Mexico as a Gaming Powerhouse in Latin America: Comparative Analysis with Regional Markets

Mexico has established itself as the undisputed leader of the Latin American gaming market, ranking as the twelfth largest worldwide. With revenues reaching USD 2.7 billion in 2024 and projections pointing to USD 4.2 billion by 2033, the Mexican nation represents an epicenter of innovation and growth in the regional iGaming industry. The rise of Mexican betting houses reflects this upward trend, offering ever-increasing options for the 68.7 million Mexican players who make up this dynamic market.

When comparing the two largest markets in the region, we find significant differences in their development and structure. Brazil, considered the third country with the largest number of competitive video game players worldwide, projects revenues of $2.6 billion by 2026 in the gaming sector. However, Mexico leads the way in terms of market maturity and technological adoption.

"The fundamental difference between the two markets lies in the regulatory approach," explains Carlos Martínez, an analyst at La Verdad Noticias . "While Mexico has established a more defined regulatory framework for years, Brazil only implemented its new regulatory framework on January 1, 2025, although this is expected to significantly boost its growth."

This regulatory gap has allowed Mexico to develop a more robust ecosystem, with established operators and a user base more familiar with digital gaming platforms.

Mexico has distinctive characteristics that position it favorably compared to other markets in the region:

With 68.7 million gamers (58.1% of the population over 6 years old), Mexico has a young and technologically savvy user base. Mobile gaming has experienced impressive growth, increasing from 72% in 2019 to 81.4% in 2023, reflecting the massive adoption of smartphones as the preferred platform.

The deployment of 5G networks and the development of digital infrastructure have facilitated smoother gaming experiences. According to recent data, more than 72% of mobile subscriptions in Mexico will be on 4G by the end of 2025, while 5G is rapidly gaining traction.

Unlike other Latin American markets that are in the early stages of development, Mexico combines the maturity of an established market with sustained growth potential. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.56% is projected for 2025-2033, indicating stability and continued expansion.

The Mexican market is setting trends that could eventually be replicated in other countries in the region:

Esports are gaining exponential popularity in Mexico, creating new opportunities for betting platforms. As an analysis of blockchain in online betting points out, new technologies are transforming the way Mexicans interact with these platforms, offering greater transparency and security.

The adoption of virtual reality, augmented reality, and cloud gaming is transforming the gaming experience. Mexican operators are at the forefront of implementing these technologies, offering increasingly personalized and interactive experiences.

Game subscriptions and live streaming of eSports competitions are gaining traction, creating new revenue streams and expanding the market reach.

Despite its privileged position, Mexico faces challenges similar to other Latin American markets:

Approximately 60% of gambling platforms in Mexico operate without official licenses, a problem that also affects other countries in the region. The AIEJA estimates that the illegal online gambling market is valued at approximately $450 million.

Although Mexico has a more developed regulatory framework than other countries in the region, it is still based on the Federal Gaming and Lottery Law of 1947, which clearly did not consider the emergence of the internet and online gambling.

The implementation of responsible gaming measures and the protection of personal data remain areas of opportunity throughout the region.

The future of iGaming in Mexico looks promising, with projections indicating that the market will reach $4.2 billion by 2033. This growth trajectory positions Mexico as a regional benchmark and a role model for other developing Latin American markets.

The convergence of emerging technologies, an evolving regulatory framework, and a young population with high technological adoption create the perfect scenario for Mexico to maintain its leadership in the online gaming sector in Latin America for the coming years.

In conclusion, Mexico not only currently leads the iGaming market in Latin America, but is laying the foundation for a more innovative, safe, and sustainable industry that could serve as a model for the development of other markets in the region.