Legislation
Mexico – Investigation into casino licences deepens
By Lewis - 23 July 2013
A Special Investigative Commission in Mexico, which has been overseeing the investigation into the federal government’s past involvement in the issuing of gaming licences has asked the District Attorney General’s Office for a report on gaming. Head of the committee Ricardo Mejia Berdeja announced on Friday that a detailed report from the General Attorney’s office into gaming licensing was crucial in order for the committee to complete its work. The committee has asked the Attorney General’s office to look into the public complaints against former officials, related persons, or events related to the establishment of illegal casinos in the country.
Now in its eight session the eleven person committee has been charged with the investigation of the federal government’s past involvement in the issuing of licences. This is amongst growing calls that licences have been trafficked by former members of Mexico’s Interior Ministry (SEGOB). The committee has also asked that the Attorney General look into the statements put forward by President of Mexican gaming organization ASPJAC (Asociación de Permisionarios y Proveedores de Juegos y Sorteos, A.C) Alfonso Pérez Lizuar. Appearing before the committee in June Mr Lizaur revealed that there are 107 casinos in Mexico which are currently operating without a licence.
The committee’s work has led to growing speculation that major changes could be on the way to Mexico gaming laws which date back to 1947 as its investigation deepens into how licenses have been handed out in the past. In its latest session the committee has asked that head of the gaming control board within SEGOB, Marcela Gonzalez be summoned to appear before the committee as they seek out more information regarding the operation of illegal casinos in Mexico. This was after it was discovered that the figures released concerning the number of licences issued by SEGOB do not match the information so far gathered by the committee. In what could prove to be a significant development it was also announced that member of the committee Deputy Arturo Salinas has presented a report on the legal aspects relating to gaming in Mexico which establishes a working paper which would advance a legal initiative in the matter and update Mexico’s antiquated gaming laws.
