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Mexico’s gaming sector is still governed by the Federal Law of Gaming and Lotteries, enacted in 1947. The original intention of the law was to prohibit gambling, which was viewed as a public issue. Yet over 75 years on, things have radically altered. The industry is now controlled by mobile apps, online casinos, and internet sites, yet the existing legislation does not mention these developments.
Thus, a lack of effective regulation has created a gray space, making both customers and operators vulnerable. Offshore platforms inundated the market, unregulated, consumer protection scarce, and the possible tax revenue otherwise accruing to the government was reduced.
Industry Stakeholders’ Calls for Reform
The Asociación de Permisionarios, Operadores y Proveedores de la Industria del Entretenimiento y Juego de Apuesta (AIEJA) has been among the most ardent advocates of reform. Recently, it asked the government to modernize the country’s gaming regime, and its appeal was made more urgent by the fact that the country will be staging the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
For its own part, the AIEJA explained that any new legislation would require active participation by licensed operators so that the law is effective and enforceable. The organization pointed out that modernization is not only about economic opportunity but also about guarding consumers in an ever-expanding digital world.
Industry Leaders Express Their Concerns
A few bosses of top operators have spoken on the issue. Aviv Sher, CEO of Codere, views the World Cup as a one-time growth opportunity for Mexico’s gaming sector, but just in case regulatory clarity arrives earlier instead of later.
Similarly, JD Duarte, Chairman of Betcris, has warned that in the absence of reform, betting traffic will shift to offshore operators, compromising consumer protection and state revenues. Winpot CEO Yono Sidi suggested creating a consultative council of operators to collaborate with regulators to create fair and balanced regulations.
Government Steps Toward Modernization
The Mexican Ministry of the Interior is currently developing new legislation. According to Miguel Ángel Ochoa Sánchez, President of AIEJA, things are moving ahead. He assured, in his attendance at the GAT Expo CDMX, that the forums with the stakeholders have concluded and that a draft law is being compiled.
“This may be the first time that we enact a new law“, Ochoa said. “It would be an important step towards regulating a market long served by outdated legislation.”
The proposed reforms must include controls such as age check systems, betting limits, and responsible gaming policies, measures aimed at aligning Mexican regulation with the best international standards.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup as a Catalyst
Historically, major global events such as the FIFA World Cup have resulted in huge surges in gambling. In some of the markets, the volume of bets taken in a single month of the event is equal to the volume of betting during a whole year. With Mexico hosting the 2026 World Cup together with the United States and Canada, the regulators anticipate a sudden surge in demand for online betting and gambling products.
Less than a year to the tournament’s commencement, it is imperative that lawmakers finish the legal amendments. Everyone, operators, regulators, and consumer associations, agrees that any delay in implementing reforms will result in lost opportunities and greater risks.
A Watershed Moment for Mexico
The path Mexico follows in the coming months will determine the future of the country’s gaming sector for many years to come. Updating the Federal Law of Gaming and Lotteries is no longer something to be discussed; it is a matter of pressing importance. Updating the law before the World Cup gives Mexico a chance to take economic gains, improve consumer safeguards, and demonstrate its ability to adapt to international regulatory standards.
As pressure mounts from both the private industry and government agencies, the looming reforms could be one of the largest shifts in Mexico’s gaming business since the original law of 1947.
Source: iGaming Brasil
