(AsiaGameHub) –   Stake is welcoming a new regulatory era in Mexico as the nation continues moving away from its semi-regulated framework and takes stricter action against unlicensed operators.

Gambling reform has been a high-priority discussion topic in Mexico over the past year, with widespread calls to modernize the country’s 1947 Federal Law of Games and Lotteries to put proper oversight measures in place for online casinos.

Proponents of this reform argue it will improve player protection, boost industry investment, and crack down on criminal activity in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup, which Mexico will co-host alongside the United States and Canada.

While a gambling reform bill is expected to be introduced imminently, the Morena administration has added the gaming sector to the Special Tax on Production and Services (IPES), raising the tax on gaming revenue from 30% to 50%.

Even so, this tax hike does not appear to have dissuaded Stake from launching its services in the Mexican market.

Stake will run its operations in Mexico under a permit-based structure regulated by SEGOB (Ministry of Interior), functioning as an agent under Uno Capali’s existing licensing agreement.

Securing approval to operate in Mexico marks another step in the operator’s expanding footprint across Latin American markets, where it already maintains a presence in Colombia and Peru.

Stake Director, Jarrod Febbraio, said: “Mexico is an important and dynamic market for us – one that pairs strong underlying growth with a deep-rooted cultural passion for sport, which aligns perfectly with Stake’s core offering.

“We have built considerable traction across Latin America in recent years, including in markets such as Peru and Colombia, and Mexico represents a logical next expansion step given its scale and long-term growth potential.

“With Mexico set to co-host the 2026 football World Cup tournament, the timing of this launch reflects our ability to strategically enter high-value markets at the optimal moment. It gives us the opportunity to establish a strong foothold ahead of one of the biggest sporting events in the world and deliver a world-class experience for Mexican players.”