The move comes as the country has vowed to change its dependence on land-based gaming
Mexican authorities have shut down 13 casinos following allegations that the venues were part of a large money-laundering network that moved millions of dollars out of the country. Officials announced the closures on Wednesday, describing the operation as the result of a long investigation that included cooperation with agencies in the United States and other foreign jurisdictions.
Among the casinos affected are two belonging to Grupo Salinas, the business conglomerate owned by billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego. The company strongly denied any involvement in illegal activity and accused the Mexican government of unfair targeting. The tension comes amid an already strained relationship between Salinas and the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch indicated that the businesses involved had links to organized crime, though he clarified that this did not automatically mean participation by cartel groups. Instead, authorities pointed to a sophisticated financial scheme that relied on everyday citizens whose identities were misused.
According to Mexico’s chief tax prosecutor, Grisel Galeano, the operation frequently began with stolen personal information. Individuals such as students, retirees, or homemakers—people with limited financial activity—were given prepaid cards or digital codes from unidentified sources. They could make a small wager at a casino, but behind the scenes, the casino would register massive “wins” under their names.
Those falsified winnings were then funneled into foreign accounts held by shell companies before being routed to tax havens. From there, the funds were cycled back into Mexico through the casinos or related companies, giving the appearance of legitimate revenue. The method allowed millions to circulate without immediate detection.
Officials emphasized that the probe took months and required extensive coordination with international partners due to the cross-border nature of the transfers. The closures mark one of the most significant crackdowns on alleged financial crimes in the country this year.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and more actions may follow, while Grupo Salinas continues to challenge the government’s claims and the legality of the suspensions.
