Online poker Mexico - legal background
This is a common question across locals and the community: can I travel and play there? The answer, of course, depends, but many players have chosen this path and currently live in this Latin American country, grinding across many sites. A friendly legal background is one of many reasons.
Mexico can be considered a true paradise for online poker players. Mexican law states that players can join any site as long as they are not based in Mexico (in short, 100% of our portfolio). Thanks to this, many ex-pats choose this country to emigrate and develop their careers there.
Why do poker expats choose Mexico to live in?
We are talking about a Caribbean paradise surrounded by beautiful beaches and lovely culture. If you mix that with a poker-friendly environment and proximity to the US, there is no need to search further for more reasons. US grinders can easily travel to Mexico (Los Cabos and Playa del Carmen are the top destinations and the capital, Mexico City) and start playing in their preferred rooms in just a couple of hours.
In addition to having a friendly gambling regulation, players from other countries choose Mexico to relocate for many reasons:
- It's a cheap place to live compared to any European country
- Some places like Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen are affordable tourist locations with pleasant weather all the year
- There is a large expat poker community living in Mexico
- Poker winnings are not explicitly taxed
- Local live tournament series like Nuevo Vallarta Poker Tour
Online poker and taxes for expats living in Mexico
Please note you first need to determine your tax residency status to know where you should pay taxes (this usually depends on how many days you live in a country). If you spend more than half of the year (183 days) in Mexico, most likely, you will become liable to Mexican residents' tax.
Online poker isn't specifically taxed in Mexico, but you may be liable for taxes on personal income (from 2% to 35%). A "non-resident for Mexican tax purposes" category exists for those making over 125,900 MXN/year ($6kUSD).
However, if you play live poker, any profits are subject to taxes, about 7% depending on the state.
Our recommendation is if you plan to live in Mexico and grind for a living to reach a local accountant to clarify your situation.
Best online poker sites to play online poker in Mexico
Online poker is legal in Mexico, and players can access almost all rooms. The country has regularly hosted World Series of Poker (WSOP) circuit events since 2019. Some networks decide to disable skins, so please reach our team to find out which one is the right for you.
| Rank | Poker Site | Deposit Bonus |
| 1 | GGpoker | up to $600 |
| 2 | PPPoker | no match bonus |
| 3 | Pokerking | up to $2000 |
| 4 | Bodog | up to $1000 |
| 5 | Betonline poker | up to $1000 |
How do we craft the list of the top online poker sites for Mexico?
We use the following criteria:
- Availability. No VPN or similar is required. Just download and play.
- Real money deposits and withdrawals via regular e-wallets and cryptos.
- Decent traffic according to the timezone.
- Deposit bonus, rakeback, promotions
GGPoker
GGPoker took over PokerStars during WSOP Online in 2021, thanks to the massive influx of US players traveling to Mexico to play the famous series of tournaments. Hence, we can confirm this is one of the best sites to play from this Latin American country: massive traffic 24/7 across all stakes, incredible tournament series, and unique promotions for our customers.
Bodog Poker
| Deposit bonus | $1000 |
Mexico is one of the "lucky" countries in which one of the softest fields — Bodog Poker — is available. PaiWangLuo Network has been a leader in the field of beginners-friendly games for over two decades now. A Massive deposit bonus, many gamblers, dozens of cash games, Spin&Go, HU tables, and a millionaire MTT grid awaits all Mexicans at Bodog.
PokerKing
Winning Poker Network remains a TOP10 network thanks to its attractive online poker tournaments grid and cash games lobby (including Limit Hold 'em tables). As its traffic focus is the United States of America, the timezone perfectly fits Mexican and ex-pats living in the country. Withdrawals can be requested to e-wallets or cryptos, and our welcome package with rakeback and goodies is the perfect reason to join.
However, let's recall all major and underground sites accept Mexicans. Hence, if you want a solution handcrafted for your needs or looking for the softest games, please do not hesitate to request a round-table service with our team.
Deposit and withdrawal options
Although all popular e-wallets operate in Mexico (Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz), unfortunately, cards are not sent to this country. Nevertheless, if you have a Skrill Visa Card in the US, you can use it here.
You can sell your balance to agents or withdraw directly to a Mexican bank account (if you have one), or our recommendation is to switch to cryptocurrencies; exchanges like Binance or Bitcoin have a broad market to get Mexican Pesos (MXN).
Summary
Mexico attracts poker pros from the US and other countries due to its friendly gambling ecosystem:
- Low or not taxed profits
- High quality of life
- Availability of the top online poker sites
- Many Mexican famous players and expats
Hence, if you plan to emigrate, you should definitely consider this country. Our team will be ready to help you with any need.
FAQ
Now let's summarize the most common questions about playing online poker in Mexico.
✅ Why do US players play in Mexico?
US citizens can enter Mexico without a visa and play in the best poker rooms, which unfortunately are not available in their country due to regulations.
✅ What is the legal age to play online poker in Mexico?
In 2021 the legal age is 18, but a project will raise it to 21 in the following years.
✅ Is Mexico an offshore poker market?
No, although many offshore poker rooms (WPN, Chico) operate within the country, all legal sites like partypoker or PokerStars accept Mexicans.
✅ Can I play Pokerstars in Mexico?
Yes! PokerStars is available in Mexico, giving access to the global pool.
✅ What is the best time to play poker in Mexico?
The time zone is almost the same as the US, so afternoon/night Eastern Time or Central Time will be crowded.
✅ Is online poker legal in Mexico?
Yes. Online gambling, sports betting, and poker are completely legal as per the Mexican government legislation.
✅ How do I verify my account in a poker room?
To pass a security verification, you need a copy of your passport and proof of residence.
Benefits of our affiliate service:
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