Jericó Abramo Masso, a member of Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies, has introduced a new bill to put restrictions on gambling ads during sports broadcasts on both free and subscription television. Masso stressed that there is a growing number of parental concerns that their children are being exposed to gambling promotions during sports programs, where false
Jericó Abramo Masso, a member of Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies, has introduced a new bill to put restrictions on gambling ads during sports broadcasts on both free and subscription television.
Masso stressed that there is a growing number of parental concerns that their children are being exposed to gambling promotions during sports programs, where false narratives about winning quick riches are being presented.
Masso announced:
“When we are watching sports on television, at any time of day, we are shown advertisements about electronic casinos and betting, suggesting that you can become a millionaire. These are lies and fallacies that are causing our daughters and sons to potentially become problem gamblers or individuals addicted to gambling.”
Currently, gambling ads have to be approved by the Secretariat of Interior (SEGOB) before airing, and they must include responsible gambling messages as well as avoid encouragement of excessive play. However, Masso argued that these limitations aren’t effective enough and new bans on gambling ads to be aired only between 10:30 pm and 6 am have to be introduced in order to protect under-18s.
The Board of Directors of the Chamber of Deputies is now reviewing the bill. If passed, it awaits committee approval before moving to Congress for a final vote.
The proposal comes as Mexico is to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the U.S. and Canada from June 11, 2026.