Mexico Advances Bill to Restrict Betting Advertising on TV
Mexico.- 13th March 2026 www.zonadeazar.com Mexico’s Congress is advancing a new bill aimed at restricting advertising for sports betting and online gambling on television, particularly during live sports broadcasts and prime-time programming.
The proposal was introduced by federal deputy Jericó Abramo Masso and seeks to reduce minors’ exposure to gambling advertising. According to the legislator, many betting campaigns promote the idea of “easy money”, which could create unrealistic expectations and encourage problematic gambling behaviour.
Overview
The bill does not prohibit the commercial operation of betting companies, but it imposes strict limits on when advertising can be broadcast.
Under the proposal, gambling ads would only be allowed outside family viewing hours, effectively restricting them to late-night television slots when children are less likely to be watching.
The restriction would apply to both free-to-air and pay television channels, significantly reducing operators’ marketing visibility during major sports events.
Details and context
The proposal also requires all gambling advertising content to receive prior approval from the Secretariat of the Interior (SEGOB).
Operators would also be required to include responsible gaming warnings and avoid promotional messaging that encourages excessive gambling.
The discussion takes place within a regulatory framework that many experts consider outdated, as Mexico’s gambling industry still operates under the Federal Law of Games and Draws enacted in 1947.
Future outlook
The initiative is partly driven by the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico will host alongside the United States and Canada.
Authorities expect the tournament to generate a major increase in betting activity and advertising spending, prompting lawmakers to introduce stricter safeguards before the event.
The bill will now be reviewed by legislative committees before moving to the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate and finally requiring presidential approval to become law.
Edited by: @MaiaDigital www.zonadeazar.com