for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
Recent events suggest that Mexico will allow only late-night gambling ads across sporting events shown on television.
Mexico’s lawmakers are preparing to debate a draft bill that would narrow when gambling adverts can run during major sports events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The proposal comes from Jericó Abramo Masso, who says parents have raised concerns about children seeing betting promotions woven into match coverage and being sold “quick wealth” messages.
Under the plan, operators would only be allowed to advertise in a narrow overnight window, roughly 10:30pm to 6:00am, rather than during family viewing hours.
A hurry to set the rules before Mexico hosts the opener
Fans, operators, and broadcasters prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which runs from 11 June to 19 July and will open in Mexico City.
With kick-off now months away, lawmakers want clearer boundaries for broadcast advertising before marketing spend ramps up further across sport.
Mexico already places conditions on gambling promotion
Advertising for betting products requires prior clearance from Secretariat of the Interior and must follow rules around responsible gambling messaging and the avoidance of content aimed at minors.
Abramo Masso’s bill would go further by restricting when ads can appear, not just what they say. The measure is currently with the Chamber of Deputies leadership and awaits committee handling before it can advance to a wider vote.
The ad proposal also lands in a wider policy push by MORENA to tighten oversight of gambling. Separate to advertising, the government’s 2026 fiscal plan raised the gambling rate within IEPS from 30% to 50% on turnover, adding pressure on operator margins ahead of the tournament.
Sources: G2 Newswire
