Mexico

Mexico’s betting permit system

The Federal Games and Draws Law starts from a general prohibition and allows specified betting activities only with permission from the Secretaría de Gobernación. The General Directorate of Games and Draws is the federal authority that issues and supervises those permits, including remote betting centres.

Before using an online brand, identify the Mexican permit holder and confirm the permit with DGJS information. The brand, domain and operating company should correspond to the authorised activity. A foreign gambling licence, peso pricing or a site that accepts a Mexican address does not replace the federal permit.

Age and app checks

Minors may not participate in betting. Approved operators should perform identity and age controls and state their complaint process. Use the verified website or its official app-store link; cloned domains and apps shared through messages can capture documents and passwords.

• Check the permit holder and validity, not only the brand name.
• Read market rules, cancellations, maximum payouts and bonus rollover.
• Use a unique password and never share a verification code with support.
• Avoid fixed-match, guaranteed-profit and paid loss-recovery offers.

Deposits and withdrawals

Mexican operators may offer cards, SPEI bank transfers, wallets or cash vouchers such as OXXO, depending on their approved setup. The appearance of a familiar payment logo does not itself prove authorisation. Use payment accounts in your own name and check the recipient before confirming.

Compare fees, minimum withdrawals, processing periods and identity requirements before depositing. Keep bet IDs, SPEI receipts and support communications. Do not pay an unexpected “tax,” “insurance” or “unlock” charge to a personal account to release winnings; verify any deduction through the operator’s formal channel.

Prize taxes and complaints

SAT guidance treats prizes from legally authorised betting games as taxable prize income, with federal withholding rules and possible state taxes. The payer should provide the relevant tax evidence when withholding applies. Keep official receipts and review current SAT guidance or qualified advice for annual reporting.

Send a dispute to the operator in writing first. If it remains unresolved, use the permit and contact information published through DGJS and the applicable consumer-protection route. Notify the bank immediately about suspected unauthorised transfers or account takeover.

Responsible gambling

Betting products include an operator margin and cannot guarantee income. Set deposit, loss and time limits in advance. Do not use credit intended for rent, food or bills, and do not increase stakes to recover a loss. Time-outs, self-exclusion and payment blocks are most useful when activated early.

Hiding activity, borrowing, missing expenses or feeling unable to stop are warning signs. Secure essential funds and seek qualified local health support when gambling affects wellbeing or relationships.

This guide reflects DGJS and SAT material reviewed in September 2026. Permit lists and tax rules can change; verify the current official record before betting.