Mexico proposes national strategy to prevent digital gambling addiction in children
Mexico’s Congress is preparing to review a proposal aimed at strengthening protections for children and adolescents in the digital environment by creating a national strategy focused on preventing digital gambling addiction in children. The initiative, introduced by Congresswoman Mariana Guadalupe Jiménez Zamora of the Citizens’ Movement party, proposes the inclusion of Article 101 Bis 4 in the General Law on the Rights of Children and Adolescents, establishing a specific public policy to reduce minors’ exposure to online betting, gambling and digital mechanisms that may encourage behaviour similar to compulsive gambling.
According to the bill’s explanatory memorandum, the increasing digitalisation of childhood requires an update to existing protection policies. The document states that internet access has become part of the daily lives of Mexican children and adolescents, mainly through mobile phones, social media, video games and apps. Data from the 2024 National Survey on the Availability and Use of Information Technologies in Households (ENDUTIH) shows that 95.1 per cent of young people aged 12 to 17 use the internet, a scenario that, according to the author, increases the need for preventive measures to address risks in the digital environment.
Among these risks, the proposal highlights exposure to betting advertising, random reward mechanisms, microtransactions, in-app purchases, loot boxes and other features that may encourage repeated spending or simulate gambling experiences.
Bill introduces the concept of ‘digital gambling addiction among children’
One of the key elements of the initiative is the creation of the legal concept of “digital gambling addiction among children”. The text clarifies that the expression is not intended to establish a medical diagnosis, but rather to serve as a preventive category to guide public policies and government actions related to the risks faced by minors in the digital environment.
The proposal argues that children and adolescents may be exposed not only to traditional betting platforms but also to mechanisms found in games and apps that use random rewards, financial incentives, bonuses, personalised recommendations and targeted advertising. According to the document, these practices may encourage compulsive behaviour during a stage of life characterised by greater impulsiveness and a reduced ability to assess long-term risks.
At the same time, the initiative seeks to distinguish video games from gambling. The text states that age appropriate video games should not be prohibited, but that features capable of simulating gambling or encouraging compulsive spending require specific treatment by public authorities.
The bill also rejects the application of the concept of “responsible gambling” when it comes to minors. According to the proposal, this principle is appropriate only for adults, while children and adolescents should be protected through prevention, restriction and exclusion from any participation in betting and gambling activities.
National strategy will bring together different government agencies
If approved, the new legislation will require the Mexican state to develop, implement and evaluate a National Strategy for the Prevention of Digital Gambling Addiction among Children.
The proposal states that the measure will serve a preventive, educational and institutional coordination role, without replacing the responsibilities of other authorities responsible for regulating gambling and sweepstakes, telecommunications, consumer protection, personal data protection, health and education.
Among the guidelines set out for the strategy are nationwide awareness campaigns targeting children, adolescents, parents, teachers and schools, as well as digital literacy programmes designed to distinguish between video games, recreational games and online betting.
The proposal also establishes criteria to identify features that encourage compulsive use, excessive time spent using platforms, rewards linked to time spent online and algorithmic recommendations related to betting. In addition, it introduces measures to strengthen parental control tools, age classification systems and monitoring of purchases and microtransactions made by minors.
Age verification and advertising become key focus areas
Another important aspect of the bill concerns protection against commercial practices considered predatory.
The proposal requires the national strategy to include measures aimed at strengthening effective age verification mechanisms for betting platforms and other content unsuitable for minors. According to the explanatory memorandum, simple self declaration of age should not be considered sufficient where there is a risk to the rights of children and adolescents.
The initiative also devotes significant attention to advertising. The document proposes preventing betting campaigns, promotions, sponsorships and personalised recommendations from being directed at minors, particularly when they involve behavioural profiling, disguised advertising, digital influencers or automated recommendation systems.
The bill also provides for guidance, early detection and psychosocial support mechanisms for children and adolescents who present risk factors related to digital gambling addiction or repeated exposure to online betting.
The text establishes that, if the proposal is approved and published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, the National System for the Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents will have up to 180 days to prepare the National Strategy in coordination with the other competent authorities. The measures must be implemented using resources already allocated in the federal budget, without authorising additional budget allocations.
This article was first published on the Portuguese SiGMA News page on 22 July 2026.
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