Sunland  Casino and Racetrack is located in the small community of  Sunland Park New Mexico, which is bordered (almost surrounded  by) El Paso, Texas.  Due to the popularity of the casino, and new legislation allowing for more slot machines at racetrack casinos, Sunland recently doubled its size.  As with all of the racetrack casinos, it is slots and video games only. (Although I remember reading that table games may be allowed in the future.)  The surrounding scenery lacks the charm of some of the other casinos, although the barren  but scenic Franklin Mountains are in the background.  Since its opening, the casino has been a popular stop, but became more popular (and crowded)  when the Federal Courts forced the closing of the Tigua Indian Speaking Rock Casino located near El Paso.  However,  Sunland may be facing stiff competition in the  near future.  One of the northern New Mexico pueblos is negotiating to construct an indian casino  in nearby Anthony, NM.  The Sunland Casino management is crying "foul" because of the  inherent tax and operations advantages that  a Native American Indian casino would have over the  racetrack casino.  Sunland's position is that  an indian casino would be devastating to its operation.  With the population base  of southern New Mexico, west Texas, and Juarez Mexico,   I think  Sunland could co-exist  and thrive with a little competition down the road.

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