Companies legally dedicated to casinos and betting could close their doors in Mexico

A serious problem is looming for companies and workers dedicated to the entertainment industry, casino and betting permit holders, due to the decree published on November 16 in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), regarding the modification of the regulations. of the Gaming and Sweepstakes Law, which seriously threatens the livelihood of a huge number of families linked to the legal gaming industry.

Once the current authorizations expire, the modifications to the regulations will be limited to obtaining and extending permits to legally open casinos, as well as the elimination of slot machines in gaming rooms established in accordance with all legal regulations.

Just by banning slot machines, the gaming industry would lose approximately 15 billion pesos a year, which would put it on the verge of bankruptcy and, of course, with massive layoffs and consequently the reduction of fiscal resources from these companies.

Data from organizations representing this industry affirm that the prohibitionist modifications contemplated in the new regulations put at risk the source of resources of more than 100 thousand families and the contribution of nearly 5 billion pesos to the public treasury.

​Ending the legally established sources of employment, which generate fiscal resources and legitimate sustenance for thousands of families, is contrary to the essence of the transformation launched by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Throughout history, prohibitionism, far from putting an end to what it sought to destroy, has become a stimulus for the continuation and growth of businesses outside the law, evaders of tax obligations, operated by criminals and concealers of crimes. various illicit activities, a situation that is practiced in many places in the country, outside the law. This activity, instead of being prohibited, should be governed by law.

To strangle the legally constituted gaming industry is to encourage illegality, crime, insecurity, unemployment and tax evasion.

Although the reforms to the regulations of the Law on Games and Raffles have already been approved by the legislative majority, it will never be too late to reopen the channels of dialogue and discussion. It is necessary to insist that prohibiting or excessively limiting gambling will only benefit the crime that exploits it and will continue to exploit it illegally.