with an adjacent race track featuring an innovative mobile structure allowing spectators to move with the speed of the horses, which could come true if the project is granted the sixth state racing license.
When people attend horse racing events there is always a thrill of observing what is happening at the course but due to the distance between the grandstand and the course itself, there is also the element of remoteness. The management of Full House Resorts is willing to make a change and introduce all enthusiasts to an immersive horse racing to the east of Clovis, New Mexico. The innovative resort would go by the name of La Posada del Llano and would strive to feature a wide array of gaming offerings appealing to all preferences and age groups.
It would cherish the heritage and authentic nature of the region by blending in with the local spirit and cultural history. According to the official statement, it would feature a large enough race course able to host major tournaments and regular racing events live for enthusiasts to enjoy on a regular basis. A special moving grandstand would bring them closer to action and give them the chance to experience the race from up close at up to 44 mph. The developer is willing to bring the younger generation to the race course and make this pastime more appealing to millennials constantly seeking new and exciting activities.
Undeniably an innovation worth experiencing, the moving platform for spectators is among the selling points for this project. In addition to the innovative offering, enthusiasts would also have the opportunity to give their luck a try at the premium 35,000-square-foot casino venue available on site. As for the non-gaming offerings available on site, there would be premium accommodation thanks to the hotel tower, providing some 300 rooms and suites available for booking.
For the golf enthusiasts, there would also be a diverse golf course with as many as 18 holes in addition to a water park, providing hours of entertainment for all guests of the casino resort.
Sixth Racino to Come to State
The developer already operates locations in Mississippi, Colorado, Indiana, and Nevada. Daniel R. Lee is the Chief Executive Officer of the casino developer and he stated that this new project has the potential to liven up the region of Clovis and attract players from neighboring Amarillo, Lubbock in Texas, as well as residents of Oklahoma.
If approved by the New Mexico Racing Commission the new racetrack would join the already operating five licensed courses. Those are Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino in Sunland Park, Ruidoso Downs and Billy the Kid Casino in Ruidoso, Sunray Park and Casino in Farmington, The Downs at Albuquerque, as well as Zia Park and Black Gold Casino in Hobbs.
From these, the latter one is also able to draw players from neighboring Texas but lacks the innovative feature of the proposed integrated resort. Concerns regarding cannibalization in the field have been expressed, as the operating locations are already witnessing not enough horses available to cover all courses.
Jeff True, the General Manager of the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino recently stated that the situation might get heated with a sixth race course. On the other hand, the added bonus to the state would be more job positions available for locals, as well as more taxes raked in and the potential of more people being drawn towards the racetrack and more family-friendly offerings.
This Thursday would see the regular Racing Commission Meeting hosted by Ruidoso Downs Racetrack in Ruidoso Downs, where all 11 applicants for the sixth racing license would showcase their proposals. Among the applicants are Jicarilla Apache Nation in Northern New Mexico, the Gillman Group of Las Vegas, and WhiteSand Gaming of Atlantic City all willing to build in Raton. Once received approval, one of the developers would need at least two more years for the construction of the new location.
