The Gaming Act has relatively limited provisions, especially for online sports betting sites and online casino gaming. For example, there are no complete descriptions of the requirements related to online sports betting. As a result, the Bureau makes most of the decisions and regulations on such matters.
Despite the gaming laws in Mexico being Federal, the local authorities still influence sports betting and casino gaming. That is through property law, which is a part of the local jurisdiction. For example, some local governments, such as Guanajuato, Coahuila, and Baja California Sur, set local zone retractions to control the opening of new brick-and-mortar casinos.
Applying for a sports betting license
The laws and regulations allow Mexican companies or individuals to apply for a gambling business permit. Four types of gambling licenses can be issued in the country. The first type is a license for operating remote betting centers, land-based casinos, and other specified gambling operations, which can be granted only to Mexican commercial companies.
The second type of license is for opening and operating land-based casinos and sportsbooks facilities that cover national affairs. The third license type is given for opening and operating cockfighting and horse racetracks. The last type of license issued is for drawings. Land-based casino and sportsbooks operators also need specific approval from their local municipality, which they can only get after stating their consent with the establishment's installation and operation.
There is no standard document issued by the local authorities or standard procedure for obtaining the authorization.
Process of license application
The application process starts with any qualified entity filling the applications papers and all associated information and documents at the central offices of the Bureau. All the presented documentation must be original, valid, and written in Spanish. All public documents of applicants from other jurisdictions written in a different language must be officially translated before being presented.
The documents and information required for license application are National ID, financial and property statements, curriculum vitae, an affidavit affirming that there has been no history of bankruptcy of criminal record, professional links, credit report, copy of the incorporation deed, and income statements and balance sheets.
When the application procedure is followed correctly, and all the correct and relevant information and documents are presented, the Bureau usually takes less than ten days to process drawings license and about 12 weeks for sportsbooks and casinos licenses.