Will Mexico Legalize Gambling?
Abstract
GAMING LAW REVIEW Volume 7, Number 1, 2003 ©Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Viewpoint Will Mexico Legalize Gambling? JAMES R. JONES T gaming in Mexico has been discussed for the last twenty years. Gaming has been active in Mexico going back to the 19th Century. During the 1920s, casinos were very active, as gambling was an escape from prohibition in the United States. Gambling in Mexico was closed down during the 1930s. Six years ago, there was a serious discussion to legalize gaming in Mexico. When I was U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, I met with many from the Mexican congress and Mexican government who sought my advice on whether to legalize gambling, and, if so, how to do it correctly. When I was in congress on the Ways & Means Committee, I gained some familiarity with gaming issues as we were considering withholding of taxation on winnings at casinos. When officials from the Mexican government and congress came to me asking for advice, I was able to give them not only my own experiences but that of a number of people who understood the gaming industry in the United States. The context of the discussion during the mid1990s was