At the time of writing, I am attending the IV International Gaming Convention, held in Mexico City, where it has highlighted the remarkable growth of the sports betting and casino market in the country. This event brings together experts, operators, and enthusiasts of the sector to analyze the trends, challenges, and opportunities facing the industry.
Amid legal controversies and technological changes, the gambling industry seeks to consolidate in Mexico. More than 400 establishments generate 50,000 jobs and 10 billion dollars a year, according to the Association of Permit Holders, Operators, and Promoters of the Entertainment and Gaming Industry in Mexico (AIEJA). Despite the obstacles, Mexico is emerging as a strategic destination for millions of players around the world.
The future of this industry is marked by the gradual adoption of this type of entertainment by Mexicans and the opportunities that the global market offers. In addition, the signing of a new treaty between Mexico, the United States, and Canada in 2026 could open up new proposals and strategies to guarantee the legal certainty necessary for the development of the sector.
One of the most prominent topics has been the growth of the sports betting and casino market in Mexico, which has been remarkable in recent years. In Mexico during 2022, the sports betting market generated revenues of $2 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% over the next five years.
The Mexican population is young and increasingly connected to the Internet. In 2022, there were more than 100 million Internet users in Mexico, expected to grow to 120 million by 2027. The Statista portal reported that the global value of the online gambling industry was $64 billion in 2020. The industry’s value has grown to $80 billion in 2023 and could reach $110 billion by 2025.
The popularity of sports in Mexico is increasing. In terms of sports betting, soccer is the most popular sport in Mexico, and the country has a strong sports betting culture. In 2022, Mexican citizens bet more than $10 billion on sports, which could grow to $15 billion by 2027.
Sports teams are crucial in determining supply and demand in the sports betting market. Their performance, popularity, team lineup changes, and participation in special events can influence both the number of bets available and the interest of individuals in placing those bets.
Sports betting and a whole industry parallel to sports implies that a synergy exists with the ability to incentivize the same sporting activity. Sporting events maintain audiences of millions of spectators every year, and the same is true of lotteries and gambling, so the mix between the two can have an unprecedented impact.
The growth figures of sports betting in Mexico and the rest of Latin America are an unmistakable sign of how convenient this relationship is. For many, the passion for sports is linked to betting, which is the reason that has caused the multiplication of sports betting platforms, as well as the expansion of the disciplines on which one can bet.
