Mexico Plans to Update Gambling Law Ahead of 2026 World Cup

^{Photo: Miguel Ángel Ochoa Sánchez, President of AIEJA}

At the GAT Expo CDMX 2025, Miguel Ángel Ochoa Sánchez, president of the Mexican Association of Gaming (AIEJA), announced that consultations with the industry have been completed and that a draft of the new gambling law is in its final stage of preparation. He noted that discussions with operators were successful and the bill is ready for final review.

U.S. outlet Gambling911 reports that the reform talks coincide with preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, part of which will be hosted in Mexico. While authorities have not explicitly linked the reform to the tournament, the expected influx of tourists and heightened interest in betting are seen as additional incentives for updating the legislation.

Mexico’s current gambling law has been in place since 1947 and no longer reflects the realities of the modern market, particularly the online sector.

Key changes in the draft include licensing for online platforms — many of which currently operate in a “grey area.”

According to consultancy GOFAIZEN & SHERLE, new licenses are rarely issued in Mexico, creating difficulties for operators seeking legal entry to the market.

Another significant update will be mandatory tax registration and the introduction of a transparent taxation system.

As reported by GamingEminence, the 2026 economic package proposes raising the IEPS* tax rate from 30% to 50%.

The draft also addresses responsible gambling, player protection, and measures against offshore operators by closing loopholes that allow them to function without licenses.

Aviv Shaked, CEO of Codere, one of the largest international operators in Mexico, stressed: “The World Cup is a unique growth opportunity for the sector, but only if reforms are implemented on time.”

* IEPS — Mexico’s special excise tax on gambling, levied on turnover rather than net profit.