The Senate of the Dominican Republic has approved amendments to a bill aimed at establishing a new gambling and betting system in the nation. This legislative effort seeks to consolidate various regulatory aspects related to gambling under a unified authority, which would streamline current fragmented oversight.
A critical component of the proposed legislation is the establishment of an autonomous General Directorate of Gambling. This entity would encompass the management and control of diverse gambling activities, including casinos, sports betting, bingo, lotteries, and online gambling.
Formation of Technical Working Group
Following the Senate’s approval on September 16, several industry stakeholders have expressed support for the reform, though further modifications may still be pursued. The upcoming discussions are anticipated to involve regulators and industry representatives, coordinated by the National Federation of Lottery Banking (FENABANCA).
FENABANCA has announced its intention to form a technical working group. This group will have a 90-day period post-enactment of the bill to explore potential amendments, which will subsequently be presented to the National Congress. Participants in this initiative include private lottery and gambling concessionaires, the Dominican Association of Gaming Casinos, the Association of Sports Betting Operators (ADOBAD), the Dominican Horse Racing Commission, among other key players in the industry.
Cristian Guzmán, the Secretary General of FENABANCA, praised the Senate’s decision, stating that the approval will modernize and clarify the regulations governing gambling in the Dominican Republic. He acknowledged that while improvements are still necessary, the formation of the working group demonstrates a commitment to collaboration among sector stakeholders.
The proposed legislative framework is particularly focused on addressing illegal online gambling operations. It seeks to enhance regulatory oversight and improve coordination among the new General Directorate of Gambling, the Dominican Telecommunications Institute (INDOTEL), and the banking sector. The new system would empower regulators to block unlicensed gambling websites and apps by shutting down their domains or IP addresses. Additionally, banking institutions would have the authority to freeze transactions associated with illegal gambling.
To further refine the gambling landscape, the law will include geographic restrictions for new betting establishments. These venues will be prohibited from being situated within a 500-meter radius of schools, childcare centers, churches, healthcare facilities, and universities, aimed at protecting minors and families. Violations of this distance requirement could result in significant regulatory penalties, including a potential ban on obtaining new gambling licenses for up to a decade.
This comprehensive restructuring of the Dominican Republic’s gambling system, alongside the technical review process, sets the stage for a more regulated and responsible gambling environment in the country.
Why It Matters
The approval of the gambling bill represents a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for gaming in the Dominican Republic. By consolidating oversight and enhancing control over gambling operations, the new framework intends to reduce illegal activities and promote safer gaming practices. As industry stakeholders work together to refine the proposed regulations, the move may also impact the broader economic environment related to tourism and entertainment in the region.
