ISLETA PUEBLO, N.M. — Isleta Casino, on the south edge of Albuquerque, has been running television ads suggesting people with debts to head to the casino — an idea criticized by a gambling opponent and a rival casino.

"So the holidays have passed and those credit card bills just keep piling up, and there seems to be no relief in sight?" a narrator asks in the 30-second Isleta Casino & Resort television ad that recently aired on some New Mexico stations. "How will you pay those huge bills?

"Well, Isleta Casino Resort comes to your rescue!" the ad says.

The ad begins in black-and-white, showing a man who appears to be at his wit's end as organ music plays in the background. Then the narrator suggests Isleta casino as a financial rescuer. It concludes by showing a woman smiling and laughing as someone fans a stack of cash into her outstreteched palm.

Isleta casino manager Barry Milligan had no comment.

Guy Clark, executive director of the New Mexico Coalition Against Gambling, called the ad outrageous.

He said it leaves the impression that people behind on their bills can get cash by gambling.

"You may owe for Christmas, but if you stay there long enough, you may lose your house," Clark said. "This is plain, flat lying."

The acting marketing manager of Sandia Casino, which lies north of Albuquerque, also was critical.

"It crosses the line between promoting responsible gaming and reckless gaming," said Anne-Marie Collins.