Gambling in the USA

What next for Mexico’s gambling industry?

Published

6 years ago

May 28, 2018

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Mexico, a well-known holiday destination, does not have a properly regulated gambling industry.

It was in 1947 that the then President, Lazaro Cardenas banned gambling. But the industry flourished underground. Despite the demands from government officials, the old law has still not been changed.

The history of gambling in Mexico

Despite its illegal status, gambling does take place in Mexico. Betting on horse racing, dog racing, gaming machines, cockfighting, sports betting, lottery, Jai Alai (a form of the Basque pelota game) and scratch cards, is tolerated. But properly regulated casinos are not to be found. The current situation is at odds with Mexican tradition and heritage, which has had gambling at its heart since the Aztecs in ancient times. When the French attempted to colonise the country in the 19th century, casinos could be found across the country. The Mexican Revolution that put a stop to President Porfirio Diaz’s 30 years of rule 1911 also put a stop to the Mexican gambling industry.

There was a brief resurgence of gambling in the 1920s, when American gambling tourists were seeking an escape from their own period of prohibition – not only of gambling, but alcohol too.

Gambling in Mexico today

The ambiguity around Mexico’s current gambling legislation was born from a piece of legislation called Regulations of the Federal Games and Draws Law, which aimed to regulate all gambling activity in 2004. In 2012 and then again in 2013, the law was amended to try to clarify the rule with regards to ‘skill-based electronic games’, which were only allowed with a special permit. Further confusion ensued when the same regulations seemed to include slot machines in this category.

To clear up the confusion in this status quo, the Federal Gaming Law bill is currently being reviewed by the government. If this Bill is passed, then it will officially accept that gaming exists and will create a new Regulator to oversee all gaming activities. At that point, Mexico may well see the advantages of a well-regulated gaming industry and how it can be a positive force for society. If passed, the Federal Gaming Law will guarantee:

Players’ wins will be paid out to them

The Government will be able to levy betting taxes that pay for the regulation.

Gambling operators will be forced to implement strict anti-money laundering measures.

Underage and problem gamblers will be refused by the licence holders.

Licenced betting companies will be regularly checked, and their finance examined to ensure that they are playing by the rules.

Under the Federal Gaming Law, there is the general rule that games of chance – and where bets are crossed – are still prohibited. The exceptions that they have cited are as follows:

Chess
Dominoes
Dice
Bowling
Billiards
Ball games
Horse and car races
Physical sports

So as you can see, the waters are more than a little muddied in the current picture. To make things even more confusing, bookmakers and clubs often permit bingo, the lottery, cockfighting, bullfighting, casinos, track betting and sports betting. Sports betting is in fact legal in Mexico, with the monopoly holder Caliente taking bets over the phone or the internet. One of their most popular territories is Baja California, which is very close to the US state of California.

The benefits of a regulated future

Mexico isn’t the only country that’s been through this type of historical development. As technology and the internet have emerged, other nations have amended their regulations to reflect the changing ways that people gamble.

They’ve created more robust regulatory environments to manage the influence of an industry that appeal hugely to players, but also raises valuable taxes that can be turned into funds to benefit society at large. Within this framework of legalisation and regulation, gambling operators have been able to thrive.

Mexico might look to the UK for an example of this. In the UK, the Gambling Commission regulates the businesses that provide gambling products and services in Great Britain. Everything to do with gambling – from the National Lottery, to the slot machines in the pubs, are governed by the Commission. Under the legislation, inspectors make frequent visits to licensed premises to give advice and take remedial or preventative action if and when it’s required.

The Commission also reviews the financials of the gambling license holders to ensure that everything is within the rules. It is a strict environment that works well for gambling operators and players alike.

Online gaming flourishes in a regulated world

As we said before, there are companies in the UK jurisdiction which work within the rules and which provide innovative online gaming for millions of people. Virtual gambling enables gamers to play their favourite games from the comfort of their own home, or remotely, on their mobile or desktop devices. From poker, to blackjack, and roulette – players across the UK are heading to online casinos in droves, embracing the convenience and the increasingly realistic simulation of the experience of gambling in real, land-based premises. So much so, that online gambling now brings in one-third of the total revenue of gambling, according to the Gambling Commission’s own figures.

Bingo is a hugely popular pastime in the UK – and perhaps accordingly, has been a huge hit online. For example, one leading operator is Wink Bingo, which owns and manages online bingo games in the UK. Players can not only play a wide range of games, they can interact with each other on lively, vibrant community forums and even take home rewards that can be redeemed for shopping vouchers. This operator has been able to flourish, even amid heavy regulation, by appealing to players in a responsible way – as you’ll be able to see by visiting the Responsible Gaming section.

Mexico is a beautiful country with a rich heritage – and it’s a stunning holiday destination. If the country embraced a properly regulated gaming industry, they would become an even more sought-after holiday destination for people that like to gamble. Just look at the US, the UK, and many countries in Far East, where millions of people go to gamble every year. An economy based on a gaming industry is obviously not a good idea – but a safe, regulated industry which contributes to the economy and the social well-being of its people, is surely a step in the right direction.

Source: The Yucatan Times

Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – November 4-10

Published

4 days ago

November 12, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

PENN Entertainment and ESPN announced that account linking between ESPN BET and ESPN is now available for customers, creating an even more deeply integrated media and betting experience. By linking accounts, fans now have the ability to seamlessly track upcoming, live and settled bets within the ESPN app and on ESPN.com. With this product enhancement, ESPN BET will soon bring fans more personalised bets and timely promotions based on their favourite sports, teams, players and fantasy rosters.

Accel Entertainment Inc. has announced that it has completed the acquisition of 85% of the ownership interests of Toucan Gaming LLC and LSM Gaming LLC, two Louisiana-based route operators and owners of multiple licensed video poker establishments (collectively, “Toucan”), for approximately $40 million. The combined business will operate as Toucan Gaming throughout Louisiana and will be led by Stan Guidroz, an industry-leading gaming executive and current CEO of Toucan Gaming. Mr. Guidroz owns the remaining 15% of Toucan’s ownership interests and will lead the Accel team supporting Toucan’s continued growth.

INTRALOT S.A. has announced the undertaking of a new project between the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the sole lottery operator for the Government of British Columbia in Canada, and INTRALOT, its US subsidiary, for the provision of an online lottery platform. The project also includes the digitalisation of the existing land-based network. The solution will be based on the Player X platform, part of the Lotos X ecosystem, and adds to the company’s overall partnership with BCLC, which has been extended until 2028.

BetMGM Poker has become the third US operator to offer multi-state online poker. The company has merged its player pools in Michigan and New Jersey. Both states are a part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, which allows online poker networks to share liquidity and players in participating markets. The two-state network went live Wednesday afternoon after morning maintenance.

Betsson Group has celebrated its success at the SBC Awards Latinoamérica 2024, winning two prestigious awards: Sportsbook Operator of the Year and Leader of the Year, which was awarded to Kevin Saliba, Commercial Director (Business Development) for Latin America. This marks the second consecutive year Betsson has earned the Leader of the Year accolade, following Andrea Rossi’s win in 2023 – an achievement that underscores Betsson’s consistent leadership in the region.

Partnerships

Play’n GO has announced a new operator partnership with renowned gaming brand Hard Rock Digital for their top-rated Hard Rock Bet online casino platform in New Jersey. The Hard Rock brand is synonymous with entertainment worldwide, and this partnership will see Hard Rock Bet players in New Jersey gain access to hit Play’n GO titles such as Piggy Blitz, Book of Dead and Rise of Olympus 100.

SCCG Management, a global leader in gaming innovation and advisory, has announced a strategic partnership with Chata.AI, a technology provider specialising in self-service, proactive analytics that enables businesses to access real-time insights without requiring extensive technical expertise. This partnership introduces Chata.AI’s technology to the gaming industry, providing operators with powerful tools to streamline decision-making and increase operational efficiency.

Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – October 28-November 3

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Latest News

Elray Resources Inc. has announced a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy. The company has completed the sale of proprietary technology to 180 Life Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ:ATNF), a NASDAQ-listed company in exchange for preferred stock convertible into a 40% stake in ATNF and warrants to purchase 3 million shares of ATNF common stock, the conversion/exercise of which is subject to stockholder approval. The technology stack contained within Elray’s technology package will assist ATNF in launching an iGaming Blockchain casino.

PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, has announced that it has been awarded Daily Fantasy Sports Operator Licenses in Delaware and Missouri. The company will launch Arena, its innovative peer-to-peer fantasy sports contest, in both states. With these new state launches, Arena will now be available in 15 states across the US.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board) unanimously voted to renew the Category 2 stand-alone casino license of Wind Creek Bethlehem LLC, operator of Wind Creek Bethlehem casino in Northampton County. In making the decision, the Board determined that Wind Creek Bethlehem LLC had fulfilled the obligations under its previously approved casino operator’s license and therefore qualified to have its license renewed for an additional five-year period.

Aristocrat announced that the company was the first international slot and online technology company to be granted a Gaming-Related Vendor license by The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the federal entity overseeing commercial gaming activities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This announcement grants Aristocrat the ability to provide the company’s land-based electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and online games and technology solutions to commercial gaming operators licensed by the GCGRA.

Partnerships

SCCG Management, a leading global advisory and consulting firm in the gambling industry, has entered into a strategic partnership with Slot Machines Unlimited, a premier provider of refurbished slot machines and gaming equipment. The partnership between SCCG Management and Slot Machines Unlimited leverages both companies’ strengths: Slot Machines Unlimited’s expertise in refurbished gaming equipment and SCCG’s deep industry insight, global network and strategic growth capabilities. The collaboration will enhance Slot Machines Unlimited’s international sales and service operations, ensuring gaming establishments worldwide have access to high-quality slot machines and support.

Galaxy Gaming Inc. has announced that the Galaxy Operating System (GOS) is now live on over 50 ships worldwide with Carnival Corporation & PLC, the world’s largest leisure travel company. Since the installation, tables powered by GOS have awarded over $5 million in jackpot payouts to players. GOS is the jackpot progressive system for all Carnival Corporation ships, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. Launched in 2024, GOS is the next-generation game management system developed by the industry’s leading table game experts.

The hottest new game from Aristocrat Gaming, Phoenix Link, is now live on casino floors, with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino being the first in North America to offer the highly-anticipated game. As the next evolution of the international hit game, Dragon Link, Phoenix Link features player-favourite mechanics from top games with all-new themes, features and bonuses.

Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – October 21-27

Published

3 weeks ago

October 28, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Latest News

Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, announced the official launch of the Bally Bet Sportsbook app in Tennessee, marking its expansion into the tenth state. This milestone comes on the heels of recent successful Bally Bet launches in Massachusetts and Maryland. Sports enthusiasts across the Volunteer State can now revel in the comprehensive offerings of the Bally Bet sportsbook app. With a wide array of betting options, including spread, money line and total bets, as well as in-game betting and same game parlays, Tennessee sports fans will have an unparalleled wagering experience.

ESE Entertainment Inc., a gaming company that provides a range of services to leading video game developers and publishers, has announced that it has acquired Bombee Global Entertainment (Bombee Americas), the North American arm of Bombee Event Production AB, (Bombee), a global production company specialised in live production, special effects, broadcast and event management for the gaming sector. Bombee has successfully collaborated with ESE to bring its premier event production services and world class customer service to North America and beyond. The North American arm of Bombee, Bombee Americas, will continue to grow and scale in this new organisational structure under ESE, while maintaining its entire team and global support.

Matthew Wantman has become the overall champion of the PokerGO Tour PLO Series II presented by PLO Mastermind. Wantman secured the prestigious honor after an impressive showing at PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas, outperforming a talented field of the best PLO players in the world to earn the $10,000 PGT Passport bonus. The PGT PLO Series II featured a series of high-stakes pot-limit Omaha tournaments. Wantman’s consistent performance set him apart from the competition and solidified his spot atop the leaderboard.

Partnerships

SYNOT Games has announced its further expansion into the Colombian market through a partnership with BetPlay. This alliance highlights SYNOT Games’ commitment to increasing its presence in Latin America and providing its engaging and innovative games to a wider audience. Through this partnership, BetPlay’s online platform will feature a curated selection of SYNOTGames’ top-performing titles, including fan favourites like Aztec Jaguar, Diamond Fever, Realm of Lions.

Internet Sports International, a global provider of turnkey race and sportsbook software solutions, announced its partnership with the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell, Arizona. Through this consultancy, ISI is powering the casino’s sportsbook and retail sports wagering operations on its gaming floor with its award-winning system. WKP Sportsbook is currently operating, allowing patrons to elevate their excitement by wagering on their preferred sporting events with up-to-the-minute odds and live action. The automated sportsbook kiosks provide access to a wide range of sports propositions for both the beginner and expert bettor.

Aristocrat Gaming, a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of regulated slot games, announced it is now a promotional partner for Princess Cruises, one of the world’s most iconic cruise lines. Through this exciting collaboration, Aristocrat Gaming will design innovative gaming experiences for guests onboard Princess ships as well as create promotions with land-based casinos that offer Princess cruises as rewards.