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MEXICO - BILL SET TO REGULATE ONLINE AND TABLES Mexico’s new gaming act could encompass both online and table gaming. Although the exact details are yet to be revealed, it is believed that in the future bets online may be only carried out via a credit or debit card recognised by the government. In addition, licensees will have to establish their websites under the domain “
.com.mx” and implement the necessary systems to ensure that all online systems includ- ing servers, instruments and software are installed on Mexican territory.
Under current rules gaming companies which are already physically established in Mexico are permitted to apply for an online license and it is believed that new entrants to the mar- ket will have to meet with the same requirements plus the new requirements as set out in the act. Online gaming has been on the rise in Mexico and betting via offshore websites especially on sports has become increasingly popular.
Mexico’s new gaming act, which has now been put before the Lower House of Deputies for approval, could also seek to permit table gaming in Mexico for the first time. While casi- nos may house slot machines including Class III machines which give them a casino like feel table gaming could also now be permitted. According to the director general of Gaming and Raffles Marcela Gonzalez Salas, the move is designed to act against the proliferation of illegal table gam- bling nationwide. In addition the bill will include a number of anti money laundering measures.
Local experts believe that the majority of the Lower House are now in agreement with the fundamental principles of new act and that the act will be passed in November. If the bill is not passed before the end of the current legislative ses- sion which ends on December 15th then according to Mexican law it cannot be reconsidered for another six years meaning not until 2019/2010.
PUERTO RICO - LAWMAKERS IN RACINO DEADLOCK The horse racing industry in Puerto Rico is facing a growing crisis causing not only a loss of horse racing tax income but is also leading to layoffs and reduced working hours. Meanwhile, fewer races are leading to a sharp decrease in the amount of betting outlets on the island.
Local experts have predicted that the industry will continue to decline if the government does not move to quickly to approve new measures, which would permit a casino to be constructed at the only thoroughbred racetrack in Puerto Rico. However, there is still no agreement on the issue which would allow a total of 300 slot machines to be housed at the Camarero Race Track - the oldest track in Puerto Rico.
During a public hearing in front of the House Committee on Transportation Infrastructure, Recreation and Sports, President of Camarero Race Track Ervin Rodriguez Velez said: “The situation of our industry has come close to col- lapse. This is an industry that has lost millions of dollars in revenue and faced increases in cost. The industry was aban- doned to its fate by previous governments and is not pro- moted at all, even though the government has been the body that has benefited most due to its high tax rates on bets.” During the public hearing lawmakers heard that advisors to the Secretary of the Treasury, had endorsed 300 slot machines at the racetrack rather than the 500 that were originally proposed.
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VEGAS-STYLE GAMING FOR MEXICO
New gaming law will allow Las Vegas style gaming in Mexico, though not everyone is convinced by the plan
Mexico - Legislation
Mexico’s new Gaming Bill will allow for casinos in popular hotel resorts in order to compete with casinos in Las Vegas. Referring to casinos in tourists zones in other jurisdictions outside Mexico, Fernando Zárate Salgado President of the Commission of Gaming in the Chamber of Deputies said: “These centres are usually located in tourist areas so that casinos operate in hotels such as in Las Vegas and Nevada. And they must have easy access to an airport, good urban infra- structure and must also be able to meet certain safety measures, amongst other requirements.
“The centres may be developed, for example, in Cancun, Puerto Peñasco, Puerto Progreso or in some other tourist spots in Baja California that have access to the ocean. Later on it will be deter- mined where specifically they will be and how many hectares these casinos can operate on.” The new law will, according to the Mr. Salgado, include tax incentives for foreign operators willing to set up large scale casino resorts in Mexico.
The news is creating growing controversy in Mexico as it was widely believed that casinos in large scale hotel resorts looked unlikely. Instead, according to recent reports, only already existing hotel chains would be permitted to run slot par- lours on their premises. Reforms have drawn
fierce criticism of late with detractors claiming that the new bill has been tailored made major for local players in the industry and puts operators in the position of “judge and jury” when it comes to the granting of casino licences.
Member of the Mexican social organization "Say No to Casinos” Daniel Olivares Villagómez, said the new Federal Law on Games of Chance would only benefit local operators Caliente Group and Televisa, and promotes a 'wild proliferation "of casinos across the country.
However, Mr. Salgado has defended the new pro- posed reforms saying that they are necessary:
“Whether we like it or not like, gambling and lot- teries are a historical reality and part of the cul- ture of the Mexican people. We can not deny it. So the new Federal Law on Games and Raffles pro- tects the rights and freedoms of Mexicans. "
Mexico Law Could Allow for Casinos on Cruise Ships
MEXICO Mexico’s new gaming law could allow casinos on cruise ships. Under current rules, it is illegal for casinos on cruise ships to open their doors to passengers while docked in Mexican ports or while sailing in Mexican waters unless they are given permission in advance by the Interior Ministry.
Over four million cruise passen- gers visit Mexico every year according to local experts. José Arturo Musi President of the Mexican Association of Cruise Ship Tourism has endorsed the proposal saying that the new pro- posals could mean that cruise ships stopping off in Mexico could extend their stays from 10 to 14 hours once in port.
Eduardo Gonzalez Cid, advisor and liaison of the Senate commit- tee on Tourism, said that longer opening times on cruise ships in Mexican waters would not nega- tively impact the land based casi-
no industry and could greatly benefit the local economy.
It is the latest in a number of developments as lawmakers debate the final details of a new gaming law which could be passed by the end of this year by the Lower House of Deputies. Momentum has been gathering steadily for a new gaming act ever since the committee charged with investigating the gaming industry first went into session in 2013.
Cruise ships visiting Mexico have dropped due to the high rate of crime in Mexico and the increas- ing level of gang violence all of which have received internation- al press coverage of late. Gang violence has left an estimated 100,000 people dead since 2007 and fear of gang related violence has hit traditional cruise ship des- tinations such as Mazatlán and Acapulco. In all the arrival of cruise ships to Mexico has declined by around 20 per cent.
Peru The exchange rate in Peru is having a negative impact on casino visitor numbers according to local operators. Less Chileans are visiting Peru due to the fact that the Chilean peso (CLP) has weakened over recent months when compared to the Nuevo Sol (PEN)- the Peruvian currency. Local businessman Rodolfo Burneo said that in the last two months the six casinos in the city of Tacna, located in southern Peru and on Chile’s border, had experienced a decline of about 10 per cent of its customers arriving from Chile. Tacna’s casinos attract around about 22 ,000 Chilean tourists per month. Mr. Burneo said that prior to the slump that $180 Chilean pesos had an approximate value of S/.1 but the PEN has gone up in value in the last two months to $215 (CLP) - meaning Chileans are now less likely to visit the city.
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