Mexico’s Secretariat of the Interior (Segob) has completed a draft reform of the Federal Gaming and Sweepstakes Law. The proposal aims to combat money laundering and tax fraud at casinos and betting establishments.
Segob head Rosa Icela Rodríguez said the internal review of the country’s gambling framework was complete. The current law dates from 1947. The initiative will now go to the Security Cabinet for review before a possible official presentation.
Speaking at the La Mañanera del Pueblo press conference, Rodríguez said she had met with casino and betting operators and warned them against illegal practices during inspections. “First of all, I ask you: do not bribe ministry staff, because I will close your business and send colleagues who take money from you to prison,” she said. In return, she offered to resolve the status of judicial injunctions and other pending procedures.
Rodríguez acknowledged problems in the sector but said they did not fall under Segob’s administrative authority. She said about 20 casinos linked to money laundering or tax fraud had been closed following criminal and tax investigations carried out with the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF), rather than through the ministry’s regulatory work.
For ongoing operations, Rodríguez urged business owners to meet their tax obligations and respect employees’ labor rights. She also recommended that both sides record inspections on video to help prevent violations.
