Mexico's outdated gambling laws face long-overdue reform push

A 77-year-old law struggles to keep pace with today's risks. Could stricter rules and a new gaming institute finally bring Mexico's gambling sector into the 21st century?

, and Administrator

2026 April 4 . 5:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows an old cigarette card with a Mexican flag on it. The flag is composed of three... — The image shows an old cigarette card with a Mexican flag on it. The flag is composed of three vertical stripes of red, white, and green, with a white eagle in the center. The text on the card reads "Mexico".

Mexico's outdated gambling laws face long-overdue reform push

Mexico's gambling laws may soon face a major overhaul. Deputy Ricardo Mejía Berdeja has pushed for reform, arguing that the current system—rooted in a 1947 law—fails to protect players or regulate operators properly. His proposal seeks to modernise regulations in line with global standards and Mexico's growing tourism and entertainment sectors.

The existing Federal Gaming and Lotteries Law has remained largely unchanged since its introduction 77 years ago. Berdeja highlights its inability to address today's challenges, including money laundering risks and the rapid expansion of online gambling. Latin America's online gambling market alone is projected to grow by 12.6% annually until 2026.

The proposed reform would create a National Gaming and Lotteries Institute to handle licensing, oversight, and enforcement. Illegal operators could face fines as high as 200,000 times the minimum wage under the new rules. The bill also aims to legalise and streamline the market, potentially increasing tax revenues. Despite its ambitions, the reform lacks backing from the ruling MORENA party. Its future remains uncertain, though discussions signal a shift toward stricter regulation. Berdeja insists the changes are necessary to align Mexico with international practices and ensure a safer, fairer gambling environment.

The reform's success hinges on political support and legislative approval. If passed, it would introduce stricter oversight, heavier penalties for illegal operators, and a more structured licensing system. For now, the debate continues as Mexico weighs modernisation against decades-old regulations.