Mexico Considers Comprehensive Overhaul of Federal Gaming Regulation

Key Moments:

  • Deputy Ricardo Mejía has submitted a bill to replace Mexico’s 1947 Federal Law of Games with Bets and Lotteries
  • The proposal introduces the National Institute of Games and Lotteries to oversee the sector
  • Measures addressing responsible gaming and public health, including raising the minimum age to 21, are mandated in the bill

Legislation Targets Modernization and Market Integrity

Mexico is preparing to revamp its gaming and lottery framework. Deputy Ricardo Mejía recently presented the proposal before the Chamber of Deputies. The bill aims to replace the outdated Federal Law of Games with Bets and Lotteries, which has remained unchanged since 1947. The reform’s main goals are to make the gaming sector safer, more transparent, and more accountable. It also addresses issues like illegal operations and problem gambling.

Key Features of the Proposed Reform

The reform introduces a clear legal framework for online casinos and gambling platforms. It seeks to balance the interests of participants, operators, and licensees. Plans are in place to increase tax collection and strengthen societal safeguards within the sector.

Deputy Mejía, who represents Coahuila, said the new law places individuals at the heart of regulation. Consequently, it prioritizes player protection and ensures stricter oversight of gambling activities. The legislation stipulates that all forms of gaming and lotteries involving bets must be operated responsibly, securely, and with full transparency to defend the fundamental rights of involved parties.

Institutional Reform: National Institute of Games and Lotteries

A key feature of the proposal is the creation of the National Institute of Games and Lotteries. This new decentralized agency will operate under the Ministry of the Interior (Segob). This new body would be charged with regulating, inspecting, and enforcing penalties in the gaming sector, with the aim of removing discretionary practices and boosting transparency.

Major changes include new licensing rules, a limit of one authorization per property, and fair competition policies for new entrants. These measures seek to encourage a dynamic and accountable market, reducing monopolistic tendencies and bolstering regulatory oversight.

Main Reform ElementsDescription
One license per propertyLimits authorizations to a single venue to promote fairness
Closure of illegal venuesAuthorities empowered to shut down operations violating the law
Maximum fineSanctions up to 200,000 minimum wages for non-compliance

Advancing Responsible Gaming and Consumer Protections

The legislative plan acknowledges problem gambling, or ludopathy, as a pressing public health issue. Prevention strategies outlined in the bill include raising the minimum legal age for participation to 21, implementing mandatory self-exclusion programs, and delivering education on responsible gambling.

Further safeguards are proposed, such as setting betting limits based on each participant’s financial capacity in order to prevent harm and addiction. Operators would be obligated to communicate risks, limit structures, and player rights to facilitate greater transparency.

Additionally, the bill prohibits ATMs within gaming areas and imposes informational controls to keep participants aware of their behavior and associated risks. The legislation also places particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups, including minors, people with disabilities, and individuals exhibiting risky gambling behaviors.

Alignment with International Standards and Community Investment

An objective of the reform is to bring Mexico’s legal framework in line with international benchmarks for consumer protection and regulatory clarity. The proposal calls for allocation of gaming-related tax revenue to support public health, cultural, and sports initiatives, ensuring the industry’s economic contributions directly benefit social welfare.

In Deputy Mejía’s words, the legislation represents a “new, secure, and responsible sector” that fosters tourism, stimulates the economy, and reduces criminal risks associated with unregulated gaming activities.

Potential Impact on Mexico’s Gaming Industry

Should the Federal Law of Lotteries and Games of Chance be approved, it would mark a significant evolution for the country’s gambling landscape, blending innovation with social responsibility and crafting a regulatory environment fit for current and future market needs.

  • Author

Daniel Williams

Daniel Williams has started his writing career as a freelance author at a local paper media. After working there for a couple of years and writing on various topics, he found his interest for the gambling industry.
Daniel Williams
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