Dominican group opposes bill over horseracing agency expansion

The Red de Ciudadanos Contra la Corrupción urged lawmakers to reject a bill it says would expand the number of horse racing agencies operating in the Dominican Republic. 

The organization said the measure is currently under discussion in the National Congress.

Lawyer Enmanuel Pimentel, speaking on behalf of the organization, said the bill seeks to eliminate the distance restrictions established by Law 140-02, which currently regulate where horse racing agencies can operate. He said removing those restrictions would allow the agencies to operate within any betting shop.

Pimentel said: "We make an urgent, respectful and firm appeal for you to intervene before it is too late. The Dominican Republic does not need more gambling; it needs more education, more jobs and more opportunities for its people."

He said the organization's main concern is the potential social impact of an increase in venues operating slot machines, which he described as having a high risk of addiction. He added that children and adolescents could face greater exposure to gambling, while single mothers, widows, workers and low-income families could be disproportionately affected by gambling losses.

He added: "The Dominican Republic is already saturated with betting shops. We find them next to schools, hospitals, convenience stores and in virtually every neighborhood across the country. Our society cannot withstand an uncontrolled expansion of these businesses."

Pimentel also called on Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso and the President of the Chamber of Deputies to consider the potential social consequences of the proposal. He said the organization was not acting on political or economic interests but to protect families and prevent further exposure to gambling-related harm.

The organization did not publish the text of the proposed bill or provide documentary evidence supporting its claims about the alleged amendments to the law. 

The developments come months after the Dominican government relaunched the regularization process for lottery betting shops as part of broader efforts to strengthen oversight of the gambling sector.