Keys to the new gaming law in Mexico: the debate on its impact in the region

During the GAT Cartagena 2025 event, a conference entitled ‘Probable new federal gaming law in Mexico: analysis of the economic impact on the industry and the country - AIEJA’, moderated by Rosa Ochoa, representative of SCCG Management, took place. The panel included Jorge Rojas Rumilla (CEO of Prometeo IT Solutions), Antonio Macías (Sales Director at Cerus Academy) and Jorge Delgado (Sales Manager Mexico and Central America at Sportradar), who addressed the challenges and opportunities of a possible new legislation in Mexico.

A new regulatory framework: opportunity or challenge?

The focus of the debate at GAT Cartagena was the possible impact of clearer and more robust legislation in Mexico. Moderator Rosa Ochoa opened the session with an icebreaker question on the impact of sanctions on unauthorised platforms, which generated immediate consensus among the panellists.

One of the points of consensus was the recognition that clearer and more robust regulation could attract investment and formalise the sector. One of the panellists expressed that: ‘I believe that this new law puts us in a leading position and that we continue to be an attraction for investors from around the world.’

It was highlighted that the Mexican market has historically been self-regulated by the sector's players, under a regulation dating back to 2004. However, the presence of illegal operators remains significant, with more than one million irregular machines in operation.

One of the participants pointed out that ‘not necessarily all illegal operators and machines should be eradicated, but the ideal is to provide tools for them to move to the legal side’.

Technology and surveillance: a joint task

In relation to control mechanisms, the need for strategic alliances between the government and the private sector to implement technological tools to ensure effective market surveillance was also highlighted.

One of the panellists explained that: ‘Just as technology is advancing on the legal side, it is also advancing on the illegal side’, so the key will be to make “the right decisions for strategic alliances”.

In addition, it was noted that the constant change of authorities (with up to 15 or 16 directors in two decades) has hindered a long-term policy, generating uncertainty. According to one of the speakers, ‘if we keep changing the regulators every year and a half, even if it is a joint project, it will not be able to move forward’.

Standardisation of definitions and permits

The debate also touched on the possibility of redefining what is considered an ‘illegal machine’ and establishing more homogenous criteria. It was stressed that in order to be successful in this respect, it is necessary for the government to centralise decision-making through a specific body with institutional continuity.

Regarding operational licensing, it was noted that any redesign of the current scheme should be carefully structured so as not to disincentivise current operators.

Responsible gambling and sustainability

On gambling prevention, speakers agreed on the need to strike a balance between profitability and social responsibility, taking advantage of spaces such as GAT to foster constructive dialogue: ‘Thanks to these types of events that bring together all those involved in this industry to seek solutions,’ stressed one panellist.

August GAT Calendar: GAT Expo CDMX, Mexico

AIEJA thanked the host, Colombia: ‘The Colombian public has been extremely generous with us, and Latin America in general shares values very close to those of Mexico. You will always be welcome in our country, through us and our friends,’ they said.

They concluded by inviting people to GAT Expo Mexico CDMX, which will take place on 27 and 28 August 2025 in the Mexican capital. It is undoubtedly an opportunity to continue these kinds of debates and strategic connections, so mark your calendars to be present at this first great meeting in Mexico City!
 

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