Gambling Age In Mexico

Minimum Age: 19

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Mexico, the minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities is 19. This applies to casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and online platforms, as per the Federal Gaming and Raffles Law, enforced to protect minors from gambling-related risks.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is legal, with over 400 casinos in Mexico City, Cancún, and Tijuana, offering slots, poker, and table games, aligning with your interest in extensive game catalogs. Betting shops and lotteries are widespread, requiring ID checks to enforce the 19-year-old age limit. The casino market, valued at MXN 20 billion annually, supports tourism, with venues drawing millions annually.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is legal and regulated since 2014, with licensed operators offering casinos, sports betting, and poker via mobile platforms, generating MXN 5 billion in 2024. The Directorate General of Games and Raffles ensures age verification and compliance. Unlicensed offshore sites are blocked, with over 1,000 domains restricted by 2025, and players face fines up to MXN 100,000, supporting a competitive market.

Regulation and Oversight: The Directorate General of Games and Raffles, under the Ministry of the Interior, regulates gambling under the Federal Gaming and Raffles Law of 1947, amended in 2014. It oversees licensing, enforcing fair play, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gambling initiatives. Mexico’s licensing model, akin to Kahnawake’s rigor, supports a $1 billion gambling economy, with 2024 reforms increasing operator taxes to 10% for public services.

Enforcement and Penalties: Mexico enforces its regulations rigorously. Operators face inspections, with violations like underage gambling leading to fines up to MXN 2 million, license revocation, or criminal charges. Illegal websites are blocked, and players engaging in underage or unlicensed gambling face fines or account closures. The 2025 advertising restrictions ensure a secure gambling environment, projected to grow 8% annually through 2030.

Other countries from North America