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Gambling in Mexico is legal, regulated, and an essential part of the entertainment industry. The most common forms of gambling include casinos, sports betting, lotteries, horse racing, and bingo. These activities are governed under the Federal Gaming and Raffles Law, with oversight from the Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB).
Gambling activities in Mexico are governed by the Federal Gaming and Raffles Law, which dates back to 1947 but has been updated to adapt to modern forms of gambling. The Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB) is responsible for granting licenses, enforcing regulations, and monitoring gambling activities to ensure compliance with the law. Licensed operators must meet specific criteria and demonstrate a commitment to preventing illegal activities like money laundering.
Casinos and Slot Machines
Mexico has numerous casinos, especially in popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Tijuana, and Mexico City. Most casinos in the country focus heavily on slot machines and electronic games rather than traditional table games. This is primarily due to historical restrictions on full-scale casinos, although newer legal developments have allowed the operation of live dealer games in certain areas. In large cities, high-end casinos cater to both local and international tourists, offering everything from electronic bingo to electronic roulette.
The vibrant gambling scene in cities like Cancun and Tijuana has contributed significantly to gambling tourism in Mexico. These areas attract thousands of international tourists who visit not only for the casinos but also for the all-encompassing entertainment experiences that often include live shows, dining, and luxury amenities. Mexican casinos are increasingly expanding their offerings to meet the demands of international tourists, making them a growing hub for those seeking high-end gaming experiences.
Sports Betting in Mexico
Sports betting is highly popular in Mexico, with a particular focus on football (soccer), boxing, and U.S. sports leagues like the NFL and the NBA. Both online and in-person sports betting are legal, and many local and international bookmakers offer services in the country. Bettors can place wagers in brick-and-mortar sportsbooks or through licensed online platforms. Online platforms are especially popular for betting on international sporting events like the FIFA World Cup and foreign events like the Super Bowl. The rise of mobile betting apps has made sports wagering more accessible to a broader audience in Mexico and the industry is expected to grow significantly in the next few years.
Horse Racing – A Time Honoured Passtime in Mexico
Horse racing has a long history in Mexico, and there are notable venues available for
live horse racing events here, including the famous Hipódromo de las Américas in Mexico City.
Hipódromo de las Américas is a horse race track for thoroughbreds and quarter-horses, located on Lomas de Sotelo, roughly 4.5 miles from Mexico City´s downtown district. Founded back in 1943, the venue is today owned and operated by the Mexican entertainment and media company Grupo CIE. There are two chutes: seven furlongs and one and one-quarter miles. The venue has seating for 20,000 spectators, and the stable area can accommodate 1,700 horses. The most well-known event of the year is the Mexican Derby.
Greyhound Racing in Tijuana
Caliente Hipódromo, formerly known as the Agua Caliente Racetrack and the Agua Caliente Casino and Resort, is a casino and resort famous for its greyhound racing events. There used to be a horse racing track here as well, but it was closed in the early 1990s.
The Caliente Hipódromo is located in Tijuana, Baja California, and have roots going back to the 1920s. The casino and hotel opened in 1928, followed by the horse racetrack in 1929. Today, the venue is owned by the Mexican businessman and politician Jorge Hank Rhon.
The venue was not in very good condition at the end of the 20th century, but it was renovated in the 2000s and 2010s, and the Estado Caliente Stadium was added, right next to the casino and greyhound racing track. By 2015, Caliente Hipódromo was the only official dog racing track in Mexico.
Lotteries and Raffles
Lotteries and raffles are common in Mexico, with the National Lottery of Mexico being a key operator. These games of chance are popular among various social classes, as they provide the allure of winning substantial sums with minimal investment.
The National Lottery for Public Assistance (Lotenal), better known as the National Lottery, is the Mexican government institution in charge of carrying out legal games and draws in the country. This is a very old institution, founded back in 1770 as the Royal General Lottery of New Spain. The first draw was held on May 13, 1771.
The Royal General Lottery of New Spain began contributing to public charity in 1781, and Viceroy Martín de Mayorga decreed that 2% of the lottery fund should be allocated to the Hospice of the Poor. Later, the Hospice of San Andrés also received contributions. The success of this lottery in New Spain made it popular to use lotteries and raffles to raise money in the colony, e.g. by schools, parishes, and convents. The Chapultepec Castle and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe are two notable examples of recipients of lottery and raffle generated funds.
Bingo
In Mexico, bingo is permitted if it is conducted for fundraising purposes by eligible charitable organisations, in accordance with The Bingo and Raffle Act of Mexico.
Online Gambling in Mexico
Online gambling is gaining momentum in Mexico, with an increasing number of residents participating in online casino games, poker, and sports betting. Both domestic and international platforms operate legally in the country, though the government is continually updating regulations to keep pace with technological advancements. Despite the growing popularity of online betting, the legal framework is still developing to ensure a safer and more regulated online gambling environment.
Challenges in the Mexican Gambling Industry
While gambling is legal, Mexico’s gaming industry is facing several challenges. One major issue is the presence of unlicensed and illegal operators, particularly in the online sector. This not only undermines licensed businesses but also exposes players to risks. Another challenge is the association with money laundering. The Mexican government has been working to tighten regulations and improve monitoring to combat these issues. New laws and technologies are being introduced to ensure the industry remains transparent and fair.
Conclusion
Gambling in Mexico is a legal and growing industry, heavily regulated by the government to ensure compliance and consumer protection. Whether it’s the allure of casinos, the excitement of sports betting, or the increasing popularity of online gambling, the Mexican gambling scene offers a variety of options for both locals and tourists. However, challenges such as illegal gambling operations and regulatory issues persist, prompting continuous efforts from the government to modernize and secure the sector.