Ladbrokes returns to the Mexican market through Sportium, a joint venture with Spanish operator CIRSA.

This week, Sportium, a multi-channel betting operator in Spain and official betting partner of La Liga, had launched a new regulated website in Mexico, leveraging the regulated, offline operations of Casino Life, Cirsa’s Mexico casino business.

The new website can be found at www.casinolife.com.mx and comprises sports betting & casino products, bingo and over 200 slot games. SportiumBet is the sports betting service on the site and carries a broad range of betting markets with particular focus given to the popular sports of football, basketball, baseball and American football.

Ladbrokes first outlined plans to enter the Mexican igaming market in august 2013 but regulatory issues forced a delay until this year.

A statement released by the company said that the online gambling site was authorized by the Mexico’s Ministry of the Interior and that it “meets all legal requirements and measures necessary to ensure a fair and safe gaming environment.”

“Sportium continues to grow strongly through our retail and digital channels in Spain and we see further growth opportunities in that country.  However the strength of Cirsa’s extensive offline presence across Latin America now allows the joint venture to expand in that region. This digital entry into Mexico is very much a first step in our plans not the culmination,” said Damian Cope, managing director of Ladbrokes International.

“Our ongoing International expansion offers Ladbrokes an opportunity to diversify away from the UK market.  The success we have had at building and launching brands in Belgium, Spain, Australia, and now Mexico gives us confidence that we remain on track to build a portfolio of strong International businesses,” Cope added.