Mexico Considers New Gambling Law Centered on Player Protection

Mexico could soon see its most comprehensive gambling reform in decades as federal lawmaker Ricardo Mejía introduces a proposal to overhaul the country’s outdated gaming laws. The initiative seeks to align regulation with today’s online and digital landscape while prioritizing transparency, fairness, and responsible play.

Good to Know

• The proposed law would replace Mexico’s 1947 Federal Gambling and Lotteries Law.
• A new National Institute of Games and Lotteries would oversee licensing and enforcement.
• The bill includes player protection rules such as self-exclusion and a 21+ age limit.

Mejía, a member of the Labour Party, said the reform aims to balance industry growth with social responsibility. “Players will be at the centre of regulation,” he stated, describing the initiative as a framework that combines innovation with public welfare.

A New Institutional Model for Regulation

Under the proposed law, the National Institute of Games and Lotteries would operate within the Ministry of the Interior. Its mandate would include issuing licenses, conducting inspections, enforcing compliance, and preventing arbitrary or politically influenced decisions. By consolidating authority into a single regulatory body, the measure aims to eliminate discretionary approvals and ensure consistent oversight across the industry.

Each operator would be limited to one licence per establishment, a move intended to promote fair competition and prevent market concentration. The institute would also have the authority to close unlicensed gaming venues and impose substantial fines, strengthening enforcement against illegal gambling.

Tackling Problem Gambling and Social Risks

A key aspect of the proposal is its focus on public health and consumer protection. The bill raises the minimum gaming age to 21 years and introduces self-exclusion programs for individuals seeking to limit their gambling. It also bans ATMs inside gaming areas, aiming to reduce impulsive spending.

Operators would need to provide clear information about the risks associated with gambling and set deposit and spending limits according to each player’s financial profile. These requirements align Mexico more closely with modern responsible gaming standards seen in other regulated markets.

Learning from International Examples

Mejía pointed to Brazil and the United States as benchmarks for how gambling regulation can balance fiscal benefits with social safeguards. He suggested that Mexico’s reform should follow similar principles — enabling innovation and investment while ensuring the protection of players and communities.

If adopted, the law would replace the nearly eight-decade-old 1947 framework, marking a transformative step toward a transparent, well-regulated gambling environment capable of managing the rapid expansion of online and land-based gaming in Mexico.

The post Mexico Considers New Gambling Law Centered on Player Protection appeared first on iGaming.org.