Mexico is the third largest country in Latin America with a area of 1. 9644 million square kilometers. This big country has a rather diverse and constantly developing gambling industry, especially as for the bookmakers and sport betting. This article explores Mexico bookmakers Gambling Laws and Legislation Explained, Gambling history, the regulating bodies, the allowed and prohibited bets, gambling licenses, taxes, fees and the specifics of sport betting.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History of Gambling Laws in Mexico
The legal framework of the Mexican gambling market can be described by the Federal Gaming and Raffles Law enacted in 1947. Originally, the law was comprised of only 17 articles and was clearly created in a time before the internet and other contemporary technologies.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1947: Adoption of the federal gaming and raffles law.
- 2004: Enactment of the Regulations of the Federal Gaming and Raffles Law to expand on the initial structure.
- 2012 and 2013: Specifically, the update of the Gaming Regulations to include changes in the technologies and the development of the gaming industry.
- 2016: The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation allowed the slots in the casinos to be classified as lottery games instead of the games of chance or skills.
- 2023: Suggestion of a rather contentious measure to ban “drawing of numbers or symbols through machines” (slot machines).
Regulatory Authority of Mexico Bookmakers
The federal executive branch agency in charge of regulating, authorising, supervising and enforcing gambling and raffle activities in the country is the Ministry of the Interior through the Gambling and Raffles Bureau.
Responsibilities
- Control and licensing of the gaming facilities.
- This paper aims at presenting the role of supervision and enforcement of federal gambling laws.
- Exclusion of the Auction of the National Lottery for Public Assistance (Lotería Nacional para la Asistencia Pública o LOTENAL).
Prohibited and Allowed Bets
Allowed Bets
- Chess, draughts, dominoes, dice, blackjack, bowling, billiards, football, races of people, cars and animals and other sports.
- Gambling in a physical casino and gambling through the internet provided that it is legal in the municipal area.
Prohibited Bets
- Those games that are not specifically allowed by the law and those that do not have special permission from SEGOB.
- Taxation of Gambling Activities
Types of Mexico Bookmakers Licenses
Mexico’s gambling law establishes four primary types of licenses:
Horse and Greyhound Racing Tracks, Jai Alai Fronton Arenas, Remote Betting Centers, and Betting Rooms: These licenses are awarded to the Mexican commercial companies and include the operations of land based casinos, live dealer games, slot machines and online gambling.
- National Fairs: Such as licenses to operate gambling activities during fairs such as the Feria Nacional de San Marcos.
- Temporary Off-Site Horse Racing and Cockfighting Betting: Permits and short term and particular occasions.
- Raffles: Several permits related to the raffle events.
Duration of Licenses
- Land-Based Casinos: Ranges from one year to 25 years with possibilities of renewal of up to 15 years.
- Fairs and Temporary Events: The licenses are valid for up to 28 days or the period of the authorized event whichever is earlier.
License Holders and Sub-Licensors
- Governmental Charges: This depends on the income from bets on events in racetracks, greyhound tracks, fronton, sporting events and drawings and it is between 1-2%.
- Income Taxes (ISR): It is usually 30% of the gross income per annum less any amount authorized to be deducted.
- Special Production and Services Tax (IEPS): A 30% tax of the total sum of bets received in a particular month from the clients.
- Local Taxes: There may be extra charges depending on the state and the area where the gambling will take place.
Players
- Winnings: A 10% tax on winnings with the possibility of extra taxes according to the state; for instance, in Mexico City there is an extra 6% tax.
Mexico’s Sports Betting Landscape
Sports betting in Mexico is legal and active today due to the Gaming Law and the other related laws that have been put in place. The country does allow both land-based and online sports betting but with some restrictions and conditions that are laid down by law.
Sporting Event Glory Milestones
- 1968: Mexico City is the place where Summer Olympics take place.
- 1970: The Fifa world cup is held in Mexico.
- 1986: This is the second time that Mexico becomes the host of FIFA World Cup.
- 2016: Allowing of slot machines in casinos.
- 2023: New law that is proposed is the ban of slot machines.
Conclusion
Mexico’s gambling industry is not stagnant and has a rich history as well as the current legal issues that define it. To make the best out of a venture in bookmakers and sports betting in Mexico, it is imperative to comprehend the rules and regulation, licensing, taxation, and activities permissible. Since this sector will keep on expanding, it will be crucial to be updated on the new laws as the industry is full of challenges and opportunities.
FAQ about Mexico Bookmakers
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