Tesuque Casino is run by the Pueblo of Tesuque just north of Santa Fe, off US 84/285 and right next to the Santa Fe Opera. It opened in late 2018, replacing the pueblo's older Camel Rock Casino. It rates 3.8 from around 1,800 Google reviewers.
It is the nearest casino to downtown Santa Fe and a modern, single-level building. It is a gaming and dining stop rather than a resort, though, because there is no hotel on site.
What's on the floor
The casino lists more than 700 slot machines. Coverage of the 2018 opening reported about 800 machines in a building of roughly 70,000 square feet, so the floor appears to have been trimmed a little since then.
- Slots: reels, video slots and video poker across a range of denominations.
- Table games: live tables with dealers, including blackjack and roulette. About 10 tables were reported at opening.
- Poker room: none is promoted. A poker table appears in the casino's photos, but there's no advertised poker program, so don't plan a trip around a cash game.
- Sportsbook and bingo: neither is listed.
The casino now describes itself as smoke-free. Some older directory listings and job ads describe smoking on the floor, so the policy appears to have changed. The current non-smoking floor is one of the more useful things to know if smoke has kept you away from other northern New Mexico casinos.
Dining
The main restaurant is Cottonwood Kitchen, with an exhibition kitchen, a full bar and lounge overlooking the casino floor, and an outdoor patio of around 75 seats. A Grab & Go counter covers quick snacks. Santa Fe's restaurant scene is about 15 minutes away if you want more choice.
Where to stay
There is no on-site hotel. The casino points visitors to its lodging partner, Hotel Glorieta. Its shuttle to several downtown Santa Fe hotels is listed as temporarily suspended, so plan your own transport.
RV parking is allowed, but there are no hookups.
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.
Google lists the hours as 10am to midnight Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 2am on Friday and Saturday. The casino's own site just says it is open seven days a week. Tribal officials talked about 24-hour operation when it opened in 2018, but that does not match the current listing, so don't count on overnight play.
During the Santa Fe Opera's summer season, the shared stretch of highway gets busier around performance times. Leave extra time on opera evenings.
Nearby alternatives
A few miles further north, Buffalo Thunder Casino is a full resort with a hotel. Its sister property, Cities of Gold Hotel & Casino, is a smaller option in Pojoaque. Towards Española, Santa Claran Casino Resort adds a golf course and hotel.
For the full picture, see all New Mexico in-person casinos.
FAQ
What are Tesuque Casino's hours?
Google lists 10am to midnight Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 2am on Friday and Saturday. The casino's own site says only that it is open seven days a week, so call ahead for late visits.
How old do you have to be to gamble at Tesuque Casino?
- That is the minimum age for casino gaming under New Mexico's tribal gaming compacts.
What games are available at Tesuque Casino?
More than 700 slot machines and a small set of live tables, including blackjack and roulette. No poker room, bingo or sportsbook is advertised.
Is Tesuque Casino smoke-free?
The casino currently describes itself as a smoke-free casino. Some older listings say otherwise, so check if it matters to you.
