Mexico Weighs Gambling Ad Limits During 2026 World Cup

Mexican is reviewing a proposal that would restrict gambling advertising during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin June 11, 2026 with opening matches hosted in Mexico.

Good to Know

• Advertising could be limited to overnight hours between 10:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Proposal covers both television broadcasts and digital platforms.
• Measure remains under review and requires committee approval before a full congressional vote.

Jericó Abramo Masso of the Chamber of Deputies introduced the initiative, which would tighten promotional rules tied to sporting events shown on free to air and subscription television. Matches during the tournament are set to run through June 27, with local broadcast windows spanning midday through late evening, meaning most live coverage would fall outside the permitted advertising hours.

Masso linked the effort to complaints from parents about exposure among younger viewers. He said gambling promotions create “false narratives about gaining quick wealth” when placed alongside widely watched sporting events.

The draft also seeks to extend restrictions into online environments. Supporters argue that applying the same standards across digital channels would add safeguards for individuals under 18 and reduce visibility across streaming and social media tied to match coverage.

Current law already requires operators to obtain prior authorization from the Secretariat of the Interior before television advertisements air. Regulations also mandate responsible gambling messaging and prohibit content that encourages excessive participation.

Discussion around advertising arrives during a broader reassessment of national gambling policy. Federal authorities and the ruling MORENA party have acknowledged integrity concerns under the Federal Gaming and Lottery Law of 1947, legislation that has governed the sector for decades.

SEGOB previously organized working groups to evaluate reforms to that framework. Those efforts paused when President Claudia Sheinbaum began negotiations tied to a new fiscal package.

Budget measures approved for 2026 included an increase in the Special Tax on Production and Services applied to gambling activity, raising the rate from 30 percent to 50 percent of gaming turnover. Officials grouped the change within a broader set of health oriented levies described as taxes on alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and high sugar foods.

MORENA has indicated plans to introduce replacement legislation for the 1947 statute before the World Cup, though no updated draft has been released so far in 2026.

Mexico will share hosting duties with the United States and Canada during the 39 day tournament, placing domestic regulatory decisions under added attention as preparations continue.