Mexico Prepares Reform of 1947 Gaming Law to Target Money Laundering and Tax Evasion

Short answer: Mexico’s Interior Ministry (SEGOB) has completed an internal review of a draft reform to the 1947 Federal Law on Games and Raffles, according to a 13 October 2026 report in El Imparcial. The stated aim is to combat tax evasion and money laundering in betting. The draft is going to the federal Security Cabinet before being formally presented, so it is not yet law.

What happenedSEGOB completed a draft reform of the 1947 Federal Law on Games and Raffles
StatusDraft, going to the Security Cabinet; not yet law
Who should readCompliance teams with Mexican operations
MarketsMexico

What is in the draft?

According to the report, the draft would allow immediate closure of irregular establishments, bring criminal proceedings against public servants involved, and require supervision visits to be video recorded. Detailed provisions on online operators, payments or taxes have not been published.

What AML rules already apply to Mexican operators?

Gambling operators are already obligated subjects under Mexico’s anti-money laundering law (LFPIORPI). They must identify customers from 325 UMA and file notices with the SAT from 645 UMA, and the 2025 reform of the law extended record retention to ten years. Online operations must be linked to a SEGOB permit holder. Lora’s KYC rules by market guide summarises these duties alongside other markets.

What else is being proposed?

The same report notes a separate bill from a Morena deputy that would restrict public figures in gambling promotions, end advertising during sports broadcasts, require biometric age checks and ban welcome bonuses. It is distinct from the SEGOB reform.

What should operators in Mexico watch?

  • Whether the reform creates standalone online licences or keeps the link to land-based permits
  • Any new KYC, biometric or payment requirements
  • Changes to AML thresholds or reporting

Mexican operators saw record support volumes during the 2026 World Cup. Cevro’s Winpot customer story describes how a regulated Mexican operator handled more than 150,000 tickets during the tournament. For broader market news, see igaming.cx; for courses on compliance by market, cevro.academy.

What should operators check, by market?

Mexico: what to check
Market What operators should check Rule or source
Mexico (now) Identify customers from 325 UMA, file notices from 645 UMA, keep records for ten years, and confirm the link to a SEGOB permit holder LFPIORPI summary
Mexico (draft reform) Track whether online licences, KYC or payment rules change; plan for biometric checks if adopted El Imparcial
Mexico (advertising bill) Separate proposal on public figures in ads, sports broadcast ads and welcome bonuses; review CRM offers if it advances El Imparcial

Frequently asked questions

Has Mexico passed a new gaming law?

No. As of mid-October 2026 SEGOB had completed a draft reform, which was going to the Security Cabinet before formal presentation.

What is the reform’s main aim?

To combat tax evasion and money laundering in the betting sector.

What AML thresholds apply to Mexican gambling operators now?

Customer identification from 325 UMA and notices to the SAT from 645 UMA under the LFPIORPI.

Is the advertising bill part of the SEGOB reform?

No. It is a separate proposal from a Morena deputy.

Further reading

Sources

Mexico

Payments, KYC, responsible gambling and marketing rules in Mexico.

Casino withdrawals in Mexico

SEGOB permits, LFPIORPI thresholds, ISR withholding and SPEI or cash payouts.

KYC requirements in Mexico

LFPIORPI identification and notice thresholds, records and SEGOB permits.