Bet365 and Betano Blocked in Mexico Over Financial Allegations
The Mexican Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) ordered the blocking of 13 online casinos, and this list includes the platforms Bet365.mx and Betano.mx, as part of a money-laundering investigation.
What Is Known About the Platform Restrictions
Authorities suspect the platforms operated without direct licensing from the Ministry of the Interior, using intermediary companies that helped avoid taxes and conduct unlawful financial activity.
According to UIF, transactions were detected involving the United States, Romania, Albania, Malta, and Panama. Thirteen physical and online casinos were blocked in total, including those connected to Grupo Salinas.
Legal Details and Licensing
Bet365.mx operated in Mexico under license DGJS/DGAAD/DCRCA/P-01/2018, granted to Ganador Azteca, a company tied to the Grupo Salinas media group. The platform also partnered with the UK-based operator 365 Group Limited.
On Betano.mx, it is stated that Operadora Ganador TV Azteca works under licenses DGJS/DGAAD/DCRCA/P-01/2018 and DGJS/723/2018, as well as authorization DGJS/3035/2025, valid until December 10, 2026.
Issues With License Verification
Users attempting to verify the licenses encounter an outdated page of the Ministry of the Interior, which requires Internet Explorer 10 or 11, making verification difficult.
Financial Activity Under Investigation
The investigation includes a network of casinos that, according to UIF, may have been used for large-scale cash transfers and international financial operations.
| Countries | Transaction Type |
|---|---|
| USA, Romania, Albania | international transfers |
| Malta, Panama | large-volume financial transactions |
The operators Bet365 and Betano were functioning through companies associated with Grupo Salinas. The group publicly denied any wrongdoing and claimed political pressure against its chairman, Ricardo Salinas Pliego. The operators themselves have not issued statements.
Platform and App Availability
Despite the blocking order, desktop versions of Bet365.mx and Betano.mx briefly remained accessible. However, mobile access was disabled, and the apps were removed from the Google Play store and App Store for users in Mexico.
- desktop access remained available for a short time
- mobile access was fully blocked
- Google Play displayed: “This item is not available in your country”
Both platforms are included in the official investigation, and the documentation has been forwarded to the Federal Attorney General’s Office for further action.