Latin America · SEGOB/DGJS · 25-year permits

Mexico (SEGOB) Gaming Licence

Access to one of Latin America's biggest regulated markets — but not with a simple licence. Mexico issues no standalone online permit; you operate under an existing SEGOB permit, via a Mexican entity or a permit-holder partnership. The upside is 25-year permits; the catch is a rising tax (30%, heading to 50%). Vantegris structures the right entry route.

Last updated · July 2026 · 8-min read

25 yrs
Permit term (+15 option)
30→50%
iGaming tax (rising 2026)
No online
standalone licence
Large
regulated LatAm market
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overview

Why Mexico (SEGOB).

Mexico is a large, established regulated gaming market — but its licensing works differently from anywhere else on this site, and it's important to understand that before you commit. There is no standalone online gaming licence. Online operations must run as an extension of an existing land-based permit issued by the Dirección General de Juegos y Sorteos (DGJS) within SEGOB, under the 1947 Federal Gaming and Raffles Law and its 2004 regulation.

A November 2023 presidential decree tightened the regime — banning new slot-machine permits and, per legal analysis, ending the old sub-licensing arrangements. In practice, foreign operators enter by forming a Mexican legal entity and operating under a permit-holder's authorisation (the model used by large operators entering the market). Permits run an unusually long 25 years, extendable by 15, but the fiscal trade-off is steep: iGaming tax is 30% and the 2026 fiscal package raises it toward 50%. Vantegris structures the right, compliant entry route for your case.

No direct online licenceOnline gaming runs under an existing land-based SEGOB permit, not a standalone authorisation.
Mexican entity requiredOnly entities incorporated under Mexican law can operate; foreigners partner or incorporate locally.
Very long permitsPermits run 25 years with a 15-year extension option — rare stability.
Rising taxiGaming tax is 30% and set to rise toward 50% under the 2026 fiscal package.

advantages

Why operators pick it.

01A major market

One of Latin America's largest regulated gaming markets, with real scale and demand.

02Exceptionally long permits

25-year terms (plus a 15-year extension) give stability no offshore permit matches.

03Regulated credibility

A SEGOB-authorised operation carries domestic regulatory standing.

04Established entry models

Proven permit-holder partnership structures let foreign operators enter compliantly.

05Honest structuring

We map the real, compliant route and the true tax cost before you invest — no rosy shortcuts.

head to head

Mexico vs. an offshore permit

CriteriaMexico (SEGOB)Offshore (e.g. Anjouan)
Market typeLarge regulated domesticOffshore, international
LicenceUnder existing permitDirect, standalone
Local entityMexican entity requiredNot required
Term25 years (+15)Annual
Tax30% → 50%0% GGR
TimelineLonger, structure-dependent4–8 weeks
Best suited toOperators targeting Mexico onshoreInternational offshore reach

who it's for

Built for these operators.

Operators targeting MexicoBrands that specifically want the regulated Mexican domestic market at scale.
Well-capitalised operatorsTeams able to fund a Mexican entity and a permit-holder structure, and absorb 30–50% tax.
Long-horizon operatorsThose who value 25-year (plus 15) permit stability over short offshore terms.
Operators needing local partnersForeign operators who need a compliant permit-holder partnership to enter.

requirements

Eligibility & docs.

A legal entity incorporated under Mexican law.
Operation under an existing DGJS/SEGOB permit (own or partnered).
A compliant permit-holder arrangement where applicable.
Local corporate and tax registration.
Due diligence on UBOs, directors and key persons.
No sanctions or disqualifying convictions.
Demonstrated financial capacity.
Source-of-funds evidence.
Mexican corporate documents and ownership chart.
Permit or permit-holder authorisation documentation.
AML/KYC and responsible-gaming policies.
Technical and platform documentation.
Tax and compliance registrations.
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step by step

From zero to licence.

  1. Route & structuringWe assess whether an own permit or a permit-holder partnership is the right, compliant entry for you.Days
  2. Mexican entityIncorporate the Mexican legal entity and complete tax and corporate registrations.Weeks
  3. Permit arrangementPut the SEGOB permit or permit-holder authorisation and agreements in place.Variable
  4. Launch & complianceGo live under the authorisation with AML/KYC, responsible gaming and tax compliance running.On completion

Not sure Mexico (SEGOB) is the right fit?

Tell us your product and target markets — we'll confirm whether Mexico (SEGOB) or another jurisdiction gets you live fastest, at the lowest all-in cost.

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pricing

Transparent packages.

Assessment Route & structuring
  • Compliant entry-route assessment
  • Permit vs partnership analysis
  • Tax and cost modelling
  • Go / no-go recommendation
Choose Assessment
Full Structure, banking & payments
  • Everything in Turnkey
  • Banking & payment introductions
  • Corporate accounts
  • Ongoing compliance support
Choose Full
Regulatory fees & add-ons
SEGOB permit / permit-holder structureStructure-dependent
Mexican entity & registrationson quote
Vantegris structuring & complianceon quote

Mexico's cost is driven by the permit/partnership structure and local substance, not a published licence fee — and by the tax, which is 30% now and rising toward 50% under the 2026 fiscal package. We model the full, honest economics for your entry route before you commit.

obligations

Compliance duties.

AML & KYCPlayer due diligence, monitoring and reporting under Mexican rules.
Responsible gamingPlayer-protection controls and safeguards enforced.
TaxiGaming tax (30%, rising toward 50%) plus standard corporate obligations.
Permit complianceOperating within the terms of the SEGOB permit and any partnership.
ReportingOngoing reporting to DGJS/SEGOB and notification of material changes.

technical standards

Technology & IT.

Platform standardsTechnical platform compliant with DGJS requirements.
Certified gamesCertified gaming systems and RNG where applicable.
SecurityEncrypted connections, secure hosting and cybersecurity controls.
Data protectionSecure, compliant handling of player and financial data.
Player controlsDeposit limits, self-exclusion and problem-gambling safeguards.

after launch

We stay on after you're live.

Permit & tax complianceKeeping the permit arrangement and tax obligations in good standing.
Compliance monitoringOngoing AML/KYC and responsible-gaming upkeep.
Banking & paymentsBuilding and maintaining local and international payment relationships.
Structure changesManaging corporate and permit-structure changes as you grow.

market access

Reach & restrictions.

A SEGOB-authorised operation targets the regulated Mexican domestic market. It is not international offshore reach — if your goal is broad offshore markets, a licence like Anjouan or Curaçao is the better route. Mexico is for operators who specifically want Mexico.

Restricted / prohibited countries
Non-authorised activities outside the permitSanctioned territoriesFATF-listed nations

Operators must use GEO-IP blocking for restricted countries and any FATF-blacklisted nation. Non-compliance can lead to licence suspension or revocation.

FAQ

Can I get a standalone online gambling licence in Mexico?

No. As of 2026 Mexico issues no standalone online gaming licence. Online operations run as an extension of an existing land-based permit from the DGJS (within SEGOB). Foreign operators enter by forming a Mexican entity and operating under a permit-holder's authorisation.

How long is a Mexican permit valid?

Permits are granted for 25 years, with an option to extend for a further 15 — an unusually long, stable term compared with annual offshore permits.

What tax will I pay?

iGaming is currently taxed at 30%, and the government's 2026 fiscal package raises it toward 50%, on top of standard corporate obligations. It is a high-tax, high-scale market — we model the real economics before you enter.

Do I need a Mexican company?

Yes. Only entities incorporated under Mexican law can operate, so foreign operators either incorporate locally or partner with an existing permit holder. Sub-licensing was restricted by the November 2023 decree, so the structure must be set up carefully.

Is Mexico right for me?

Mexico suits operators who specifically want its large regulated domestic market and can absorb the tax and structuring cost. If you want broad international offshore reach, an offshore permit is a better and far cheaper route — we'll tell you honestly which fits.

Reviewed by the Vantegris licensing team · Last updated July 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time.

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