Online poker exists in a gray area under Mexican law, as the current regulatory framework does not explicitly address internet gambling activities. The Ministry of the Interior through its Gambling and Raffles Bureau regulates all forms of betting games in Mexico (1). Although poker is not expressly described in Mexican law, the government has authorized some permit holders to offer these games, indicating that poker can be permitted under regulatory oversight (1).
Land-based casinos with proper licenses may request authorization to offer online gambling services, including poker, through their established platforms. Licensed Mexican land-based casino operators have been permitted to offer online gambling since 2004, but they must implement robust internal control systems for transactions (2). The legal framework remains based on a 1947 law that predates modern internet technology, making it insufficient to address contemporary online gaming realities (1).
"According to Mexican law, all games involving betting must obtain authorisation and are subject to control and supervision by the Ministry of the Interior, including the list of games with bets outlined in Article 2 of the Gaming Law."
Foreign operators face significant restrictions when attempting to offer online poker services to Mexican players without partnering with licensed land-based establishments. The regulatory authority has focused on internal regulation within the licensed sector but currently lacks effective systems to monitor gaming products operating from outside Mexican borders (2). Players can access offshore poker sites, though these operators function without explicit legal authorization from Mexican authorities.
Source:
https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/gaming-law-2024/mexico
https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/mexico
Last updated: 09-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
