Mexico’s New Reform Seeks to Ban Slot Machines

Posted on: September 13, 2023, 07:58h. 

Last updated on: September 13, 2023, 01:11h.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has initiated new legislation recommending a ban on all slot machines in casinos across Mexico.

The reform seek to ban all slot machines in casinos that were legalized during former president Felipe Calderón’s administration. The same reform received unanimous support from the Supreme Court of Justice in 2016.

The Ministry of the Interior initiated the reform process last week by publishing a draft reform to the Regulations of the Federal Law on Games and Sweepstakes (RFLGS). This reform eliminates “machines for number or symbol draws,” explicitly referring to slot machines.

The government argues that the RFLGS does not authorize the use of slot machines, providing the basis for the proposed reform. The current law only permits games such as dominoes, chess, checkers, bowling, billiards, dice, and raffles. The Congress in Mexico has not amended this law since 1947.

Previously, Obrador has expressed the belief that many casinos illegally obtained licenses during Calderón’s presidency. Despite the president’s stance on their legality, local governments have permitted the opening of new casinos.

The Directorate of Games and Sweepstakes reports to the Ministry of the Interior and is the sole authority responsible for granting casino permits in the country.

Who the Law Affects

If the reform passes, it will not be retroactive. This means the 444 casinos currently operating in the country can maintain their slots, but only during the validity of their current permits.

Those permits include another 408 casinos that are not open. If these operators move forward under the new reform, they cannot operate slots. 

Statista data indicates that Mexico has the most daily visits to online gaming platforms worldwide. More than 60% of people who bet online in Mexico prefer these platforms to traditional establishments, according to data from the International Gambling Report. This report also shows a preference for sports betting, lottery, slot machines and roulette.

The National Directorate of Games and Sweepstakes does not control more than 50% of the platforms.