Have there been slot machines banned in Mexico? Well, the government there has issued a decree banning slot machines, and limiting the ability of casino permit holders to rent out or cede their permits to other operators. Slot machines are known in Mexico as “tragamonedas,” Spanish for “coin swallowers.”

A new gambling legislation is in the process of being created in Mexico by the gambling regulatory body of Mexico the NM Gaming Control Board. The gambling legislation of Mexico was last amended in 2004 and doesn’t address internet gambling at all.

Slots have proliferated in recent years to such an extent they crowd the sidewalks in front of corner stores. It’s become so bad that some in the government want to see slot machines banned in Mexico, where the legal gambling age is just 18. Coin-operated video and fair games are still allowed.

Mexico has been stung by repeated scandals involving casinos and casino permits. The new rules limit permits to 25 years, down from a previous total of as much as 40 years.  Permit holders had also been able to lease out their concessions to other operators, something that is banned under the new rules, which went into effect Thursday.

Bingo can only be conducted for fundraising purposes by eligible charitable organizations according to The Bingo and Raffle Act of Mexico. This story on having slot machines banned in Mexico first appeared on the RGJ website.

UPDATE: This topic has returned in 2023: Will Mexico Ban Slot Machines?