Mexico’s ruling political party has proposed to update the country’s gaming laws.
In April, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called on the country to reactivate its tourism industry, including through gaming.
“Without a doubt, renewing the federal gambling law is a strategic step to grow the sector at a national level,” he said. “By providing legal certainty in accordance with our current needs, it will allow Mexico to position itself as a comprehensive tourist destination with betting services with the best level that we see globally.”
The proposal is now being reviewed by the Governance and Population Commission with an eye toward updating regulations and cracking down on illegal gaming activity.
The proposal would put regulation of national and international wagering and sports events with cash prizes under the umbrella of the Ministry of the Interior. Both online and brick-and-mortar gaming would be included.
According to the proposal, the industry could grow up to 30 percent under new regulation.
In a recent speech, Congressman Erik Morales declared that existing law “is outside the national and international context regarding gambling regulation” and hinders the growth of the industry. In addition, he said, “Due to the uncertainty caused by obsolete legislation on gaming and draws, very few online casinos have an official license granted by the authorities.”
