The casino boom in Mexico will continue for several years, doubling in size before the end of 2018, according to the president of the Mexican Gaming Association.

Miguel Angel Ochoa pointed out that, even though the Casino Royale tragedy in 2011 had a negative impact on industry growth, there were currently 319 gaming properties and a total of 671 permits in Mexico.  The presidential term of Pena Nieto began in 2012 and ends in December, 2018.

Ochoa added that although the gaming industry was controversial in Mexico, it wasn’t as bad for society as some people tend to think.  He said that the industry attracted a lot of domestic and foreign investors, as well as tourists.  The gaming industry also generated taxes for the government and created jobs.

In terms of the number of casinos, operator Baja California tops the list with 43 propertities, followed by 33 casinos in Mexico City, 28 establishments in Sonora and 24 facilities in Jalisco.  A total of 90,000 legal gaming machines operate within Mexican borders.