Mexico Cracks Down on Casinos as Belize Reviews Its Own Gambling Laws

Mexico’s government has shut down 13 casinos after uncovering suspicious cash operations, international money transfers, and unregulated online gambling platforms linked to possible money laundering.

Officials said the joint investigation by Mexico’s Ministry of Finance and the country’s security agency revealed that several casinos were moving millions of dollars through complex networks, without a clear explanation. Authorities have since frozen accounts, suspended operations, and filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Office.

In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans to update Mexico’s outdated laws on casinos and digital betting. “Today many bets are made digitally,” she said, noting that the case involves suspected money laundering but isn’t yet tied to any specific criminal group.

And while that’s happening north of Belize, the topic of gaming is heating up here, too. The Senate debated the Gaming and Lotteries Control Bill 2025 on Tuesday, a proposed law that seeks to modernise and consolidate Belize’s gambling regulations. But after a lively session, senators agreed to hold the bill back for more fine-tuning.

Church Senator Louis Wade was among those calling for caution, pointing to News Five’s own investigative report on Caribi Bleu Casino as evidence that the proposed law doesn’t yet close major loopholes.

“I am not saying close them all down… This bill does not serve the good of the Belizean people to cover the issues of the last fifteen years that we know exist, including the issues such as the Rima Ray which is currently before us.” Wade said.