Latin America
Mexico licence.
SEGOB/DGJS
Existing permit-holding partnerships only.
This framework is materially unsettled right now. Read the honest read below before committing a timeline to it.
What the regulator asks for
Year one cost
No standalone online licence
Online operates only via partnership with land-based permit holder. Sublicensing newly prohibited (decree 17 November 2023, effective on existing permit expiry).
Timeline
Permit-tied; new permits limited
No new slot permits since November 2023 decree. 15-year max for new permits.
Gaming tax
IEPS raised from 30% to 50% under 2026 fiscal package. Plus 1%-2% permit contribution. Plus federal player withholding.
Marketing climate
Restrictions tightening. Reform bill expected (Sheinbaum administration) ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosting.
The market
Mexico's framework rests on the 1947 Federal Gaming Law plus 2004 Regulations plus the November 2023 Presidential Decree. 380 land-based casinos authorised end-2023; ~30 licensed online platforms. Stake live via Uno Capali permit-agent structure (March 2025) signals practical entry method.
How the application runs
Permit-holder partnership. SEGOB approval.
Ongoing compliance
AML under Mexican framework. Self-exclusion register limited.
What you can and cannot say
Tightening; reform bill pending.
The honest read
What it means for your plan
Outdated framework plus the 50% IEPS makes Mexico structurally challenging despite massive market opportunity. Wait for the Sheinbaum reform bill before committing capital.
Get 3 actions
Weighing up Mexico?
One sentence is enough. I read these myself and reply with three actions you can take.