Lottery tickets are legal in Mexico under the Federal Gaming and Raffles Law established in 1947, which regulates all forms of gambling in the country. The National Lottery for Public Assistance, known as Lotería Nacional or LOTENAL, operates under its own law and is owned and managed by the government (1). This government institution is responsible for carrying out legal lottery games and draws throughout Mexico, with proceeds supporting public assistance programs including education for underprivileged children, support for Olympic athletes, and agricultural development projects.
The Ministry of the Interior, known as SEGOB, serves as the federal executive authority responsible for regulation, authorization, supervision and enforcement of gambling and raffle activities, with the exception of LOTENAL (1). The Gambling and Raffles Bureau, operating under SEGOB, is the sole authority empowered to grant gambling and raffle permits for private operators. According to Article 1 of the Gaming Law, gambling is generally forbidden in Mexico, with the only exceptions being games and raffles explicitly authorized by the Bureau in accordance with Article 2 of the Gaming Law.
"This authority oversees all gambling operations in Mexico, with the exception of the National Lottery for Public Assistance (Lotería Nacional para la Asistencia Pública or LOTENAL), which operates under its own law and is owned and managed by the government."
Lotería Nacional offers various games including Melate, Melate Retro, Chispazo, Tris, and traditional draws such as Sorteo Mayor, Sorteo Superior, and Sorteo Zodiaco (2). The government has announced plans to modernize the Federal Gaming and Raffles Law, which has remained largely unchanged since 1947, with proposed reforms focusing on transparency, responsible gambling measures, and establishing a National Institute of Games and Lotteries. Private lottery operations require permits from SEGOB, with applications processed through the central offices in Mexico City following strict documentation and compliance requirements.
Source:
https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/gaming-law-2024/mexico
https://www.loterianacional.gob.mx
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
