A trade group representing most of Mexico’s gaming operators says unlicensed operators are costing the country almost US million a year in lost tax revenues.
At a recent meeting of a federal Special Commission established to examine regulatory reforms, Alfonso Perez Lizaur, president of the Association of Games and Draws Licensees, said most of the illegal venues are in four of the six states that border the United States: Tamaulipas, Chihuahua, Coahuila and Nuevo León.
“Companies, legislators and the government must work in order to establish clear rules, create investment incentives and (create) respect for the law,” he said.
Lizaur said the legal industry, most of which is represented by the association, has contributed about $1.5 billion to the Mexican economy, provides more than 35,000 direct jobs and 97,000 indirect jobs and pays more than $400 million a year in taxes. He said it is committed to building an industry marked by adequate controls, transparency, tax equity and problem gambling prevention.
Congressman Ricardo Mejia Berdeja said the commission will continue to meet with members of the private and public sectors on the shape of the proposed reforms.
