Mexico could see a new, comprehensive gaming law passed before the end of this year. That is the opinion of Representative Armando Garcia Mendez, coordinator of the Subcommittee on Gaming and Lotteries in the national Chamber of Deputies.

In an interview with Yogonet, Garcia Mendez said that a major stumbling block to passage of the law was removed when the PRI gained a majority of seats in the congress. PRI supports the new law, while the previous government, formed by PAN, had opposed it.

The new law, if passed, will completely replace the 1947 statute that governs gaming at present. Authority over gaming would be put into the hands of a Games and Draws Commission, which would replace SEGOB's current role in the industry.

Garcia Mendez estimates there are twice as many illegal gaming operations as there are legal ones in Mexico, and that it is a situation that harms the entire industry.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.