Located in the heart of the “Energy Capital” of the Southwest, Zia Park Casino, Hotel & Racetrack in Hobbs, New Mexico, stands as a cornerstone of regional entertainment. Owned and operated by PENN Entertainment, the property has evolved significantly since its opening, specifically tailoring its offerings to bridge the gap between high-tech gaming and traditional Western hospitality.
In 2026, Zia Park continues to draw visitors from across the Permian Basin and beyond, offering a self-contained resort campus where horse racing, a modern casino floor, and upscale dining converge. This review provides an exhaustive look at the logistics, gaming mechanics, and racing schedules that define the property today.
The Zia Park Casino Floor and Electronic Gaming Mechanics
The gaming floor at Zia Park is designed for efficiency and high-energy play. Spanning approximately 18,700 square feet, the layout prioritizes the latest in electronic gaming technology. While the property does not feature live-dealer table games, it has invested heavily in Electronic Table Games (ETGs) and a massive variety of slots to compensate.
Slot Machine Variety and High Limit Gaming
The casino currently houses 750 slot machines. In 2026, the floor is dominated by 4K immersive cabinets and multi-game terminals.
- Featured Themes: Players will find current favorites such as the Dragon Link and Buffalo series, alongside a deep library of video poker and keno.
- Denominations: Betting options are accessible for all bankrolls, ranging from penny slots to the high-limit room.
- High Limit Room: This dedicated space features machines with denominations of $5, $10, $25, and $100. It offers a more private atmosphere for serious players and is a primary focus for the property’s VIP hosts.
Electronic Table Games and Video Poker
Zia Park utilized the newest generation of ETGs to provide a “live feel” without the need for traditional pits.
- Blackjack and Roulette: These terminals feature synchronized video dealers and rapid-play mechanics.
- Video Poker: The property maintains a high concentration of multi-hand video poker machines, which are particularly popular during the morning and afternoon hours.
The 2026 Live Racing Season and Simulcasting
The racetrack at Zia Park Casino is a premier venue for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. It is famously known for its fast dirt surface and its role in the New Mexico racing circuit.
Official 2026 Live Race Schedule
The 2026 racing calendar has been finalized by the New Mexico Racing Commission. For the current year, Zia Park is scheduled for 31 days of live racing.
- Season Dates: The meet officially begins on October 31, 2026, and runs through December 15, 2026.
- Race Days: Most racing weeks follow a schedule of Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. There are also three designated Fridays included in the 2026 meet.
- Daily Card: A typical day at the track features 9 races, with a standard post time of 1:00 PM Central (local time in Hobbs).
Year-Round Simulcast Wagering
Outside of the fall live meet, Zia Park serves as a hub for off-track betting (OTB).
- Starting Gate Bar & Grill: This is the primary location for simulcasting, featuring dozens of high-definition monitors.
- Wagering Access: Guests can place wagers on major tracks across the United States, Canada, and Australia 365 days a year.
Dining Experiences at Zia Park
Zia Park Casino has curated its dining options to ensure that guests have access to both a high-end steakhouse experience and casual, sports-centric bites.
Centennial Steakhouse
Consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Lea County, Centennial Steakhouse is the property’s flagship venue.
- The Atmosphere: The restaurant features a signature 34-foot copper and granite bar, creating an upscale Western ambiance.
- The Menu: The focus is on quality USDA steaks. Popular cuts in 2026 include the 8-ounce Center Cut Filet Mignon ($38) and the 20-ounce Porterhouse Steak ($48).
- Signature Tradition: A visit is not complete without Sissy’s Jalapeño Bisque, a Zia Park staple known for its creamy texture and spicy vegetable broth.
- Operating Hours: The steakhouse typically operates for dinner service Wednesday through Sunday, with Prime Rib specials available every Friday and Saturday.
The Turf Club and Drylands Brewing Company
- The Turf Club: Located with a panoramic view of the racetrack, this is the best spot for “lunch with a view” during the live racing season.
- Drylands Brewing Company: This social hub features a wide selection of local craft beers and wood-fired pizzas. It is the go-to spot for catching NFL and NBA games, often featuring “Game Day” buckets and wing specials.
Lodging at the Zia Park Hotel
The Zia Park Hotel is an Ascend Hotel Collection member, offering 154 rooms. It was designed to provide a quiet retreat from the casino floor, connected by a climate-controlled walkway.
Room Amenities and Tiers
All 154 rooms were renovated to include modern tech and comfort features.
- Tech Integration: Rooms feature 42-inch flat-screen TVs, laptop-compatible safes, and high-speed Wi-Fi (25+ Mbps).
- Comforts: Guests receive complimentary bottled water, in-room coffee, refrigerators, and microwaves.
- Soundproofing: The hotel tower is specifically soundproofed, ensuring that the noise from the racetrack and casino does not disturb guests.
Logistics and Guest Services
- Free Airport Shuttle: Zia Park Casino provides a complimentary shuttle to and from Lea County Regional Airport (Hobb), located just under 5 miles away.
- Free Breakfast: Every overnight stay includes a daily hot continental breakfast, served from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
- Resort Fee: Note that there is a standard daily resort fee (typically around $12.99) which covers fitness center access, business center use, and in-room amenities.
PENN Play Rewards Program for 2026
The PENN Play program (formerly mychoice) is the overarching loyalty system. It allows players to earn and redeem points at over 35 destinations across North America.
Earning and Redeeming Points
| Action | Bet Required for 1 Tier Point |
| Slots | $5 Coin-In |
| Video Poker | $10 Coin-In |
| Electronic Table Games | $40 Coin-In |
| Horse Racing | $10 Bet |
| Dining & Hotel | $5 Spent |
PENN Cash: This is the spendable currency earned through play. In 2026, $1 of PENN Cash equals $2 in value when used for hotel stays or dining at the property.- New Member Offer: In 2026, new sign-ups who download the PENN Play app can participate in the Flyin’ Cash Grab game, with potential prizes ranging from $26 to $2,026 in PENN Cash.
Exploring Nearby Attractions in Hobbs
Zia Park’s location makes it a central point for exploring the “Gateway to the Land of Enchantment.”
- Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame: Located just 2 miles away, this museum offers an incredible look at the ranching and petroleum history of the region.
- Lea County Event Center: A major venue for rodeos, concerts, and trade shows, situated adjacent to the casino property.
- Ocotillo Park Golf Course: A 5-minute drive from the hotel, this course is a favorite for guests looking to spend a morning on the greens before the races begin.
Final Verdict and Visitor Summary
Zia Park Casino, Hotel & Racetrack has successfully maintained its status as a premier destination by leaning into its strengths: high-quality racing, a tech-forward gaming floor, and a restaurant that serves as a local landmark.
It is worth the trip if you are looking for a clean, safe, and professional gaming environment without the over-the-top chaos of larger metropolitan casinos. The fall racing meet, in particular, remains one of the most exciting sporting traditions in New Mexico.
