Guanajuato Bans New Casinos Under Urban Reform

Guanajuato has introduced sweeping changes to its Territorial Code, including a provision that blocks the establishment of new casinos, betting venues and other gambling-related businesses. The reform was formalised through Decree No. 174, signed by Governor Libia Denisse García Muñoz Ledo and took effect on March 19 following its publication in the State’s Official Gazette.

Rather than targeting gambling alone, the measure forms part of a broader strategy focused on reshaping urban development and promoting more efficient land use across the state.

Halt on New Gambling Permits

Under the updated framework, municipalities across Guanajuato are no longer permitted to grant licences for the construction or operation of gambling venues. This effectively freezes any further expansion of the land-based gaming sector within the state.

The decision prioritises urban planning objectives over industry growth, signalling a shift away from policies that previously allowed the sector to expand.

Shift Toward Sustainable Urban Planning

The reform reflects a wider change in how Guanajuato approaches development. Authorities are now placing greater emphasis on sustainable urban models, including higher-density housing within established areas rather than outward expansion.

This marks a move from growth-driven urbanisation toward a more controlled and efficient development strategy, where land use is more carefully managed.

Digitalisation of Administrative Systems

Another key element of the reform is the rollout of a “Digital Window for Procedures and Services” across all 46 municipalities. This system will enable users to handle urban planning processes remotely, helping to streamline approvals, reduce administrative delays and improve transparency.

Local authorities have been given up to 180 business days to align their regulations with the new framework and implement the required digital systems.

Industry Impact

For the gaming sector, the changes represent a significant constraint, as physical expansion in Guanajuato is now effectively paused.

More broadly, the reform highlights how gambling regulation is increasingly intersecting with wider public policy areas, including sustainability, land management and urban planning, reshaping how the industry operates within regional frameworks.