SEGOB/DGJS permits that run from 1 to 15 years
Mexico 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 long permits of up to 15 years; the catch is a 50% gaming tax (IEPS) since January 2026. Vantegris structures the right entry route.
What is the Mexico gaming licence?
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, setting one permit per establishment and repealing the third-party "operador" figure. In practice, foreign operators enter by forming a Mexican legal entity that holds its own permit or supplies brand, platform or services under a commercial agreement with an existing permit holder (the model used by large operators entering the market). New permits run 1–15 years with no extension, and older permits above that cap were cut to 15 non-extendable years ending around November 2038. The fiscal trade-off is steep: IEPS on games with bets rose from 30% to 50% on 1 January 2026, charged on bets minus prizes for permit holders and on gross receipts, with no deduction, for foreign platforms without a Mexican establishment. Vantegris structures the right, compliant entry route for your case.
Why operators pick Mexico
One of Latin America's largest regulated gaming markets, with real scale and demand.
Terms of up to 15 years give stability no offshore permit matches.
A SEGOB-authorised operation carries domestic regulatory standing.
Proven permit-holder partnership structures let foreign operators enter compliantly.
We map the real, compliant route and the true tax cost before you invest — no rosy shortcuts.
Mexico vs. an offshore permit
| Criteria | Mexico (SEGOB) | Offshore (e.g. Anjouan) |
|---|---|---|
| Market type | Large regulated domestic | Offshore, international |
| Licence | Under existing permit | Direct, standalone |
| Local entity | Mexican entity required | Not required |
| Term | 1–15 years | Annual |
| Tax | 50% IEPS | 0% GGR (50% IEPS if serving Mexico) |
| Timeline | Longer, structure-dependent | 4–8 weeks |
| Best suited to | Operators targeting Mexico onshore | International offshore reach |
Who the Mexico gaming licence suits
Mexico gaming licence requirements
How to get a Mexico gaming licence
- Route & structuring We assess whether an own permit or a permit-holder partnership is the right, compliant entry for you. Days
- Mexican entity Incorporate the Mexican legal entity and complete tax and corporate registrations. Weeks
- Permit arrangement Put the SEGOB permit or the commercial agreement with a permit holder in place. Variable
- Launch & compliance Go live under the permit with AML/KYC, responsible gaming and tax compliance running. On completion
Not sure Mexico is the right fit?
Tell us your product and target markets — we'll confirm whether Mexico or another jurisdiction gets you live fastest, at the lowest all-in cost.
How much does a Mexico gaming licence cost?
- Compliant entry-route assessment
- Permit vs partnership analysis
- Tax and cost modelling
- Go / no-go recommendation
- Everything in Assessment
- Mexican entity incorporation
- Permit-holder arrangement
- AML/KYC & compliance build
- Everything in Turnkey
- Banking & payment introductions
- Corporate accounts
- Ongoing compliance support
Mexico's cost is driven by the permit/partnership structure and local substance, not a published licence fee — and by the tax: IEPS of 50% since 1 January 2026, up from 30%. We model the full economics for your entry route before you commit.
Compliance obligations in Mexico
Technical & IT standards in Mexico
After you go live in Mexico
Which markets a Mexico licence reaches
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.
Operators must use GEO-IP blocking for restricted countries and any FATF-blacklisted nation. Non-compliance can lead to licence suspension or revocation.
Mexico gaming licence 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 through a Mexican entity, with their own permit or a commercial agreement with an existing permit holder.
How long is a Mexican permit valid?
Since the decree of 16 November 2023, new permits run for 1–15 years with no extension (Reglamento Article 33). Older permits above that cap were cut to 15 non-extendable years from 16 November 2023, ending around November 2038. Still a long, stable term compared with annual offshore permits.
What tax will I pay?
IEPS on games with bets and draws rose from 30% to 50% on 1 January 2026, on top of standard corporate obligations. Permit holders pay it on bets minus prizes; foreign platforms with no Mexican establishment pay it on everything received from players and can be blocked by the SAT for non-compliance. 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. The November 2023 decree repealed the third-party "operador" figure, 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 which fits.
Reviewed by the Vantegris licensing team. Last updated September 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time.
Start your Mexico file.
Tell us your product and target markets and we will map the licence route. The consultation is free and confidential, and most enquiries get a reply within 24 hours.