Mexico’s Federal Gambling Law Reform Enters Final Review Stage

In Mexico, the proposed reform of the Federal Law on Games and Draws is in its last stage of internal review, Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez said. The law was first announced in September 2025 and has already undergone several reviews by federal government agencies and is now to be submitted to the security cabinet for further consideration before it can be submitted to Congress.

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The review is close to being finalized, Rodríguez said in a morning press conference at the National Palace. “The internal review of the law with the different agencies that make up the government and that may have some involvement with casinos, betting establishments or entertainment centers is almost finished,” she said.

Government Targets Casino Oversight and Compliance

The proposal has been studied by various federal entities and will be on the security cabinet’s agenda next, Rodríguez said. It is at this point that the reform can make its way through the legislative process.

The secretary also reminded them of the fact that at the start of the current administration she met with representatives of the two major industries that function in the sector to set conditions for their work. “not to corrupt the personnel of the agency, under threat of having their businesses closed and the officials involved imprisoned,” she said, or their businesses would be shut down, and the agency officials involved would be jailed, as authorities would work on pending regulatory processes. She also emphasized she doesn’t have any intermediaries or representatives between her and the industry.

Casino Closures Linked to Financial Crimes

In its actions over the last two years, the government cited sanctions and casino closures that are reportedly linked to money laundering and tax evasion, said Rodríguez. These measures have been implemented in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office and the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Ministry of Finance of Mexico.

The number of casinos that have been reported is still 13, although she estimated some 20 establishments may have been having difficulties, Rodríguez said. She failed to give a precise total for the number of businesses impacted.

Mexico Strengthens Anti-Money Laundering Rules

In addition, Mexico is beefing up its anti-money laundering regime, according to the legislative reform. In August, the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit released new General Rules in the Official Gazette, based on the Federal Law for the Prevention and Identification of Transactions with Resources of Illicit Origin.

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The rules reiterate obligations of entities carrying on “Vulnerable Activities” which include gambling, betting games, contests and draws. They set additional standards for compliance, and spell out the duties of regulated entities and those responsible for supervision and enforcement.

Risk-Based Compliance Becomes Central

The introduction of Risk Based Approach as a guiding principle for the new framework is one of the most important aspects. For entities that engage in Vulnerable Activities, the identification, assessment, classification and documentation of risks from customers, transactions, products, services, operating channels and geographic areas.

Rules also enhance customer due diligence, beneficial ownership and politically exposed persons identification, internal controls, recordkeeping and submission of regulatory reports. Authorities will also use a risk-based approach to supervision, with their focus placed on activity that is deemed to be more at risk of money laundering.

The framework includes ‘proportional compliance’ measures, which means that obligations and supervisory actions can be adjusted based on the level of risk of a Vulnerable Activity. Implementation will be gradual and allow regulated entities to adapt their internal processes and build their compliance competences.

In summary, the gambling law reform and more robust anti-money laundering measures suggest a shift towards a more tightly regulated gaming industry in Mexico, with a focus on increased transparency, financial oversight, and compliance with regulations.

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Source: SBC Noticias