Gambling is legal in Mexico but requires proper authorization. Operators must obtain licenses to offer gaming activities in Mexico, whether in land-based casinos or online platforms, ensuring compliance with government regulations and local laws.

Gambling primarily targets foreign visitors. Around 300 gaming facilities operate in luxury resorts and tourist areas, offering casinos, sports betting, and other games. Residents have limited access, and strict rules restrict their participation in certain forms of gambling.

For over 70 years, the Gambling Law of December 31, 1947, enacted by President Miguel Alemán Valdés, has regulated gaming. Under this law, most gambling and raffles were illegal. It created strict nationwide restrictions that limited opportunities for legal gaming activities.

Despite the law, the Ministry of the Interior occasionally authorized betting games, causing confusion among authorities. This inconsistent approach left both operators and regulators uncertain about which types of gambling were permitted or restricted under the law.

In September 2004, President Vicente Fox Quesada addressed inconsistencies in the 1947 law. The Federal Gaming and Raffle Law was published that year and later reformed in 2013 to modernize regulations, align with industry practices, and consider technological advancements.

The 2013 amendments modernized gambling law but did not include provisions for online gambling, live betting, operator training, or responsible gaming. These gaps left certain areas unregulated, requiring future reforms to clarify the legal framework for all forms of gambling.

On November 27, 2014, a Special Commission presented a new bill investigating federal entities issuing gambling permits. Its goal was to regulate both participants and operators, establish licensing guidelines, and create a consistent legal framework for gambling in Mexico.

The bill passed the Chamber of Deputies on December 3, 2014, and moved to the Senate, but it has not yet been approved. This leaves key aspects of gambling, particularly online and land-based operations, still legally unclear and in need of reform.

Online betting in Mexico

After the 2004 changes, the Mexican government issued numerous gaming licenses, exceeding the total granted in the previous 80 years. Some online gaming licenses were also given to casino operators, reflecting the growing interest in digital gambling.

Despite the licenses, restrictions limited local participation. Mexicans could visit land-based casinos, but anyone under 18 or intoxicated was barred. These rules ensured that gambling remained controlled while still allowing legal access to adult residents under safe conditions.

Online casino gambling remains mostly off-limits for local players. Licensed sites cannot register Mexican residents, meaning only players outside the country can legally participate in these online platforms, restricting local access despite the growth of digital gaming.

Foreign gaming websites, however, face no restrictions when offering games to Mexican players. This creates opportunities for locals to play online, even though these sites may not be licensed in Mexico, highlighting the gaps in current gambling regulations.

Speculation exists that the government may eventually block online gambling transactions, but no measures have been introduced. Meanwhile, unlicensed operators continue to accept Mexican players, making the legal status of online gambling uncertain under current law.

Amendments are needed to clearly define legal and illegal gambling in Mexico, including online and land-based operations. Without a legal definition of online gambling, unlicensed operators can freely offer virtual services to Mexican residents.

Licensed Mexican operators cannot serve local players, forcing residents to seek casinos abroad for online gambling. This restriction leaves domestic players dependent on international platforms, highlighting regulatory gaps and the need for updated legislation.

Although online gambling is growing in popularity in Mexico, it remains largely unregulated. Proposed amendments to the 2014 law have not been approved, leaving significant legal uncertainties for operators and players alike.

Legal sports betting in Mexico has created employment opportunities for nearly 200,000 people. It has also contributed to the country’s appeal as a gambling and tourism destination, attracting both local players and international visitors interested in betting.

Today, top online sportsbooks and land-based bookmaker agencies and casinos are increasingly popular. Both locals and tourists can enjoy a wide range of betting options, including sports wagering, casino games, and other regulated gambling activities.

Foreign tourists can combine leisure and gaming, enjoying Mexico’s resorts and beaches while participating in gambling and sports betting. This growing sector strengthens the tourism industry and highlights Mexico’s position as a popular destination for recreational gaming.