Mexico: Deputy proposes strengthening sports integrity and regulating ties with betting operators

The proposal includes amendments to the Federal Gaming and Raffles Law, the General Law on Physical Culture and Sport, and the Federal Criminal Code, with the goal of providing greater legal certainty to the sector and protecting the credibility of football and other professional sports in Mexico.

Clear separation between operators and clubs

One of the central pillars of the bill establishes that license holders, operators, partners, or beneficiaries of betting companies may not be owners, investors, or managers of professional sports clubs — and vice versa.

In cases of non-compliance, the initiative foresees sanctions such as permit revocation, fines of up to one hundred thousand UMAs (Units of Measurement and Update), disqualifications, and mandatory notification to financial authorities. The aim is to safeguard the sports ecosystem and prevent potential conflicts of interest that could undermine public and market confidence.

Mandatory integrity code

The legislative package also proposes that leagues, associations, and clubs adopt a mandatory Integrity Code including:

• Prohibition of internal betting.
• Public disclosure of financial interests by executives.
• Integrity clauses in contracts.
• Anonymous reporting mechanisms.

These measures seek to raise governance standards within professional sports, aligning them with international best practices in risk prevention.

Criminalization of match-fixing as a federal offense

The initiative proposes creating a new chapter titled "Crimes Against the Integrity of Professional Sports" within the Federal Criminal Code, establishing prison sentences of up to 10 years for individuals who manipulate results for betting purposes, use insider information, or conceal funds derived from illegal betting activities.

Penalties would be aggravated if the conduct involves club owners or executives, or affects national or international tournaments.

International organizations have warned about the growth of such practices in the absence of specific legal frameworks criminalizing match-fixing, noting that the lack of criminal risk facilitates their expansion.

Through this reform package, the legislator aims to strengthen Mexico's regulated gaming environment, promote clear rules for all stakeholders, and consolidate a model that combines industry development with high standards of sports integrity.