MORENA government continues to send mixed signals on the long-sought modernisation of Mexico’s gambling framework.
Developments in Mexico see the MORENA government acknowledge that gambling laws are antiquated and no longer fit for modern consumers.
Irrespective of mounting criticism, the MORENA government is yet to commit to undertaking an overhaul of Mexico’s gambling laws, still governed by the Federal Gaming and Lottery Law of 1947.
The remit of this 78-year-old framework comes under scrutiny as President Claudia Sheinbaum’s draft budget introduces measures to impose a “sin tax” on gambling, doubling the sector’s net income tax burden to 50%. The proposals have been tabled without any prior consultation on the potential economic impact such an increase would have on one of Mexico’s fastest-growing industries.
MORENA stands by Sheinbaum’s draft proposals, yet ministers insist they remain open to hearing the industry’s long-standing call for reform.
In a speech before the Chamber of Deputies, Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez confirmed that the administration intends to reform the Federal Gaming and Lottery Law, which has remained unchanged since 1947.
Rodríguez emphasised the urgency of modernisation, stating: “Seventy-eight years have passed since this law was enacted, and it has not been updated despite the technological advances that have transformed the sector. Our aim is to provide legal certainty for operators, guarantee protections for consumers, and ensure the state can effectively combat illicit practices such as money laundering.”
The campaign for modernisation is led by AIEJA, the national trade body representing licensees and suppliers. Its president, Miguel Ángel Ochoa Sánchez, argues that Mexico must protect itself with a well-regulated gambling sector capable of delivering broader economic benefits across tourism, banking, IT, and job creation — areas in which the MORENA government has heavily invested during its decade in power.
“With clear rules, the state gains stability, operators gain certainty, and consumers gain protection. Without reform, Mexico risks falling behind its peers in Latin America,” Ochoa warned.
Frustrations are mounting over the government’s inaction in addressing regulatory challenges. Speaking at SBC Summit Aviv, Aviv Sher, CEO of Codere Online, cautioned that Mexico’s gambling and betting liabilities would be dangerously exposed if the framework was not corrected before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, global sports biggest event which Mexico will co-host with the US and Canada. “We cannot withstand indefinitely uncertainty in the rules of the game,” Sher stated.
Further concerns were aired by Etna Rueda, Online Operations Director at Big Bola Casinos, during the SBC Summit in Lisbon. Rueda highlighted that the proposed fiscal burden would deter much-needed investment:
“A tax burden of 50% denies investment in Mexico. Far from stimulating growth or boosting revenues, it risks driving players towards unlicensed operators who contribute nothing to the economy or consumer protection.”
Leaders in Lisbon concluded that, despite the proposed tax hike to 50%, Mexican gambling will remain a growth sector — but only on the condition of regulatory change. The final decision rests with President Claudia Sheinbaum and Finance Minister Édgar Zamora to recognise the economic realities of gambling and to govern the sector accordingly.
As stands MORENA has published no timetable for 2026. The saga of Mexican gambling reforms will continue for another year.
