A lawmaker has introduced a bill that would create a new gaming regulator
Mexico’s government is moving closer to overhauling its gambling industry after a new proposal was submitted to the Chamber of Deputies this week. The initiative, introduced by Federal Deputy Ricardo Mejía Berdeja of Coahuila, seeks to replace the country’s outdated 1947 gambling law with a modern regulatory framework that addresses both physical casinos and online betting. The proposed Ley Federal de Juegos con Apuesta y Sorteos aims to strengthen oversight, improve transparency, and prioritize player protection.
A key feature of the bill is the creation of the Instituto Nacional de Juegos y Sorteos, a new agency within the Interior Secretariat that would oversee regulation, inspection, and enforcement. This centralized authority would help eliminate discretionary decision-making and create consistent standards for operators and regulators alike. Mejía Berdeja said the goal is to ensure gambling in Mexico is run responsibly, safely, and transparently while safeguarding the rights of players and license holders.
The proposal also introduces new licensing rules, requiring each permit to correspond to a single venue to prevent monopolization and make room for new market entrants. It includes strict measures to combat illegal gambling, such as the ability to close unlicensed venues and impose fines of up to 200,000 times the minimum wage. The bill also emphasizes responsible gambling practices by raising the legal gambling age to 21, banning ATMs inside gaming areas, and requiring operators to display risk warnings and offer self-exclusion programs.
Beyond player protection, the legislation treats problem gambling as a public health issue. It calls for nationwide education campaigns, preventive initiatives, and financial safeguards that limit bets according to a player’s means. Mejía Berdeja noted that the reform would align Mexico’s gambling laws with international standards, improving fiscal oversight while directing tax revenue toward health, culture, and sports programs.
If passed, the reform could reshape Mexico’s gambling landscape, paving the way for a regulated, transparent, and socially responsible industry that balances economic growth with consumer safety.
