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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has announced plans to update the country’s ancient Ley de Juegos y Sorteos (Law of Games and Lotteries), a law that was originally enacted in 1947. The move is in response to the rapid expansion of online sportsbooks and the growing visibility of internet betting in national media and society.
A Call for Modernization
At her Thursday, October 16, morning press conference, President Sheinbaum explained that the objective is not the prohibition of gambling but the establishment of orderly and modern regulations for an activity that has evolved far beyond the scope of the mid-20th-century legislation.
“We do not want to illegalize betting“, Sheinbaum stated. “What we are trying to do is have proper regulation. The world has evolved, and digital platforms have increased exponentially.”
To that end, the president has requested Rosa Icela Rodríguez, secretary of the Secretariat of the Interior (Segob), to head the task of drafting the reform proposal. The bill aims to encompass specific rules for online gaming, such as consumer protection, advertising limitations, and responsible gaming obligations.
The Role of the Secretariat of the Interior
President Sheinbaum ratified that Segob already has the draft reform project underway, which will serve as the foundation for the revision of Mexico’s gaming law. “We will ask Rosa Icela to detail it more“, commented the president. “She has been working on the amendment to regulate casinos, particularly due to the fact that online betting has grown so much.”
The government wants to make this reform open and collaborative, consulting various segments of civil society and industry stakeholders to ensure the new framework is tailored to technological realities and social priorities.
Concerns Relating to Advertising and Gambling Addiction
One of the central reasons for the proposed reform is the increased visibility of betting adverts throughout the media, especially during sporting events. Sheinbaum was concerned about the constant exposure to online betting promotions, most of which reach or target young individuals.
“If you’re viewing a sporting program, soccer or American football, you’re being bombarded with internet gambling advertisements“, she stated. “Many of these websites are operated by firms located abroad, and kids are viewing them and receiving the idea that it’s simple to win lots of money by merely gambling or being fortunate.”
Sheinbaum also spoke of the addictive risks of gambling, describing pathological gambling (ludopathy) as an emerging issue that can lead to serious mental illness.
Linking Regulation and Public Health
In addition to revising regulations, Sheinbaum also mentioned the connection between gambling policy and public health. She spoke about the government’s suggestion to raise the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) on internet gambling from 30% to 50%, with the additional money being allocated to mental health services and programs for the prevention of addiction.
“These monies will go towards mental health and gambling addiction prevention“, she continued, noting the administration’s two-pronged approach to both regulating and mitigating the social impacts of internet betting.
Toward a Responsible Digital Betting Framework
The reform of the 1947 law is a significant step for Mexico as it seeks to balance economic potential with consumer protection in the digital era. With online betting sites having exploded in size and visibility, through media and sponsorship of sport, the need for a socially responsible and modern legal framework has become urgent.
By combining updated law, stricter advertising rules, and a focus on responsible gaming and public health, President Sheinbaum’s administration is ensuring Mexico’s gambling sector evolves to meet the needs of its new digital age, while safeguarding the health of its citizens.
Source: YogoNet
