Mexican authorities launched an investigation into betting platforms linked to Grupo Salinas and the group’s online operations remain effectively shut down.
According to local media reports, both bet365.mx and betano.mx are currently offline for betting activity after being placed under precautionary measures by Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF), a body under the Ministry of Finance.
While informational versions of the websites remain accessible, wagering services have not resumed.
The UIF confirmed that, following months of investigation, it identified 13 casino-related operations linked to irregular cash movements, international fund flows and the use of unsupervised digital platforms.
As a result, the entities were listed as blocked legal persons due to what the authority described as “high financial risk,” citing concerns that the platforms could be used to facilitate money laundering or organized crime activity.
In a statement published on an alternative domain, Grupo Salinas said it was working to restore services and reassured users that client funds remained protected.
The group also confirmed that its casino subsidiaries are among the entities under investigation.
Beyond the gambling probe, Grupo Salinas is also facing broader financial scrutiny. Mexican tax authorities have reportedly notified the conglomerate of outstanding liabilities totaling MXN 51bn ($3.1bn).
“We are working 24 hours a day to resolve this issue and will provide updates directly to our registered users," said the group.
At the end of December, a federal judge authorized the partial unblocking of the websites for informational purposes only, explicitly prohibiting betting activity.
Grupo Salinas has since filed a legal injunction, which is still pending resolution.
The case follows a wider enforcement push in Mexico’s gambling sector, including the recent shutdown of an illegal mini-casino.
Mexican lawmakers are also debating stricter gambling advertising rules
