After many years of discussion, no-holds-barred Las Vegas-style gambling may soon be legal in Mexico.
Should new federal gaming laws be approved, casinos will legally be able to offer games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker and craps. At present only “electronic” and sports gambling is permitted by law.
Authorities recognize that although prohibited, these kind of games take place widely in clandestine fashion. The best move would be to regulate and thus control them, says Marcela Gonzalez Salas, general director of Juegos y Sorteos at Mexico’s Interior Ministry (Gobernacion).
Legislators are expected to vote shortly on the “Responsible Games and Lotteries Law,” which features several new initiatives, including the prohibition of “VIP rooms” where high-stake gamblers can wager sums that far exceed a casino’s average bet.