Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - Secretary General Antonio Pinto recently reported the closure of four casinos in Puerto Vallarta, some for operating without a 2013 license and others for a lack of compliance in security measures. He said that there are general provisions for casinos throughout the country, and they are enforced by the secretary of government, SEGOB.

According to Antonio Pinto, casinos in Mexico must comply with regulations set by all three levels of government. In a nationwide crackdown, SEGOB has been instructing authorities in various states of the country to put the casinos in order.

And that is what has been going on in Puerto Vallarta, thanks to the fact that Mayor Ramon Guerrero regularly attends security meetings convened by Jalisco authorities.

The casinos that were closed include Emotion in Plaza Galerías, YAK in Peninsula Plaza, Casino Vallarta in the Deck 12 Building, and Crown in Plaza Caracol, Antonio Pinto reported.

Infractions include improper electrical installation, missing maintenance logs, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and hydrants, structural problems, obstructed evacuation routes, improperly trained staff, and expired and/or improper licensing, to name a few.

The owners must now fix the problems that caused them to be closed, then present proof to a judge, who will then determine the amounts of the fines to be paid, which range from 8,600 to $10,000 pesos for lack of proper safety equipment and training.

The casinos must then reapply for license endorsements, which cost on average between 5 and $11 million pesos.