Mexican lawmaker proposes new Gambling and Lotteries Law to modernize regulation
The initiative seeks to replace the outdated 1947 law with a modern framework ensuring player protection and more.
Key Points
- Congressman Ricardo Mejía Berdeja proposes a new Federal Gambling and Lotteries Law to replace the 1947 statute
- The bill prioritises player safety, transparency and responsible gaming measures
- A new National Institute of Games and Lotteries would oversee regulation, inspection and enforcement
Mexican federal lawmaker Ricardo Mejía has introduced a bill to renovate the country’s gambling framework, aiming to create a more transparent, secure and socially responsible industry.
The proposal would replace the current 1947 Federal Gambling and Lotteries Law, which he called obsolete given the rise of online and digital gaming platforms.
Mejía, from the Labour Party, emphasized that the new framework would place players at the centre of regulation, balancing innovation with public welfare.
The law envisions the creation of a National Institute of Games and Lotteries, operating under the Ministry of the Interior, to manage licensing, inspections and sanctions while curbing discretionary decisions.
The proposed law would require all operators to hold only one licence per establishment, encouraging market fairness and stronger oversight.
It also introduces mechanisms to combat illegal gambling, including the power to close unlicensed venues and impose fines of up to thousands minimum wages.
Recognizing gambling addiction as a public health issue, the proposal mandates a minimum gaming age of 21, self-exclusion programmes and restrictions on ATMs in gaming areas.
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Operators would also be required to inform players of risks, promote responsible gambling and set limits based on financial capacity.
Mejía highlighted Brazil and the US as examples of jurisdictions that have successfully aligned gambling regulation with fiscal and social benefits.
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Tags/Keywords
- LatAm,
- Legal,
- Mexico,
- Online,
- Regulatory
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