Mexico’s gambling regulator SEGOB has issued a formal statement dismissing claims that 20 casino licences were granted to a company linked to the family of detained former politician Hernán Bermúdez Requena. This clarification follows a report published by Mexican newspaper Reforma. That report alleged the licences were authorised under questionable circumstances.
Both SEGOB and Mexico’s gambling trade body AIEJA rejected the claims. In addition, they accused Reforma of misrepresenting the facts and misleading the public regarding how the licences were issued.
Licences Issued Following Court Order, SEGOB Says
SEGOB confirmed that the licences referenced in the report were only granted after a court ruling required the regulator to do so. According to the regulator, the permits were issued to Clie SA de CV. This occurred under a legal mandate from the Metropolitan Regional Chamber of Administrative Justice.
SEGOB added that the casinos covered by the ruling have not begun operations. Furthermore, certain properties, including Centenario and Diamante casinos, along with the CrownCityBets website, have since had their licences suspended.
The regulator also stated that the 20 licences were operating under permits assigned to other entities, not Clie SA de CV. This contradicted Reforma’s claim that the company had been directly authorised to operate 20 casinos.
Reforma Report Linked Licences to Criminal Allegations
Reforma’s front-page story claimed that Compañía Operadora Clíe had received authorisation for 20 casino licences and alleged connections to Bermúdez Requena. Bermúdez Requena was the former Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection in Tabasco.
Bermúdez Requena is currently detained and facing criminal charges. These include allegations that he led the organisation La Barredora, reportedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
The report cited research from the anti-corruption group Mexicans and Corruptions and Impunity (MCCI). This group focuses on exposing systemic corruption in Mexico.
Former SEGOB Head Says Company Only Received One Licence in 2017
Luisa María Alcalde, Mexico’s former SEGOB chief (2023–2024), also publicly rejected Reforma’s narrative. She stated that the company linked to Bermúdez Requena’s family received only one licence. This was issued in 2017 during the administration of Enrique Peña Nieto.
Alcalde explained that after she assumed office, Clie SA de CV had filed legal action against SEGOB for denying 20 permit applications dating back to 2018. SEGOB later issued the licences only because it was compelled to comply with a court order. The permits included restrictions that limited the scope of gambling activity allowed.
She added that the licences did not authorise slot machines or traditional casino games such as dice, cards, or roulette. This reduced the company’s commercial interest in operating under the permits.
AIEJA Calls for Accurate Reporting and Legal Certainty
AIEJA, Mexico’s gaming industry association representing licence holders, operators, and suppliers, expressed support for SEGOB’s clarification and Alcalde’s statements. The organisation stressed the importance of factual reporting in a heavily regulated sector. They warned that misleading information could damage legal certainty and public trust.
AIEJA urged responsible public discourse, calling for objective and documented reporting when discussing permits and authorisations in Mexico’s gaming industry.
