The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission has announced the start of a mandatory interconnection period for route-based gaming machines operating across the island.
The process will officially begin on 14 January 2026 and will require machine owners and operators to connect their equipment to approved interconnection systems.
According to the Commission, the interconnection will allow the Government to access detailed and real-time data on revenues generated by gaming machines installed in commercial establishments.
The measure is expected to strengthen regulatory supervision, increase transparency in collections and improve visibility over certified machine operations throughout Puerto Rico.
Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán, executive director of the Gaming Commission, confirmed that the Commission's Board of Commissioners approved the administrative order authorising the new phase, in line with existing legal requirements.
From the start date, wholesale owners and operators will have a 90-day period to acquire or present proof of an authorised interconnection provider for their machines.
"The interconnection process, in addition to being a legal mandate, strengthens oversight, guarantees greater transparency in the revenues generated by these machines and protects the funds allocated to police pensions and municipalities," Santaella Marchán said.
The evaluation and certification of interconnection systems were conducted by independent laboratories authorised by the Gaming Commission.
Several providers have already been certified, while other companies are still completing the certification process.
During the transition period, operators of limited-technology machines may continue to use providers that hold valid functionality certificates issued by independent laboratories.
The Commission stressed that compliance with the interconnection requirement is mandatory.
Operators who fail to meet the deadline will be subject to administrative sanctions, including fines of up to $10,000, as well as other penalties under current regulations.
Under Puerto Rican law, the first $12m collected from licensing and operational fees related to route-based gaming machines is allocated to the Government's General Fund.
Puerto Rico's Gaming Commission has started training police officers to improve interventions against illegal gambling machine
