Deputy Alberto Martínez Urincho has introduced a proposal to the Mexico City Congress aimed at reforming certain aspects of the Federal Law on Games and Sweepstakes. This initiative is focused on addressing gambling addiction and enhancing regulations for betting operators, particularly in light of the rapid rise of online gambling and its effects on youth.
The proposed changes include the addition of Article 1 Bis and amendments to Article 3, which would formally classify gambling addiction as an addictive disorder and enforce stricter regulations on digital gambling platforms and providers.
Since this is a federal law, the proposal must first gain approval from the Local Public Administration Commission, followed by the Legislative Plenary. Once approved, the bill will be forwarded to Congress for further consideration.
Martínez Urincho's proposal emphasizes several critical measures: officially recognizing gambling addiction as a mental health issue, mandating health and risk warnings from gambling operators, and implementing stringent identity verification processes to prevent minors from accessing gambling sites.
Additionally, the initiative aims to prohibit misleading advertisements and eliminate marketing strategies that target vulnerable populations. It would also impose explicit restrictions on betting related to political events, armed conflicts, natural disasters, humanitarian crises, or any occurrences that may compromise human dignity.
The lawmaker expressed concern over the alarming rise in gambling addiction in Mexico, stating, “This issue transcends mere entertainment; it is a disorder that alters brain functions and leads to compulsive behaviors, despite serious physical, psychological, and social repercussions.”
In support of his proposal, Martínez Urincho referenced statistics indicating that between 4% and 8% of adolescents in Mexico exhibit problematic gambling behaviors. He also cited research from UNAM Global, estimating that as many as 3.9 million Mexicans may be affected by gambling addiction, with those impacted being up to 15 times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population.
In light of these findings, the Morena lawmaker stressed the importance of treating gambling addiction as a critical public health and mental health issue, addressing the anxiety, distress, loneliness, and depression that often accompany this condition.