Mexico suspends 13 casinos, blocks bet365, Betano for money laundering

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Mexico suspends 13 casinos, blocks bet365, Betano for money laundering

The Government of Mexico carried out a federal operation against alleged money laundering networks linked to physical casinos and online operators. The measure, carried out with the support of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, resulted in the suspension of 13 establishments and the temporary blocking of the bet365 and Betano platforms, which operate in the country under business names connected to Grupo Salinas.

A historic operation against alleged illicit financial networks

The Mexican Government announced the temporary suspension of 13 casinos after detecting a web of irregular financial operations allegedly associated with money laundering through in-person gaming and online betting. The investigation — conducted by the Ministry of Finance in coordination with the Security Cabinet — exposed a complex scheme of transfers, use of false identities, and mechanisms to conceal the origin of funds.

The operation included direct cooperation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and its FinCEN unit, highlighting the growing international scrutiny over the gaming sector.

That same day, FinCEN issued a formal notice identifying 10 casinos located in Sinaloa, Baja California, and Tabasco as risk centers due to alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, announcing measures to cut their access to the U.S. financial system.

Bet365 and Betano affected by the suspension

The platforms bet365 and Betano were also impacted by the operation because they operate in Mexico through Ganadora Azteca and Operadora Ganadora TV Azteca, companies linked to Grupo Salinas, included among the temporarily suspended casinos.

Both platforms have been inaccessible since last Thursday.

Betano communicated that user funds remain protected, in compliance with their international contractual obligations.

Detected patterns: false identities, opaque funds, and international triangulation

The investigation identified financial practices that raised alerts:

The federal Government froze linked accounts and continues analyzing the structures used to evade tax and regulatory obligations.

Grupo Salinas denies irregularities

Although authorities did not disclose the complete list of operators investigated, Grupo Salinas confirmed that two of its companies are part of the suspended group. The conglomerate publicly stated that it complies with all regulations and will appeal the measure through international channels.

President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the federal action, assuring that there is no political motivation and that the suspension is based on evidence collected over months.

A new standard of control for Mexico’s gaming ecosystem

Authorities anticipate a phase of increased supervision over:

The measure aligns with the Federal Anti-Money Laundering Law reform approved in June 2025, which significantly raised identification and reporting obligations for casinos and online operators.

FinCEN targets the Sinaloa Cartel

In its resolution, FinCEN stated that the 10 investigated casinos maintain operational and financial links with a criminal network that facilitates money laundering for the Sinaloa Cartel.

Among the establishments identified by the U.S. are:

FinCEN director, Andrea Gacki, was explicit:

“We will continue to use all our tools to prevent transnational criminal organizations from using the U.S. financial system.”

A turning point for the Mexican industry

The simultaneous suspension in Mexico and the parallel action from the United States represent one of the most forceful regulatory blows to the sector in recent years. Analysts anticipate a market reconfiguration, with greater pressure on hybrid operators and strict oversight over flows between physical and online gaming.

The government’s message is clear: the gray areas are over.

Tags: Mexico, Mexico Online Casinos, Mexico Casinos Blockade, Casinos money laundering