RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—MARCH 16, 2020—The Billy the Kid Casino located at Ruidoso Downs Race Track closed Sunday due to COVID-19 concerns in the state of New Mexico.

At the request of New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham, this change went into effect at the close of business on Sunday, March 15. Billy the Kid Casino, Billy’s Sports Bar & Grill, and the Racebook will remain closed through April 9.

"This is a public health issue. Ruidoso Downs will do what is best for our community and join the fight against the spread of this disease in our resort community. We must protect our employees as well as our customers from exposure," said Jeff True, Ruidoso Downs president and general manager.

The New Mexico Health Secretary also amended the public health emergency order on Sunday, March 15, adding that all restaurants and bars shall operate at no greater than 50% maximum occupancy.