Mexico Bans Land-Based Slot Machines

Mexico has banned land-based slot machines in casinos and betting establishments, Casino.org reports.

The move to outlaw these machines came from the top. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador vowed to end the reign of the one-armed bandits months ago.

But the ban has some exceptions. Casinos that already have licenses for slot machines can keep them until they expire. But they won’t be able to renew them.

Also, some operators in Mexico have licenses for slot machines but haven’t started their business yet. Too bad for them, because those licenses are now worthless. And no new licenses for slot machines will be issued.

Some skeptics doubt the ban will work, though. They fear it will spark a rise in illegal casinos that offer slot games. One thing is certain: the ban on slot machines in Mexico will boost online gambling.