Segob is completing its internal work on changes to the 1947 federal law before submitting the proposal to Congress
The review could lead to the most significant update of Mexico’s gambling framework in decades, but the government has not yet published the proposed legislation or its detailed provisions.
Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez said the reform of the Federal Gaming and Raffles Law is almost ready and will next be considered by the federal Security Cabinet.
The proposal must complete that review before the government advances it through Congress.
Federal departments review the proposal
Rodríguez discussed the reform during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference at the National Palace.
She said the work had been undertaken on the President’s instructions and involved federal departments with responsibilities affecting casinos, betting establishments and entertainment venues.
Segob originally announced plans to modernise the legislation before the Chamber of Deputies in September 2025.
The current law was enacted in 1947. It generally prohibits games of chance and betting unless authorised by the federal government, while giving Segob responsibility for permits and supervision.
The full text of the reform has not been released. It is therefore not yet possible to confirm the proposed licensing system, technical requirements, tax treatment or specific rules for online gambling.
Government reviews financial crime controls
The legislative work is taking place alongside investigations into suspected money laundering and tax fraud involving gambling businesses.
Rodríguez referred to 13 casinos previously identified through coordinated federal action. She estimated that around 20 establishments may have some form of problem but said she did not have a definitive figure.
The cases involve the Attorney General’s Office and the Financial Intelligence Unit within the Ministry of Finance.
In November 2025, federal authorities reported that 13 casinos had been identified as presenting a high financial risk. The findings referred to large cash transactions, international transfers and activity through unsupervised digital platforms. Segob subsequently suspended the establishments concerned.
Segob warns against corruption
Rodríguez said she met representatives of casino and betting businesses at the start of the current administration to discuss their relationship with the government and address outstanding administrative procedures.
She also warned permit holders against attempting to bribe Segob personnel.
Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Mexico’s Interior Secretary
“The first thing I ask is that you do not corrupt Interior Ministry personnel, because I will close your businesses and officials who receive money from you will face prison.”
Rodríguez said she has no representatives or intermediaries authorised to conduct business with the gambling industry on her behalf.
Following the Security Cabinet review, the government will decide how and when to submit the proposal to Congress. The final content may still change during both the executive and legislative processes.
