Mexico bans slot machines in casinos and casinos across the country
As of this week, the Mexican government under President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has taken decisive steps to reform the gambling industry. In response to the president's warning months ago, it issued a ban on slot machines in all casinos and betting shops.
The purpose of this measure is to ensure increased regulation and control in compliance with the requirements of the Federal Gambling and Lottery Act. It also comes as Obrador takes a swipe at former President Felipe Calderon, whom he believes may have "destroyed" the gambling ecosystem.
The reforms to be implemented will not apply retroactively. As a result, casinos currently operating slot machines approved during Calderon’s tenure will retain the ability to use those machines until the end of their franchises. However, these privileges are valid for up to 15 years regardless of previous agreements with the government. After this period, these rights may no longer be renewed or extended.
Rewriting the Slot Book
On Thursday, the official government notification agency, the Official Gazette of the Federation, published a notice amending the wording of the provisions of the Federal Games and Competitions Act. In keeping with Obrador's wishes, slot machines are specifically classified as any mechanism that players use to place bets in the hope of winning prizes.
It doesn't matter whether players use cash or other payment methods - anything resembling a slot machine is now illegal. This legislation effectively repeals existing regulations that previously approved the use of these machines, thereby banning all forms of gambling previously permitted under the law.
The ban on slot machines is not the only measure that has been implemented. Another exclusion criterion is the total number of operators in the gaming ecosystem. Individuals with a valid license may continue to operate but are not eligible for license extensions or renewals.
In addition, there are a few operators who have obtained licenses but have not yet opened. Unfortunately for them, those licenses are now invalid.
The passage of the law also prohibits the issuance of new licenses to casinos. In addition, licenses issued for the establishment and operation of betting centers at racecourses, fronton, remote betting centers and all other previously designated areas are valid for a maximum period of one year to a maximum period of fifteen years.
New Direction
In 2012, Calderon passed a law authorizing the Interior Ministry (Segob, for its Spanish abbreviation) to issue slot machine licenses. Then, in 2016, Mexico's Supreme Court approved the installation of slot machines in casinos. The ruling explains that these machines are considered legal if they operate as a lottery game rather than a game that relies solely on chance or skill.
Things have changed significantly since Obrador took office. He's on a mission to change the country's gambling system, and his plan is working.
What happened next, however, remains controversial. Mexico has long had a problem with illegal casinos. There are concerns that activity in this segment will increase with the loss of regulated hours across the country.
What the ban all but guarantees is an increase in online gambling. Mexico’s online gambling market is growing in popularity and traffic will increase as slot machine fans look for alternatives.
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Source: www.casino.org
