Mexico Advances Its Gambling Reforms Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Impact of the Old Legislation

The obsolete supervision system has created a grey zone where neither consumers nor businesses are fully protected. Modern technologies have outpaced the legal framework, resulting in weak and fragmented oversight.

This situation has led to several consequences:

• unmonitored offshore websites have expanded within the country;
• consumer rights and transparency remain weak;
• the government loses potential tax income every year.

Now, the Mexican outdated framework needs to be revised to match technological and social changes.

Push for Legal Reform

The Mexican association AIEJA has been one of the strongest advocates for modernisation. With the country preparing to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the organisation says the government must act quickly.

According to AIEJA, revised legislation should be developed with the direct involvement of approved operators. This approach will make it realistic and feasible. The association emphasises that the reform is aimed not only at stimulating the economy, but also at protecting consumers in both the digital and land-based segments.

Several senior executives of the local casinos have commented on the situation:

• Aviv Sher, Codere’s representative, considers the World Cup as a key chance for national growth if clear rules are introduced in time;
• Jose Daniel Duarte from Betcris cautioned that delays could drive punters to foreign websites, reducing safety and state revenue;
• Yono Sidi, Winpot’s CEO, recommended forming a national consultative body to support effective policy development.

Government Progress on Reform

The Ministry of the Interior has started preparing a new set of rules. During the GAT Expo CDMX, Miguel Ángel Ochoa Sánchez, AIEJA’s President, confirmed that discussions with relevant niche representatives are complete and that the process is currently underway. He noted that this could be the 1st proper reform since the 1947 Act, marking a historic moment for the local gambling sector.

The upcoming framework is expected to include:

• age verification and identity checks;
• spending and access limits;
• responsible gambling policies.

World Cup as a Trigger for Change

Significant international championships, such as the FIFA World Cup, often lead to rapid growth in sports betting popularity. In some countries, the volume of wagers recorded during one month of the tournament matches that of an entire year.

As Mexico prepares to host the event alongside Canada and the US, officials expect a major boost in public interest. Lawmakers are under pressure to finalise new rules before the tournament begins.

According to experts, any delay could lead to:

• missed business opportunities;
• further spread of unmonitored offshore sites;
• lower level of user protection.

Turning Point for Mexico

The decisions taken now will shape the country’s betting niche for decades. Revising the original 1947 law is now an urgent national priority. Completing reforms before 2026 would strengthen Mexico’s economy and improve player protection. This progress will also demonstrate the country's readiness to operate under global standards.