The New Mexico Gaming Control Board plans to meet about the Ruidoso Race Track, a well-known horse racing venue. Recent reports say Ruidoso Downs Casino will stay closed for all of 2026 because of flooding.
Engineers have raised safety concerns about damaged drainage at the entrance, which is one reason for the casino closure at Ruidoso Downs.
Officials said the entrance should stay closed until repairs are finished. The New Mexico Department of Transportation checked the waterways and found signs of damage, linking the Ruidoso Downs casino closure to these infrastructure problems.
General Manager Rick Baugh said the temporary closure is required to protect employees, guests, and business partners. He explained that this break will give them time to fix the safety issues.
The facility urges visitors to redeem any cash or betting vouchers before it closes, since the Ruidoso Downs casino closure is coming soon.
The racetrack said customers who cannot redeem their vouchers before the closure will have up to 60 days to request a refund. They can use a mail-in process if affected by the Ruidoso Downs casino closure.
Racing will continue
Casino operations will pause, but horse racing will continue at the Downs of Albuquerque on weekends and Labor Day, even though Ruidoso Downs casino will be closed in 2026.
Organizers expect the All American Select Sale and the New Mexico Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred Sale to go ahead as planned. These events will be held at the Ruidoso Downs Horse Sale Pavilion and will not be affected by the casino closure.
