President Luis Abinader has enacted Law 86-26 to establish a new regulatory framework for gambling in the Dominican Republic. The law was published in Official Gazette No. 11,263 and includes the creation of the General Directorate of Gambling (DGJA), with Teófilo “Quico” Tabar Manzur appointed as its provisional director.
Tabar previously led the Gambling Regularization Process and now holds the highest executive, administrative, and legal authority within the DGJA. The Executive Branch has directed all state authorities to ensure the DGJA begins operations as soon as possible.
Licensing Terms and Location Controls
Law 86-26 introduces a structured licensing system, allowing for five-year licenses for lottery shops, an extension from the originally proposed two years. Casinos must operate under a 10-year DGJA license, which is limited to establishments within four-star or higher hotels. Slot machine halls also require a separate 10-year license.
The law imposes strict geographic regulations, stipulating a 500-meter buffer zone around gambling facilities in relation to schools, universities, churches, hospitals, and government offices. Additionally, sports betting shops must be located 500 meters away from horse-racing agencies, while lottery shops must maintain a distance of 200 meters from each other. Casinos are exempt from these distance regulations, aiming to prevent unregulated expansion.
Path to Regulatory Implementation
The enforcement of the new law will continue with the existing Advisory Council established by Decree No. 533-21, which is tasked with providing advisory support on public policies aimed at improving services and streamlining processes in the gambling sector. According to sources, these changes signify a move towards formalizing the country’s iGaming and retail betting markets, enhancing oversight, and aligning practices with international standards.
The immediate focus will be on the orderly distribution of licenses and ensuring compliance with location requirements. As the new rules on license duration and geographic spacing are implemented, the speed of market adaptation will depend on effective execution by authorities.
