Best Mexican Betting Sites

Mexico is located in the southern part of North America and borders the United States to the north, with an estimated population of around 129 million. It is a federation comprising 31 states and Mexico City. It is the birthplace of legendary football players Hugo Sanchez and Rafael Marquez. The Mexican government legalized betting back in the 1940s; with football, horse and greyhound racing being ahead of the game.

Gambling in Mexico is a state-controlled activity and is regulated under the Mexican Federal Law of Games and Raffles. Online betting in particular is semi-regulated. Some international bookmakers like Bet365 already hold a local license, but most of them are in the process of obtaining one. Mexicans tend to bet on non-licensed international bookies, as the law is not enforced and no legal action has been taken against bettors.

Top Sports Betting Sites in Mexico

If you’re looking for a decent sportsbook, Mexico provides a lot of options. The following are the top sportsbooks in Mexico, including the best baseball bookmakers, offering a wide array of betting markets in Liga MX, along with competitive odds and appealing promotions.

Gambling in Mexico - 5 Things to Know

• 1
  Legal gambling age in Mexico is 18 years
• 2
  The gambling revenue tax is about $300 million annually
• 3
  An anti-money laundering law regarding gambling-related activities is in place
• 4
  The Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB) provides the Federal Gaming Permits
• 5
  No tax applies on betting winnings

General info

⏩Population: 128.932.753

⏩Active players: 15.000.000

⏩Currency: Mexican peso (MXN)

⏩Regulated gambling products: Sports betting, horse racing, casino games, lottery

⏩Operator types: Licensed & unlicensed online bookies and casinos, land-based betting shops and casinos

⏩Designated authority: General Bureau of Gaming and Raffles

⏩Status: Semi-regulated

Online Sports Betting in Mexico: The Gambling Framework

As regards gambling laws in Mexico, on 31 December 1947, the Mexican Federal Law of Games and Raffles came into effect. It remains, until this day, the country’s main gambling legislation. The latest modification took place in 2013 in order to bring Mexico's gambling regulation up to date with the emerging industry and technological needs.

On 27 November 2014, though, the Special Commission to Investigate the Performance of the Entities of the Federal Government submitted a new bill. The majority of the Chamber of Deputies' members approved this ‘new’ Federal Law on December 3, 2014, and sent it to the Senate for review and approval.

Currently, the country’s regulatory authority is the General Bureau of Gaming and Raffles. Many international bookmakers are willing to submit the necessary documentation in order to hold a local license, like Bet365. Some Mexican sportsbooks already holding local licenses are Caliente, Strendus, Ganabet and Big Bola.

The betting tax in Mexico for licensed operators is 30%. This applies to their entire income. Additionally, licensees pay permit fees to the Ministry of the Interior in the amount of 2% of their income. The SAT (Tax Administration Service) is the federal authority in charge of collecting gambling-related taxes.

Essential Information for Mexican Bettors

Technically, Mexicans are obliged to gamble only on licensed bookies. Nonetheless, those who opt for non-licensed international sportsbooks are not prosecuted. Meanwhile, there is no tax on betting winnings deriving from Mexico betting sites.

It is also worth mentioning that foreign unlicensed bookies have a tax advantage against the local license holders; since they do not have to pay the 30% income tax.

Regulatory Landscape of Neighboring Countries

Understanding nearby countries' gambling regulations is essential when you are betting online. Despite the proximity, variations will still exist, impacting decision-making and compliance with local laws. Below, you can see some of the closest ones: 

United States: Even from the design or the odds formats, you can immediately realize how the US sportsbooks differ from their European or Asian counterparts. What's interesting, though, is that online gambling is not legal in every state. However, most of them are on their way to regulating both land-based and online operators. 

Guatemala: Apart from specific games, like bingo and lottery, most types of gambling are considered illegal in the country. The original legislation still stands from 1880. Nonetheless, players can find betting sites in Guatemala and register without the fear of being prosecuted.  

Belize: This is one of the first countries to regulate online gambling. That was back in 1995. Both high street casinos and sportsbooks are allowed by law. What's more, Belize gambling sites are even capable of acquiring a local, offshore license if they wish it. 

Bet Mexico: How to Deposit at Online Bookies

Bettors who opt for non-licensed sportsbooks deposit funds through popular e-wallets, like Skrill and Neteller, or through cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin Mexico. All they want is to keep their personal information secure, that is why they avoid bank wire and cards.

Furthermore, all licensed bookmakers Mexico has to offer, as well as many international sportsbooks, provide the Mexican Peso for more flexibility.

The Future of Sports Betting in Mexico

As mentioned above, the majority of the Chamber of Deputies' members approved the ‘new’ Federal Law on December 3, 2014, and sent it to the Senate for review and approval. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that the country’s current administration (2018–2024) will approve it in due time.

The necessity for a crystal clear online gambling regulation is growing; since most bettors opt for international bookies that still don’t hold a local license. Thus, the country is determined to increase its tax revenue through the legalization of many renowned foreign sportsbooks. Sooner rather than later, it will be offering to gamblers Mexico's top bookmakers.