In early December 2024, the Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (Copriseh), belonging to the Health Secretariat of the state of Hidalgo, decided to close the Winpot Casino in Pachuca, arguing that the establishment violated the General Law for Tobacco Control.
According to the state agency, during an inspection carried out on December 4, tobacco consumption was detected in areas such as slot machines and live gaming spaces.
The company claimed to have exclusive areas for smokers, in compliance with the corresponding regulations, so they filed an appeal and suspension with the Justice system to continue operating.
On December 9 and 27, a federal judge issued orders to lift the closure seals and allow the casino to reopen. However, the casino remains closed and those responsible for it accused Copriseh of disobeying judicial provisions “leaving more than 200 families without employment.”
Local media and industry actors have also criticized the government’s actions and have stated that the casino’s closure is due to “possible conflicts of interest” between state officials and gaming entrepreneurs. They also questioned “the lack of response from Governor Julio Menchaca Salazar,” which raises “doubts about his commitment to transparency and legality.”
According to the local press, the closure directly benefits the Vía Dorada casino, located less than a kilometer from Winpot. This room is operated by the companies Petolof S.A. de C.V. and Hermes S.A. de C.V., whose shareholders include Elías Marianno Gil Valdez, Secretary of Administration of the state of Hidalgo.
Government Position
Meanwhile, the Health Secretariat of Hidalgo reported that the Winpot casino will remain closed for violating the General Law for Tobacco Control and its regulations, until the corresponding actions are determined in accordance with the General Health Law and compliance with current legislation.
They detailed that the area that Winpot allocates to smokers does not meet the established requirements as it is not in the open air in violation of articles 27 and 60 of the Law and the regulations, and therefore the seals of suspension of operation of the establishment were placed.
According to the entity, although a representative of the casino requested the lifting of the measure, they did not accredit the legal personality and, although they showed the protection presented before the Administrative Justice Tribunal, the resolutions did not accredit the inclusion of the Health Secretariat and Copriseh.
They also stressed that this is a matter “unrelated to any political interest” and that it only concerns a matter of legal competence.
