The recent closure of the Winpot Casino in Pachuca, Hidalgo, has sparked significant controversy and raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest involving state officials and business figures linked to the gaming industry.
On December 4, 2024, the Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks of Hidalgo (Copriseh), led by Luis Alberto Mercado Hernández, ordered the closure of Winpot Casino, citing violations of the General Law for Tobacco Control. This action resulted in the loss of employment for over 200 individuals, despite the establishment holding valid operating permits and legal protections that allowed it to function under specific conditions, including designated smoking areas compliant with regulations.
The situation has been further complicated by Copriseh's non-compliance with federal court orders issued on December 9 and 27, which mandated the removal of closure seals and the resumption of the casino's operations. The continued closure has led to suspicions that the action may have been intended to benefit a nearby competitor, the Vía Dorada Casino, located less than a kilometer away.
Investigations have revealed that Vía Dorada Casino is operated by companies linked to high-ranking state officials. Notably, Elías Marianno Gil Valdez, the current Secretary of Administration of Hidalgo, and his father, Sergio Jacinto Gil García, are associated with the casino's operations. Additionally, Juan Carlos Martínez Domínguez, known in political circles as "the man in the pants," has been connected to the establishment.
These revelations have intensified scrutiny over the closure of Winpot Casino, with various sectors questioning the motives behind the enforcement action. The lack of intervention by Governor Julio Menchaca Salazar to address the situation and protect the rights of the affected employees has also drawn criticism.
Mexican Government Focuses on Modernizing Gaming and Lotteries Industry
As the controversy unfolds, there are growing calls for transparency and accountability to ensure that regulatory actions are conducted impartially and without undue influence from vested interests. The situation underscores the need for vigilance in the enforcement of regulations within the gaming industry to maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law.
