Codere Faces Allegations of Irregularities at Mexico City’s Hipódromo de las Américas

Mexico City – June 27, 2025 | 🌐 www.zonadeazar.com This week, workers at Hipódromo de las Américas in Mexico City submitted a formal request to President Claudia Sheinbaum, urging a comprehensive review of the concession granted to Spanish gambling operator Codere.

According to the accusations, the license was extended prematurely and irregularly during the administration of Enrique Peña Nieto. The original 25-year concession, set to expire this year, was not initially granted directly to Codere but to a subsidiary. Nevertheless, it was extended for an additional 25 years, allowing the company to continue operations through 2050.

Employees also reported unjustified dismissals, workplace harassment, cuts to acquired rights, and collusion by the union led by Isaías González Cuevas, which allegedly collects fees even from non-contracted workers and fails to support labor complaints. Many claim they were fired without receiving even half of their legally required severance pay.

Further concerns include the use of the racetrack for mass events and concerts, a practice reportedly prohibited by the concession terms. One event was relocated to Parque Bicentenario due to lack of permits, with attendees complaining about poor organization and lack of sanitary facilities.

Allegations also involve potential fraud in horse racing, including the use of false names and horse swapping, which could compromise betting integrity.

Employees called for a full investigation into Codere’s operations across Mexico, including its casino and gaming venues in other regions.

Codere’s Tax Dispute in Mexico

In parallel, Codere is also involved in a major tax dispute. In May, the Supreme Court of Justice ruled in favor of Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT), confirming that the company must pay over MXN 1.272 billion in taxes, fines, and interest related to fiscal year 2008.

The debt includes invalid deductions, currency losses, and irregular mergers, according to the tax authority. Despite Codere’s attempt to overturn the decision through legal appeals, the Court upheld that the tax debt is enforceable.

🖋 Edited by: @_fonta
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