Mexico is preparing to reform its federal gambling law, which dates back to 1947. The Interior Ministry (Segob) has already drafted a legislative proposal and will now submit it to the federal Security Cabinet for review.
Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez said on September 3 that the interdepartmental review was nearly complete. The reform is intended to update the outdated framework in response to the growth of online gambling while strengthening oversight of casinos and betting businesses.
One of the main drivers is the risk of money laundering and tax violations in the gambling sector.
Authorities have already flagged 13 high-risk casinos
In November 2025, Mexico’s Finance Ministry identified 13 casinos as high-risk, citing large cash transactions, international transfers and activity involving digital platforms with limited oversight.
Segob subsequently said it had suspended the 13 establishments, covering both land-based and online operations. The cases were referred to the relevant authorities for further examination of possible money laundering, criminal proceeds and tax offences.
New AML rules take effect in November
Mexico is also tightening its anti-money laundering framework separately from the gambling-law reform.
On August 7, 2026, the Finance Ministry published new AML rules in the Official Gazette of the Federation. They introduce a risk-based approach, requiring covered businesses to assess risks linked to their operations, customers, users and distribution channels.
The rules also require direct identification of customers and procedures for verifying and updating customer information. Most of the new requirements are due to take effect on November 30, 2026.
These measures are separate from the proposed reform of the gambling law.
Gambling law has not been updated for almost 80 years
Mexico’s Federal Gambling and Raffles Law was enacted in 1947. Segob said in 2025 that the law needed an overhaul because the gambling sector had changed significantly through technology and new digital products.
The ministry has now prepared its reform proposal, but it must first pass the Security Cabinet review before moving forward.
The government has also warned casino and betting businesses that they must comply with tax and labour obligations and that attempts to improperly influence Interior Ministry officials will be addressed.
Mexico is therefore tightening AML controls while preparing a broader overhaul of its gambling legislation. The final reform text and timetable for submitting it to Congress have not yet been announced.
Source: SiGMA / Mexico’s Interior Ministry
