Last updated on November 18th, 2023 at 05:39 pm
Mexico bans slot machines in gambling houses and casinos. It was part of President Andress Manuel Lopez Obrador’s gambling industry reforms. The government published an official notice that amended the Regulations of Federal Law on Games and Sweepstakes.
According to sportsbook pay per head providers, the amendments aligned with Obrador’s wishes. Also, the law categorized a slot machine as any device that allows players to place bets in return for winning a prize.
In accordance with the Federal Law on Gaming and Lotteries, the proposal aims to increase regulation and oversight. According to bookie PPH reports, he also blames ex-president Felipe Calderón for perhaps tainting the gaming industry.
The soon-to-be-implemented change will not be retroactive. Slot machines at casinos that were granted permission to operate under Calderón’s presidency will continue to operate until the conclusion of their concession period. Regardless of any prior agreements with the government, these benefits will remain in place for a full 15 years. These rights are not renewable or extendable after the expiration date.
Mexico Bans Slot Machines
According to the best pay per head, the new rules forbid using any terminology that suggests a “slot.” This act annuls the current rules that sanctioned the operation of these devices, effectively outlawing all kinds of gambling previously permitted by law.
The number of operators currently active in the gambling industry is another potential excluding factor. Those holding valid licenses may keep doing business but will no longer be eligible for renewals or extensions. Despite obtaining the necessary permits, several operators have yet to launch their operations. These authorizations are no longer valid.
The passing of this law also forbids the issuing of any new gambling licenses. There will be a maximum lifespan of 15 years for the licenses issued to set up and operate betting centers at racetracks, frontons, remote betting centers, and other approved sites.
Calderón passed a law in 2012 that gives the Ministry of the Interior (Segob for its Spanish counterpart) the authority to provide slot permits. Subsequently, in 2016, Mexico’s Supreme Court approved installing slot machines within casinos. The court ruled that the machines might legally be used with raffles rather than as pure games of chance or skill.
Since Obrador assumed office, a lot has changed in that regard.