Mexican betting sector undergoes regulatory modernisation in 2025
The Mexican Gaming Authority (Dirección General de Juegos y Sorteos-DGJS) operates under a legislative and operational framework. Both land-based casinos and online operators are subject to Mexico’s updated regulatory framework. Transparency in supervision and licensing is an essential element of the system, according to the entity.
Current state of regulation in Mexico
In Mexico, betting is regulated primarily by the Federal Law of Games and Lotteries and its Regulations, both of which have been updated. The DGJS is the authority that regulates, authorises, and supervises all gaming activities with betting and lotteries, as long as they have a permit issued by the Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB). Certain exceptions apply, such as the National Lottery, which is governed by its own legislation.
In addition, the regulatory reform published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) in November 2023 carried out specific adjustments to the 2004 Regulation focused on:
- Tightening operational rules on electronic gambling machines (slot machines)
- Prohibiting new machines outside of authorised casinos (e.g., those found illegally in convenience stores, pharmacies, and street stands)
- Setting minimum distance requirements from schools and health centres
- Reinforcing administrative controls of SEGOB over permit holders
Permits and control over betting operators in Mexico
Only legal entities incorporated under Mexican law can obtain licenses to operate online casinos and lotteries. This includes land-based casinos, online betting shops, and temporary fairs, each of which operates under specific licences, according to the DGJS. For example, operators cannot manage multiple venues with the same permit. This measure strengthens control and prevents illegal practices.
In addition, DGJS is responsible for supervising regulatory compliance, with powers to impose sanctions ranging from fines to the revocation of licenses or administrative closures. It should be noted that arrests may only be ordered by a judicial authority, if applicable.
Outlook of authorised operators
Currently, Mexico’s betting regulation is reflected in concrete figures that indicate a regulated and modernising market. According to official DGJS data as of 30 September 2025, there are more than 350 land-based casinos with valid licences and more than 30 digital operators with a SEGOB license under the “.mx” domain. In total, it is estimated that there are at least fifty accessible platforms in Mexico operating with international licences with international domains, such as ‘.com’ or ‘.bet’.
However, these figures are approximate and not official due to several factors. The constant update of permits generates daily changes; in addition, the diversity of modalities and the presence of unlicensed operators make an exact count difficult. As a result, public information may be subject to minor delays, since it is subject to continuous review.
The market also faces the challenge of a wide presence of unlicensed operators, which forces constant control and updating of official records to protect the consumer and guarantee legality.
Recent reforms and regulatory modernisation in Mexico
Gambling regulation in Mexico has changed with the reform of November 2023, which established new prohibitions, such as restrictions on slot machines in certain establishments, and controls for online platforms, including digital age verification and self-exclusion systems. Likewise, the update of the Federal Law of Games and Lotteries is being carried out so that online and land-based games are subject to uniform standards, to increase tax revenues and curb the black market.
Since the beginning of 2025, SEGOB has promoted working groups with industry stakeholders to design a comprehensive reform of the law in force since 1947. In September, the head of SEGOB, Rosa Icela Rodríguez Velázquez, announced to local media that the reform would soon be presented to sanction illicit activities and regulate the market, emphasising the urgency of this update. It is expected that between the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, the project will be submitted to discussion in committees and eventually approved.
This article was first published in Spanish on 30 September 2025.
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