Racing commission decides to hold off on sixth New Mexico racino

The commission voted unanimously Thursday to table the license issue, and it was not immediately clear when the panel would take up the matter again.

Chairman Ray Willis said it was in the best interest of the commission to seek legal advice before going forward.

Attorneys for Hidalgo Downs, a group that wants to build a racino in southwestern New Mexico, filed a petition in court last week in an effort to put the brakes on the process. The filing contends the commission has not done enough to study the issue.

The state's five existing racinos have voiced concerns about adding a sixth venue.