Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in New Mexico?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in New Mexico. Skill machines in New Mexico bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in New Mexico. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in New Mexico; Carrom has none anywhere yet. All 5 of New Mexico's neighbors have cash play at the Skillz level too. New Mexico taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for New Mexico, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in New Mexico
| Game | Cash play in New Mexico | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not New Mexico |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not New Mexico |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not New Mexico |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not New Mexico |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not New Mexico |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New Mexico |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New Mexico |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New Mexico |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New Mexico |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New Mexico |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New Mexico |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in New Mexico
Every game plays free first, so New Mexico players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in New Mexico
New Mexico taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your New Mexico return. The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department decides how New Mexico treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for New Mexico players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering New Mexico
Every state bordering New Mexico has cash play at the Skillz level. Ball Pool Cash's listing also excludes neighboring Arizona.
Questions about skill-game apps in New Mexico
Can I play Atay games for cash in New Mexico?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in New Mexico. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in New Mexico I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Albuquerque and Santa Fe get the same answer.
Do I need to do anything when I drive from New Mexico into Arizona?
No. Arizona also has cash play at the Skillz level, and the app checks your location when you play. One difference: Ball Pool Cash's listing excludes Arizona.
Does New Mexico tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and New Mexico has a state income tax; check the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department's guidance for your situation.
New Mexico status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.