Mexico Prepares to Add Three New Casinos

Posted on: August 31, 2022, 07:01h. 

Last updated on: September 1, 2022, 03:22h.

Erik Gibbs Read More

Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Gaming Business, Global Gaming.

A new integrated resort, the Royalton Splash Riviera, is coming to Cancun later this year, and there are now more casinos on the list.

Different media outlets have revealed that three new casinos will soon open across Mexico. The first indications arrived months ago, but the venues are almost ready to turn the lights on. From the state of Baja California on the peninsula to Tamaulipas on the East Coast, the casinos hope to boost the local economies and tourist markets.

After overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mexican government authorized the expansion of gaming rooms in the country. There are now 379 physical casinos under 37 permits.

As many as 850 casinos are possible under the law.

Tamaulipas Adding Two Casinos

Ciudad Victoria, the capital of Tamaulipas, is preparing to open two new casinos. The venues are under construction and are advancing rapidly.

These are just two of the 30 properties the government authorized for the state since it reversed a casino ban in 2017. Several casinos have already begun operations, opening in cities such as Matamoros and Reynosa.

For Tamaulipas, the opening of new casinos represents an economic boost. Together with the 11 casinos that already operate there, they will generate around 3,000 new jobs.

In addition, they will provide needed tax revenue to the city and the state. How much depends on whether tax authorities believe they’re playing by the rules. Casinos in Sonora are facing scrutiny for allegedly not giving their fair share to the government.

Border Town Comes Back to Life

The other gambling hall will open in Mexicali, the capital of Baja, California. The property is coming to an old building in La Chinesca, the city’s China Town, which was once popular with figures like Charlie Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino, and Al Capone.

The Chinesca Casino already has all the licenses and permits it needs to open to the public. Its opening bash will take place this Friday, Sept. 2, according to a Facebook post from the casino.

In Baja California, the installation of the new casino means the advance of state legislation since the government recently changed its gambling regulations. Now, gambling halls can apply for authorizations as a kind of extension of their federal license. In addition, they can seek authorization in any city in the state.

Casino Industry Continues to Evolve

Mexico’s casino market has seen its share of negative publicity. In addition to concerns over tax evasion and bomb threats, there have been accusations of government extortion and illegal surveillance.

In the case of the latter, the Winpot Mérida in Playa del Carmen allegedly installed hidden cameras in the women’s bathroom. Local authorities later shut down the property, which has since reopened.

Winpot later rejected the claims it conducted any illegal activity. It also denied that the closure was because of the alleged surveillance.

Now, however, things are rebounding. The country’s gambling market is growing rapidly. Research company Research and Markets predicts Mexico will see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.9% through 2026.

In comparison, Technavio recently predicted the CAGR for global casino gaming will be 4.85% through 2025.