By Rosa Ochoa
Using SPEI (Sistema de Pagos Electrónicos Interbancarios) to make payments to sportsbooks and online casinos in Mexico can play an important role in preventing compulsive or problem gambling. This payment tool, backed by the Banco de México, offers several advantages that can help players maintain greater control over their gambling habits and encourage more responsible practices. The main factors that make SPEI a favorable option to avoid problem gambling are explained below.
Direct financial control
The use of SPEI is directly linked to the funds available in the user’s bank account. This means that, unlike credit cards, players can only spend what they have in their account, limiting the possibility of over-indebtedness. A study conducted by the Mexican Psychiatric Association highlights that one of the factors that aggravates pathological gambling is the easy access to credit lines, which can lead gamblers to accumulate significant debts without realizing it.
Reflection time on deposits
While SPEI is fast and efficient, it still requires players to make a manual transfer from their bank, which introduces a cooling-off period before the deposit is made. This process contrasts with the ease with which players can click and pay instantly with credit cards. According to a study by the University of Toronto’s Centre of Excellence in Gaming Studies, small barriers like these can be effective in preventing impulsive behavior and mitigating decisions based on the emotion of the moment.
Transaction Monitoring and Transparency
The use of SPEI allows for clear and detailed monitoring of all banking transactions, making it easier for players and their families to keep track of gambling-related expenses. This level of transparency can be critical for those trying to manage compulsive gambling. Research by Gamblers Anonymous underscores the importance of financial monitoring as a key tool for gamblers seeking to maintain control over their gambling.
No Credit Incentives
Unlike credit cards, which often come with rewards incentives such as points, miles or cash back, using SPEI to pay for gambling offers no additional incentive to spend more. Studies have shown that bank rewards programs can increase impulse spending, which can exacerbate pathological gambling.
Ease of setting limits
The integration of SPEI into online gaming platforms makes it easier for online gaming and casino operators to offer players options to limit their deposits and spending. These responsible gaming measures are recommended by institutions such as the World Lottery Association (WLA) to reduce the risk of pathological gambling.
As mentioned in this article, the use of SPEI on online sports betting and casino platforms in Mexico could not only represent an efficient and secure option, but also offer several important benefits in terms of problem gambling prevention. By offering greater financial control, promoting thought before deposit, providing transparency in transactions and avoiding incentives for overspending, SPEI can be a valuable tool for players to maintain a more responsible and balanced gambling behavior.
