Mexico Denies Mass Casino License Grants Amid Criminal Allegations
Mexico’s gambling regulator has firmly rejected explosive claims of issuing 20 casino licenses to a company linked to a detained ex-official accused of cartel ties, responding to a front-page report by Reforma newspaper. The controversy unfolds just weeks after the US Treasury Department sanctioned three individuals and two casinos tied to the Northeast Cartel, designated a terrorist organization.
The supposed licenses were alleged to involve Compañía Operadora Clie, a firm connected to the family of Hernán Bermúdez Requena, the former security chief of Tabasco state now in custody for links to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The report suggested these licenses were quietly approved during the final year of Mexico’s former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, raising serious concerns about corruption and cartel infiltration in the lucrative gambling sector.
Official Response: Licenses Issued By Court Order, Not Directly to Clie
Mexico’s Interior Ministry (SEGOB) pushed back strongly on the allegations, clarifying that the licenses were issued following a court ruling demanding the regulator approve certain permits after a legal dispute—not handed out freely or secretly. Officials emphasized that the licenses have not been used to operate any active casinos and were not directly assigned to Companía Operadora Clie, but rather to separate, unrelated entities.
Moreover, authorities highlighted that some permits related to casinos such as Centenario and Diamante, along with the gambling site CrownCityBets, have been suspended amid ongoing scrutiny.
Former Official and Industry Leaders Deny Corruption Links
Luisa María Alcalde, Mexico’s former head of SEGOB, publicly denied any personal connection to Bermúdez Requena and dismissed accusations of corruption. Alcalde explained that Clie received only one license in 2017 under the Enrique Peña Nieto administration, and the additional permits referenced by Reforma were the result of legal disputes, carrying restrictions that barred common casino games like slots and table games.
“I had never seen this Requena character in my life. I have never committed a single act of corruption or dishonesty,” Alcalde declared, rejecting attempts to associate her with criminal conduct.
Supporting the regulator’s position, the Association of Licensees and Suppliers of the Entertainment and Gambling Industry in Mexico (AIEJA) called for precise, verified reporting to maintain confidence in what they described as an actively controlled sector.
Why It Matters: Gambling Industry Under Intense Scrutiny
This dispute comes as Mexico’s gambling industry faces increasing pressure over cartel influence and corruption. Earlier this month, sanction actions by the US Treasury highlighted cartel control over casino operations, signaling escalating concerns about organized crime’s grip on the sector near the US border. Given the billions of dollars at stake, the integrity of casino licensing is now a critical issue for both Mexican regulators and international observers.
For American audiences, the stakes are high because Mexican casinos often attract US tourists and serve as hubs for illicit financial flows that could impact cross-border law enforcement and financial security.
What’s Next: Monitoring Legal Challenges and Regulatory Oversight
Authorities have promised ongoing investigations and reinforced controls to ensure that licenses comply with court rulings and regulatory standards. Observers will be watching to see if this legal dispute leads to tighter regulation or new sanctions. Meanwhile, casinos tied to suspended licenses remain inactive, pending further review.
As Mexico wrestles with cartel infiltration in its gambling sector, the controversy over these 20 licenses marks a flashpoint highlighting the challenges of combating criminal networks influencing a potentially lucrative industry.
With growing US-Mexico cooperation in tracking cartel money laundering, the outcome of this episode could affect broader efforts to curb cross-border organized crime.
