Online gambling in Mexico is on the rise, while regulatory reform is stalling
Amid the growth of online gambling in Mexico, regulatory reform remains stalled. According to STP, during last summer's World Cup, the volume of bets in the country exceeded Qatar 2022 by more than four times. Mordor Intelligence estimates the Mexican online gambling market will be worth $970 million in 2026, with an average annual growth rate of 8.6% through 2031.
The industry continues to operate under a 1947 law, 2004 regulations, and 2023 amendments. Andrea Avedillo, the legal director at Lazcano Samano, told NEXT.io that the industry lacks the political will to update regulations. She said the discussion focuses on player protection, advertising control, safeguarding minors, and responsible gaming measures, but legislative progress remains limited.
Additional pressure on operators came from the increase in the special IEPS tax for iGaming from 30% to 50% starting in 2026. Miguel Angel Ochoa, the president of AIEJA, estimates that unlicensed online gambling accounts for about 60% and believes that the key issue facing the market is not taxes, but the absence of a modern and clear legal framework.