Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino is a full resort owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe on its land in Mescalero, about four miles from Ruidoso in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico. It rates 4.3 from around 10,500 Google reviewers.

This is the one property in this part of the state built for an overnight stay rather than a quick session. There is a lake, a golf course, a hotel of more than 270 rooms and a casino floor with live tables, poker and a sportsbook. If you want all of that in one place in southern New Mexico, this is the venue that has it.

What's on the floor

The resort describes a gaming floor of about 45,000 square feet with more than 600 games. A 2022 presentation by the tribe put the count at 669 slots and 19 table games, so expect a floor in that range rather than a Las Vegas-scale room.

  • Slots: a broad mix of reels, video slots and video poker, plus a higher-limit area the resort calls The Enclave.
  • Table games: blackjack, craps and roulette are the staples. The resort lists table hours of 10am to 2am Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 4am on Friday and Saturday.
  • Poker room: yes, but not every day. The resort lists it as open Thursday to Sunday, 2pm to 2am. Third-party listings give other hours, so check before you plan around a game.
  • Sportsbook: in-person betting counters with screens next to the Big Game Sports Bar. Listed hours are 11am to 8pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 9pm Friday to Sunday.

There is no bingo hall here. For a smaller, slots-led stop, the tribe's Casino Apache Travel Center is about six miles away on US 70.

Hotel and resort

The hotel has 273 rooms and suites, many facing Lake Mescalero and Sierra Blanca. The resort also has an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ted Robinson, a spa, pools, and seasonal outdoor activities. Ski Apache, which the tribe also operates, is up the mountain for winter visitors. Fishing, hunting trips and horseback riding are offered at various times of year.

Dining

The tribe lists these outlets:

  • Wendell's: the steak and seafood restaurant, plus Wendell's Lounge overlooking the lake.
  • Red Hat Grille: casual all-day dining.
  • Big Game Sports Bar: pub food beside the sportsbook.
  • Broken Arrow Tap House: a gastropub with food late into the evening.

Menus and opening days change with the season, so check what's open midweek before you go.

Tips before you go

You must be 21 to gamble. New Mexico's tribal gaming compacts set 21 as the minimum age for casino games.

Hours depend on the source. The resort says the gaming floor is open 24/7. Google lists 8am to midnight Sunday to Thursday and 8am to 2am on Friday and Saturday. Tables, poker and the sportsbook each have their own hours, listed above. If you are arriving late, call ahead.

On smoking, the resort's FAQ describes a smoke-free property, but some visitor reviews mention smoke on the casino floor. If that matters to you, ask when you book.

The resort is at about 7,000 feet, so winter weather can affect the mountain roads. Ruidoso has plenty of other lodging and dining if the resort is full.

Nearby alternatives

The tribe's own Casino Apache Travel Center is a few minutes down US 70. In Ruidoso Downs, Billy the Kid's Casino at Ruidoso Downs (temporarily closed since July 2026 after flood damage) has slots next to the racetrack. Further south, Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino serves the El Paso border area.

For the full picture, see all New Mexico in-person casinos.

FAQ

What are Inn of the Mountain Gods' casino hours?

The resort says the gaming floor is open 24/7, while Google lists 8am to midnight most days and 8am to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Tables, poker and the sportsbook keep shorter hours. Confirm before a late visit.

How old do you have to be to gamble at Inn of the Mountain Gods?

  1. That is the minimum age for casino gaming under New Mexico's tribal gaming compacts.

What games are available at Inn of the Mountain Gods?

Around 600 to 670 slot and video machines, about 19 table games including blackjack, craps and roulette, a poker room open Thursday to Sunday, and an in-person sportsbook. There is no bingo.

Is there a hotel at Inn of the Mountain Gods?

Yes. The resort has 273 rooms and suites, along with a golf course, a spa, and a lake beside the property.