Betting operators and industry stakeholders have appealed to the Mexican government to update the gambling regulations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They fear that without reformed regulations, licensed operators would lose revenue to offshore gambling platforms. Mexico’s Federal Gaming and Lottery Law of 1947 outlaws most forms of land-based gambling. However, with a majority of gambling activities moving online, it’s imperative to regulate the market for sustainable development.
Mexico Working Towards Gambling Reforms: Context Summarised
- Betting operators in Mexico are pushing the government for reformed regulations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Stakeholders cite the lack of remote gambling regulations as a severe threat to local consumers relying on offshore betting sites.
- Earlier this month, the Association of Licensees and Suppliers of the Entertainment and Gambling Industry in Mexico (AIEJA) appealed to the Mexican government to update the Federal Law of Gaming and Lotteries of 1947.
- Mexico’s Ministry of the Interior is working on a draft law in consultation with industry stakeholders. The legislation includes age verification, betting limits, and responsible gambling guidelines, at par with global regulatory standards.
Mexico Witnesses Industry-Wide Calls for Urgent Gambling Reforms
Mexican lawmakers are preparing an updated gambling regulation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Canada, the United States of America, and Mexico will jointly host the tournament across 16 cities. Legal betting operators in Mexico have called on the authorities to update the gambling regulations, citing risk from unregulated offshore platforms.
Gambling in Mexico is overseen by the Federal Law of Gaming and Lotteries of 1947. The age-old legislation lacks provisions for regulating the remote gambling sector. As a result, over 60% of online gambling activities in Mexico remain unregulated.
The Association of Licensees and Suppliers of the Entertainment and Gambling Industry in Mexico (AIEJA) called on the Mexican government, earlier this month, to revise the Federal Gaming and Lottery Law of 1947. The modern gambling industry has evolved to include mobile gaming, payment platforms, and digital casinos. However, Mexican regulations are yet to catch up.
The lack of adequate regulation enables offshore gambling operators to target Mexican consumers without oversight. This not only undermines the authenticity of licensed operators but also exposes consumers to unscrupulous practices, compromising their safety and resulting in lost tax revenue for the government.
Mexican Government Working on a Draft Bill to Modernise Gambling Regulations
The AIEJA’s proposal is led by Aviv Sher, CEO of Codere Online, who views the World Cup as a rare opportunity for growth within Mexico’s gambling industry. However, the lack of modern gambling regulations is a significant hurdle. Experts warn that consumers may be lured by offshore gambling sites in the absence of regulations, which not only pose gambling risks but also result in lost revenue. In contrast, a well-regulated industry could attract significant interest from the leading sportsbook providers offering reliable services.
Mexico’s Ministry of the Interior is currently preparing draft legislation to modernise gambling regulations in the country. Miguel Ángel Ochoa Sánchez, President of AIEJA, confirmed at GAT Expo CDMX that a reformed Federal Gaming and Raffles Law is under development:
We believe that for the first time, we may have a new law. The Ministry of the Interior is leading the issue. The forums to which we were invited have been completed, and we understand that they are in the final stages of drafting the bill. It would be a crucial step toward regulating a market that is currently governed by an obsolete 77-year-old law.
Gambling activities skyrocket during the FIFA World Cup. This is the perfect opportunity for Mexico to capitalise on the fanfare and establish a regulated industry. With less than a year to go for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexican lawmakers are preparing for a boom in the remote gambling sector. Authorities have also considered raising gambling taxes from 30% to 50% to compensate for a deficit budget in 2025.