Mexico Advances Federal Gaming and Sweepstakes Law Overhaul

Mexico is preparing a major overhaul of its gambling laws as the government increases scrutiny of money laundering and tax fraud in casinos.

Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez confirmed the draft legislation during a press conference with President Claudia Sheinbaum, noting that both government officials and casino operators have long advocated updating the country’s primary regulatory framework—the Federal Gaming and Sweepstakes Law—which has remained largely unchanged since 1947.

Despite its dated statutory structure, Mexico remains a major growth market for international gaming operators. In July, Codere Online cited its Mexican operations as the primary driver behind record quarterly financial results.

However, statutory reform has historically faced significant political hurdles in Mexico, where previous attempts to modernize federal gambling laws have stalled in Congress.

Rodríguez indicated that Security Cabinet approval is the required first step before the Sheinbaum administration introduces the bill to lawmakers.

“By instruction of the President, we are conducting the review,” Rodríguez said. “We’ll see if the law gets through the Security Cabinet and they approve it, and then we move forward.”

Cracking Down on Casino Financial Crimes

The push to reform federal gaming statutes coincides with an aggressive enforcement drive targeting properties suspected of financial misconduct.

Federal authorities have initiated sanctions, administrative closures, or legal action against approximately 20 gaming properties, including 13 commercial casinos.

The joint enforcement effort involves Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office and the Finance Ministry’s Financial Intelligence Unit, focusing primarily on allegations of tax fraud and money laundering.

Rodríguez emphasized that compliant operators who fulfill their tax obligations, formally register employees, and uphold labor standards face no risk from ongoing investigations. However, she issued a stark warning regarding bribery and administrative corruption.

“Please, do not corrupt the personnel of the Interior Ministry,” Rodríguez told operators, warning that businesses attempting to bribe officials face immediate closure, while government personnel accepting illicit payments face criminal prosecution and imprisonment.

To combat extortion and administrative fraud during property audits, the Interior Ministry has instituted a mutual recording protocol for all site visits. Under the new guidelines, casino operators and government inspectors are instructed to record every interaction on smartphone camera.

“Both sides will have the evidence,” Rodríguez said, noting the dual video record will resolve administrative disputes and eliminate backroom solicitation.

By pairing a statutory rewrite with immediate anti-corruption enforcement, Mexican regulators are signaling that full compliance will be non-negotiable as the country’s gaming market modernizes.