AZTEC – San Juan County officials are doubling down on their opposition to a recent state-level ruling, voting to formally request a judicial review of a New Mexico Gaming Control Board decision regarding the future of SunRay Park and Casino in Farmington.
The Board of County Commissioners authorized staff to file a motion for reconsideration, signaling a growing rift between local leaders and state regulators over gaming oversight and its economic impact on the region.
The request for a formal review comes less than a week after the New Mexico Racing Commission unanimously approved SunRay Park’s request to move its racino to Clovis, a site nearly 400 miles away.
The commission’s vote came during a special meeting after months of public discussion. San Juan County, the city of Farmington and Zia Park in Hobbs all objected to the move. However, in-house counsel Richard Bustamante said the commission's goal is to support what is best for the industry.
While the specific details of the Gaming Control Board's initial ruling were not immediately disclosed in the commission's motion, the move reflects the county’s broader strategy to protect local revenue streams and regulatory autonomy.
According to county officials, the state’s recent decision could have “significant implications” for both existing operations and future developments within county lines.
City, county and state legislators have voiced concern about the economic impact of losing SunRay Park and Casino.
SunRay Park is operated by Western Gaming LLC. The grounds are leased from the county under an agreement set to expire in 2028.
The petition for judicial review in District Court seeks to overturn the state’s 3-0 vote that authorized Western Gaming LLC to move its SunRay Park & Casino operations to Clovis.
County leaders contend the state’s approval process was "fatally flawed," alleging they were denied a full and fair opportunity to participate in the proceedings.
The move marks a sharp escalation in the fight to keep the racino in the Four Corners. SunRay Park has operated at the county-owned McGee Park since 1997, though the site – formerly known as San Juan Downs – has hosted horse racing since the 1980s.
“We intend to continue to fight for the families of San Juan County by keeping jobs, families, and a positive economic impact here,” Commission Chair Sam Gonzales said in a statement.
Western Gaming LLC leases 92 acres at McGee Park. While the state has green-lit the move to Clovis, the county noted that Western Gaming’s lease of the fairgrounds does not expire until September 2027. County officials said they will continue to honor the lease terms until that date.
McGee Park serves as the county fairgrounds and hosts more than 1,200 events per year, including weddings, rodeos and meetings for nonprofits.
Operations at McGee Park will not change, and any standing reservations will continue to be honored. The San Juan County Fair will continue to be held at McGee Park.
The New Mexico Gaming Control Board is expected to receive the formal request this week. Under state law, the board must review the motion within a specific window – typically 30 days – to determine if a rehearing is warranted.
County attorneys noted that if the state denies the request for a review, the commission may consider further legal action in District Court.
Live racing at SunRay Park is still scheduled for the 2026 season, running from April 17 through May 24.
