Mexico

Online gambling is regulated primarily through the Regulations to the Federal Law of Games and Raffles and by SEGOB’s administrative criteria, and licensed land-based casino operators have been permitted to extend their permits to online offerings since the mid-2000s.

Over the years, they have signed partnership deals with some of the biggest online gaming businesses. The National Lottery of Mexico, Lotería Nacional para la Asistencia Pública and Pronósticos para la Asistencia Pública, launched its online lottery site in 2008.

In 2011, Las Vegas From Home.com Entertainment Inc. (LVFH) announced it had signed an Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement to acquire a 99% equity interest in Poker From Home de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (PFHM). This agreement resulted in LVFH owning 99% interest in PFHM's sole and exclusive right to use the "Federal Mexican Gaming Permit" for the development and operation of certain online betting and online casino gaming activities in Mexico, excluding lotteries. The Federal Mexican Gaming Permit is valid until May 2030.

Also in 2011, mobile gaming platform developer Probability signed an agreement with Mexico Grupo Caliente to become a reseller. With the Grupo Caliente reseller gaming license, Probability can offer mobile gamblers full access to mobile slots, mobile bingo and other games compatible with all Mexican networks and platforms. A Federal Mexican Gaming Permit was issued to IMSC in 2011 as well, allowing it to offer SMS microbets on sports, lotteries and social entertainment. IMSC uses a C2C approach by matching punters with each other on every bet.

In 2015, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would regulate the country's gambling industry, including online gambling. In June 2018, legislators said they were reviewing the 1947 Federal Gaming Law Bill with the goal of drafting regulations that would bring the online gambling sector in line with the nation's other gambling organizations.

In June 2020, the Mexican iGaming market saw a new "16% digital services tax" implemented for all foreign-based companies. The tax charge would be sanctioned on all digital transactions and services, effective from 1 July 2020.

Online gambling is permitted for operators holding a land-based license, but all online platforms must be operated by a Mexican entity licensed by SEGOB’s Gaming and Lotteries Bureau (DGJS). Recent regulatory updates and enforcement priorities have put more emphasis on requiring Mexican incorporation, robust internal control systems, responsible gaming policies and SEGOB approval of technical and AML standards for online licensees.