Mexico regulator dismisses report of casinos licenses tied to former politician

The Mexico Secretaría de Gobernación (SEGOB) has refuted claims from news outlet Reforma that 20 casinos were licensed to a company linked to the family of former politician Hernán Bermúdez Requena, who is currently detained and facing criminal charges. 

Reforma cited an investigation from the Mexicans and Corruptions and Impunity organization, which found 20 casino licenses connected to Compañía Operadora Clíe. The company was allegedly associated with Requena, who formerly served as the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection of the state of Tabasco. 

Requena has been accused of leading La Barredora, which functions as the operational arm of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. 

SEGOB, as part of a statement issued on its official website, clarified the licenses were only issued after being granted by the Metropolitan Regional Chamber of Administrative Justice to Clie SA de CV, although none of the 20 casinos had begun operations at the time of licensure. 

Additionally, SEGOB stated the 20 licenses were operated under permits assigned to separate entities, rather than to Clie SA de CV as reported by Reforma. 

The Association of Licence Holders, Operators and Suppliers of the Entertainment and Gaming Industry (AIEJA) also criticized Reforma for its reporting after stating essential information should be treated with “objectivity, truthfulness and strict adherence to documented facts.”

“Based on this premise, the Association calls for responsible and accurate public discourse on issues related to this industry, in order to preserve the legal certainty of a formally regulated sector subject to ongoing supervision,” the AIEJA said. 

SEGOB also went on to state that Centenario and Diamante casinos, as well as the CrownCityBets digital platform, had its licenses suspended since the court order was issued. 

On February 12, state and municipal authorities raided an unlicensed gambling venue operating in downtown Nava, Coahuila, detaining a woman identified as the person in charge and seizing multiple slot machines found on site.

Officials confirmed the establishment had no visible trade name, no registered business entity and lacked the municipal permits and federal authorizations required to operate gaming activities.