Alberto Martínez Urincho, a lawmaker from the ruling Morena party, has introduced amendments to Mexico's Federal Games and Sweepstakes Law in the capital's Congress. The initiative targets gambling addiction and tightens control over online betting.
The bill formally recognises gambling addiction as a mental health disorder. Operators would be required to display risk warnings on products, strengthen user verification and restrict minors' access to betting. The proposal also bans wagers on political events and limits advertising aimed at vulnerable groups. Mexico City's Congress said the measures are designed to curb misleading advertising.
Martínez Urincho cited estimates showing that 4% to 8% of Mexican teenagers display signs of problem gambling or addiction. Up to 3.9 million people in the country may suffer from gambling disorder, according to his figures. He argued that the legal framework must catch up with the growth of digital gambling and the risks of easier access to betting.
The amendments would affect Article 3 of the federal law and introduce a new Article 1 Bis. This is a proposal, not enacted legislation — the bill must pass through the federal legislative process before any provisions take effect. It remains unclear whether the measures will be adopted. The expansion of online betting continues to create regulatory challenges in Mexico, with minor protection, advertising and responsible gaming at the centre of official attention.
