HOW TO BET ON SPORTS IN MEXICO
AS AN AMERICAN EXPAT

SPORTS BETTING IN MEXICO: THE EXPAT ADVANTAGE

Mexico might be the easiest country in Latin America for American expats to bet on sports. Sports betting is fully legal and regulated, the infrastructure is mature, and—here's the kicker—Mexico has a genuine NFL culture that rivals many US cities.

Whether you're in Mexico City for work, retired in Puerto Vallarta, or living the digital nomad life in Playa del Carmen, you've got options. Real options. Not the "hope your VPN works" options you had back home.

The NFL Mexico City game sells out instantly. Liga MX is the third-most-attended football league in the world. Boxing and UFC events pack arenas. And all of it is bettable through licensed, regulated sportsbooks.

IS SPORTS BETTING LEGAL IN MEXICO?

Yes, completely. Sports betting in Mexico is regulated by SEGOB (Secretaría de Gobernación)—the Ministry of the Interior. Licensed operators must display their SEGOB permit number, which looks like: DGAJS/SCEVF/P-XX/XXXX.

The regulatory framework is well-established. Mexico has had legal sports betting for years, and the market includes both online sportsbooks and physical betting locations (casinos, racetracks, and dedicated betting shops).

What This Means for American Expats

• You can legally bet online from anywhere in Mexico
• Licensed sportsbooks accept foreign identification (passport)
• Winnings are not taxed for recreational bettors
• Multiple deposit options work for foreigners

BEST SPORTSBOOKS FOR AMERICANS IN MEXICO

Here's the reality: Mexico's sportsbook market is dominated by local operators. The good news is several of them are excellent, especially for NFL and Liga MX betting.

Betcris: Best Overall for American Expats

Betcris is the clear winner for Americans in Mexico. They're the official sports betting partner of MLB Latin America, which means deep baseball coverage. Their interface is fully available in English, they accept passport verification, and their NFL markets rival what you'd find at US sportsbooks.

Codere: Reliable European Option

Codere is a Spanish-owned operator with over 24 years in the business. They sponsor Real Madrid regionally and operate in multiple Latin American countries. Their Mexico operation is SEGOB-licensed and accepts foreign documentation.

The interface is primarily Spanish, but they offer partial English support. If you're comfortable with basic Spanish or can use Google Translate, Codere is a solid, trustworthy option.

Caliente: The Local Giant (With Caveats)

Caliente dominates Mexico. They sponsor nearly every Liga MX team, the Mexican National Team, and are deeply embedded in Mexican sports culture. Walk into any OXXO and you'll see Caliente branding.

However, Caliente is tricky for expats:

• Interface is Spanish-only—no English option
• They prefer Mexican INE (voter ID) for verification
• User reports suggest non-Mexican winners face extra scrutiny
• Withdrawals can be slower for foreign accounts

If you speak Spanish and plan to get residency in Mexico, Caliente is worth considering. For tourists or short-term expats, stick with Betcris or Stake.

Stake: The Crypto Alternative

If you're into cryptocurrency, Stake operates in Mexico with a full English interface and accepts passport verification. No INE required. Deposit with Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, or a dozen other coins.

HOW TO DEPOSIT: PAYMENT METHODS FOR EXPATS

Getting money into your Mexican sportsbook account is easier than in most Latin American countries. Here are your options:

The OXXO Method: Perfect for Expats

OXXO is Mexico's version of 7-Eleven—there's one on practically every corner. Most Mexican sportsbooks let you deposit via OXXO using this process:

Using US Credit Cards

Your US Visa or Mastercard might work at Mexican sportsbooks, but it's hit or miss:

• Betcris: Generally accepts US cards with good success rate
• Codere: Mixed results—try it, but have backup ready
• Caliente: Often declines foreign cards

If your card is declined, it's usually your bank blocking the transaction, not the sportsbook. You can try calling your bank to authorize gambling transactions, or just use OXXO.

WHAT CAN YOU BET ON IN MEXICO?

Mexican sportsbooks offer comprehensive coverage of both US and international sports. Here's what you'll find:

US Sports (Strong Coverage)

• NFL: Full game lines, player props, futures. Mexico loves the NFL—the Mexico City game is a major event.
• MLB: Betcris is the official partner. Expect deep markets, especially for games involving Mexican players.
• NBA: Standard coverage at all major books.
• NHL: Available but less popular—fewer prop markets.
• College Football/Basketball: Major games covered; smaller programs may be limited.

Mexican Sports

• Liga MX: Deepest coverage anywhere. Caliente sponsors most teams, so their markets are insane.
• Boxing: Mexico is a boxing powerhouse. Major fights have extensive prop markets.
• Lucha Libre (AAA/CMLL): Yes, you can bet on wrestling. Limited markets but it exists.

International Sports

• Soccer: La Liga, Premier League, Champions League—full coverage.
• UFC/MMA: Mexico hosts major UFC events. Excellent coverage.
• Tennis, Golf, F1: Standard international coverage.

HOW TO SIGN UP: STEP-BY-STEP

Here's how to create an account at a Mexican sportsbook using your US passport:

WITHDRAWING YOUR WINNINGS

Getting money out of Mexican sportsbooks is straightforward once you're verified:

BETTING TIPS FOR MEXICO

1. Liga MX Has Home Advantage

Home teams in Liga MX win at a significantly higher rate than in European leagues. Estadio Azteca (Club América) and Estadio Jalisco (Atlas) are particularly tough venues for visitors. Factor this into your handicapping.

2. Boxing Odds Move Late

Mexican boxing is huge, and sharp money comes in late. If you like a fighter, bet early in the week rather than fight day.

3. NFL Mexico Game = Enhanced Markets

The annual NFL Mexico City game gets special treatment from all Mexican sportsbooks. Expect boosted odds, extra prop markets, and signup bonuses tied to the event.

4. Watch for Currency

All Mexican sportsbooks operate in Mexican pesos (MXN). At current exchange rates, $1 USD ≈ $17-18 MXN. A "big" $10,000 MXN bet is roughly $550 USD.

5. Time Zone Advantage

Mexico is on Central Time (CT), same as Chicago. NFL games are perfectly timed: 12 PM, 3 PM, and 7 PM CT. No waking up at 4 AM for sports like in some countries.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need Mexican residency to bet?

No. Tourist visas are fine. You need to provide a Mexican address (your hotel or Airbnb works) and valid ID (passport accepted at Betcris, Stake, and Codere).

Are my winnings taxed?

Recreational gambling winnings are not taxed in Mexico for individuals. However, as a US citizen, you're technically required to report worldwide income to the IRS. Consult a tax professional for large wins.

Can I use DraftKings or FanDuel in Mexico?

No. They're geoblocked and don't operate in Mexico. Don't use VPNs to try—you risk losing your funds.

What's the minimum bet?

Typically $10-20 MXN (less than $1.50 USD). Maximum bets vary by market and sportsbook.

Is live betting available?

Yes, at all major Mexican sportsbooks. Betcris and Caliente have good live betting interfaces for NFL, Liga MX, and major events.

Can I bet from Cancún/tourist areas?

Yes, sports betting is legal throughout Mexico. Quintana Roo (Cancún), Jalisco (Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta), and all other states allow online betting.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Mexico is one of the best places in Latin America for American expats to bet on sports. The market is mature, the NFL culture is strong, and you have genuine options—not workarounds.

Our recommendation: Start with Betcris if you want the most American-friendly experience (English interface, MLB partner, passport accepted). Add Stake if you use crypto and want instant withdrawals.

Skip Caliente unless you speak Spanish and have Mexican residency. It's built for locals.

Now get out there and bet on some Liga MX. It's more fun than you'd expect. 🇲🇽⚽