Zia Park Casino Hotel & Racetrack is a racetrack casino in Hobbs, in New Mexico's south-eastern oil country close to the Texas line. It is operated by PENN Entertainment and combines a slot floor (branded the Black Gold Casino), a hotel and a live racing oval. It rates 3.8 from around 3,700 Google reviewers.
This is not a tribal resort and it does not try to be one. It is a machines-and-racing property that serves Hobbs, the wider Permian Basin and a fair amount of West Texas traffic.
What's on the floor
Around 750 slot machines, according to the property's hotel listings, plus a high-limit room, video poker and electronic table games.
There are no live table games and no poker room. If you want a live blackjack dealer or a poker seat, you will need to drive to one of the state's tribal casinos, and from Hobbs that is a long way.
Racing is the other half of the offering. Simulcast wagering on races from other tracks runs year-round, and the live meet runs in late fall and early winter. The 2026 meet is a 31-day mixed meet opening on Saturday, October 31 and running into mid-December, with Quarter Horse racing on weekends, Thoroughbred cards mainly on Mondays and Tuesdays, and a first post of 12:05pm Mountain Time on race days.
Hotel
The on-site hotel has around 154 rooms, a mix of kings and double queens, with some suites and some rooms overlooking the racetrack. Listings mention a fitness center and free wifi. It is a practical, mid-range hotel rather than a resort, which suits the business and oilfield travelers who make up much of its trade.
Dining
Listings name several on-site options:
- Centennial Steakhouse, the sit-down choice, listed as open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday.
- Starting Gate Bar & Grill, a casual spot that shows live sport.
- Café Aroma, for breakfast and casual American food.
- Turf Club, open on weekends during the live racing season.
- Drylands Brewing Company, a brewpub.
Opening days and hours for these come from third-party listings and may have changed, so check before planning a meal around one.
Tips before you go
You must be 21 to enter the gaming area and play.
Google does not list casino hours for Zia Park, and we could not find a reliable published schedule. Call the property before a late-night or early-morning visit.
If you want to see live racing, time your trip for the fall meet. Outside those dates the track is quiet and the property runs as a slot floor with simulcast betting.
Hobbs is a long drive from the rest of New Mexico's casinos. Albuquerque is roughly five hours away, so treat Zia Park as a local or regional stop rather than part of a casino road trip.
Nearby alternatives
The closest New Mexico properties are still a fair drive. Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino near Ruidoso is the nearest full resort with live tables. Casino Apache Travel Center is a smaller stop in the same area, and Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino near El Paso is another racetrack casino.
For the full picture, see all New Mexico in-person casinos.
FAQ
What are Zia Park Casino's hours?
Google does not list hours for the casino and we could not verify a published schedule. Call the property before you go.
How old do you have to be to gamble at Zia Park?
You must be 21.
What games are available at Zia Park?
Around 750 slot machines, video poker and electronic table games, plus simulcast race betting. There are no live table games and no poker room.
When is live racing at Zia Park?
The 2026 meet opens on October 31 and runs 31 race days into mid-December, with first post at 12:05pm Mountain Time.
