Key Moments:
- Gambling operators and regulators have called for updates to Mexico’s 77-year-old gaming law in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Major industry figures have warned of missed growth and tax revenue if reforms are not enacted before the event.
- The Ministry of the Interior is currently leading the drafting of a revised law, with input from sector stakeholders.
Calls for Modernization as 2026 FIFA World Cup Approaches
Regulators and betting operators in Mexico urge the government to modernize gambling laws. They want reforms completed before the surge in activity expected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event, which will take place across 16 cities in North America and be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to drive substantial growth in the local betting market. Industry associations and business leaders warn that Mexico could miss major opportunities. They argue this will happen if the outdated framework stays in place.
Current Challenges with Mexico’s Gambling Law
Mexico enacted the Federal Gaming and Lottery Law in 1947 to impose strict boundaries on gambling. More than seven decades later, the gambling landscape has shifted dramatically, with the rise of mobile betting, digital casinos, and internet-based platforms. However, the law has not kept pace with these technological advancements. This regulatory gap lets offshore betting operators reach the Mexican market without oversight. As a result, consumers face unregulated practices, and the government loses tax revenue.
Industry Leaders Voice Their Concerns
AIEJA, the Association of Permit Holders, Operators and Suppliers of the Entertainment and Gambling Industry, has played a pivotal role in advocating for comprehensive reforms to the nation’s gambling laws. Earlier this year, the group officially called for an update to the Federal Gaming and Lottery Law of 1947, underscoring the heightened need for change ahead of the World Cup. In their view, industry participants must be involved in the rulemaking process to ensure effective and enforceable legislation.
Codere CEO Aviv Sher sees the upcoming World Cup as a unique chance for Mexican betting firms to expand, but says this potential can only be realized if regulations are modernized swiftly. Betcris Chairman JD Duarte has cautioned that, without reform, bettors may turn to offshore platforms, which could limit consumer protections and result in lost revenue. Winpot CEO Yono Sidi has suggested creating an advisory council comprising operators and regulators to collaborate on new rules that are practical and balanced.
Legislative Action and Next Steps
Efforts to draft a new gambling law are currently underway under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior. AIEJA President Miguel Ángel Ochoa Sánchez recently shared that a revised Federal Gaming and Raffles Law is being developed, indicating the process is in its final drafting stages at GAT Expo CDMX.
Ochoa stated, “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.”
According to local stakeholders, any legislative updates should address age verification, betting limits, and responsible gaming protocols. Lawmakers are under pressure to complete these reforms before the World Cup begins, with broad consensus among operators and regulators that immediate action is required to capitalize on the economic and regulatory benefits that a modernized framework could deliver.
Market Outlook Ahead of the FIFA World Cup
Historically, World Cup tournaments have been associated with sharp increases in betting activity, sometimes matching annual wagering volumes within a single month. As a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico is expected to experience a corresponding surge in betting. The current period represents both a regulatory test and an opportunity for the sector to secure a robust, regulated market environment in time for the event. Timely reforms could unlock significant economic gains, while delays risk perpetuating unregulated practices and missed revenue.
| Stakeholder | Position | Key Concern/Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| AIEJA | Industry Association | Government should collaborate with operators in shaping practical regulatory reforms |
| Codere CEO Aviv Sher | Operator | World Cup offers growth potential if laws are modernized swiftly |
| Betcris Chairman JD Duarte | Operator | Warns that delays may shift betting activity offshore, reducing revenue and consumer protection |
| Winpot CEO Yono Sidi | Operator | Recommends forming an advisory council of operators and regulators |
| Ministry of the Interior | Regulatory Body | Currently overseeing the drafting of new regulatory legislation |
- Author
Daniel Williams
