It seems like the online gambling legislation in Mexico has reached a new stage. The gambling regulators are about to introduce a well-though-out gambling bill. That became clear when the legislature gave its positive vote.
The online gambling legislation has been among the top priorities of Mexican regulators. After several months, spent in discussions and disagreements, now, there is a chance an agreement between Party of the Democratic Revolution and the National Action Party to be reached.
Last Friday, members of Mexican Chamber voted in favor of the bill. The upcoming changes in the online gambling affairs were supported by 297 members, while 32 disapproved of their implementing. Now, the next step is the bill to be approved by the Senate.
However, Luis Miguel Barbosa, Senate’s President, threw a curve ball at everyone involved in the legislation matters and said that the bill is not likely to pass during the current session, which ends next Monday. Barbosa also added that such a complicated matter should be thoroughly discussed but Senate members are too pressed for time, so they will postpone the discussions until the next session.
In case the so called “Ley Federal de Juegos con Apuesta y Sorteos” got an approval, there is a high probability the Mexican gambling market to be serviced by a few operators only. However, one of the main benefits the bill would bring is making the rules and regulations, concerning the land-based casinos, more clear and easy to follow.
Yet, the new regulations are believed to have their disadvantages as well. According to some politicians, the new rules will restrict Mexico from turning into a key factor on the gambling market on a global scale.
The fact that if implemented, the new rules will make hundreds of players relocate is another thing worthy of mentioning. It is common knowledge that many fans of online gambling activities moved to Mexico to gain access to some of the most popular gambling websites worldwide.
Deputy Jose Arturo Salinas Garza, a member of the National Action Party, commented on the bill and said that it will enable Mexican residents differentiate the available casinos and be aware of their specifications, partnerships and the permits each of them has.
Up to now, online gambling legislation procedure has been halted as Mexican authorities regarded some other issues as more important than the legislation procedure. Yet, people, familiar with the matter, think that if the government itself has been more stable, it would have already passed the gambling bill without abandoning all the other country’s problems.
Apparently, some actions towards remedying the situation should have been taken since the lack of any established gambling regulations enabled providers of illegal gambling services expand their business.
It would be unrealistic to say that Mexican authorities have never had a chance to take the actions necessary, though. A few years ago, PokerStars‘ officials expressed their interest in playing host to a poker event but then the event was cancelled.
Although, PokerStars has never tried to enter the Mexican gambling market again, according to representatives of the platform, PokerStars had got a permission to host the event back in 2008.
