Mexico analyzes modernizing its gambling legislation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

One of the host nations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup will be Mexico, alongside Canada and the United States, and although the tournament is still nearly a year away, Mexican gambling regulators have already begun reviewing the modernization of laws governing betting ahead of the event.

The current Federal Law on Games and Draws (Ley Federal de Juegos y Sorteos), enacted in 1947, was designed to restrict an activity that at the time carried a negative social connotation. Today, the industry, driven by technological advances and responsible policies, has evolved considerably, while Mexican legislation has not kept pace.

As a result, authorities have identified multiple regulatory gaps that allow foreign operators to target Mexican players without oversight, exposing users to risks and depriving the state of significant tax revenue.

In this context, the Association of Permitholders, Operators, and Suppliers of the Entertainment and Gambling Industry in Mexico (AIEJA) has stressed that operators must play an active role in shaping a new regulatory framework.

Aviv Sher, CEO of Codere, described the World Cup as a “golden opportunity” for the sector’s growth, while JD Duarte, President of Betcris, cautioned that without reforms, “players will opt for unregulated foreign platforms.”

Yono Sidi, CEO of Winpot, suggested establishing an advisory council of operators to work directly with regulators on designing viable reforms.

Recently, during the GAT Expo México, Miguel Ángel Ochoa, President of AIEJA, emphasized the need for a new Federal Law on Games and Draws. “For the first time, we are close to having a new law. It will be a decisive step forward to regulate a market that today operates under outdated legislation from 77 years ago,” he said.