The Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF), operating under the Ministry of Finance, has directed internet service providers to block access to 13 online and land-based gambling operators, including Bet365.mx and Betano.mx.
The probe targets platforms that either lack direct approval from the Ministry of the Interior (Segob) or are operating through third-party licences granted to locally registered companies.
Officials stated that the objective is to stop operators without proper or transparent licensing from handling financial transactions outside of regulatory oversight. According to the government, these loopholes create opportunities for tax evasion, improper management of user data and potential involvement in illicit financial activity, including money laundering.
Recent industry figures illustrate the scale of the sector now under investigation. Data from H2 Gambling Capital shows the Latin American online gambling market exceeded USD 7 billion in 2024, with Mexico among the region’s fastest-expanding jurisdictions. More than 40% of online bettors in Latin America are based in Mexico.
Bet365 and Betano operate locally via Ganador Azteca SAPI de CV and Operadora Ganador TV Azteca SAPI de CV, subsidiaries connected to Grupo Salinas.
In response to the blocks, Grupo Salinas released a statement rejecting the allegations and maintaining that its companies operate in full compliance with Mexican law. The group also accused federal authorities of politically motivated actions aimed at its chairman, Ricardo Salinas Pliego. Bet365 and Betano have not issued separate statements regarding the situation.
Further signs of the crackdown emerged on the Google Play Store, where users attempting to download the Bet365 app were met with the notification: “This item is not available in your country.”
The UIF stated that its investigation is ongoing and will ultimately determine any legal actions that may be taken against the companies involved. In the meantime, users in Mexico will need to refrain from accessing these platforms and opt for alternatives that hold clear, direct authorisation from Segob.
