The Dominican Republic Senate has revealed that it intends to review the nation's Gambling Bill next week, with potential new implementations seeking to crack down on illegal operations.
This bill was, indeed, set aside in the previous legislature but has now been revisited by the Chair of the Finance Committee, Pedro Catarain, who outlined intentions to review all proposed changes to the bill which have been made by the Chamber of Deputies.
This overhaul has continued to gain momentum in recent months, after receiving approval from the Chamber of Deputies
A key mandate of the bill is to curb the proliferation of retail outlets, as it underlines that no further licenses may be issued for this specific type of gambling vendor as part of a 10-year freeze. Casinos being developed as part of new hotel projects, however, may still be permitted in the region.
A reduced number of slot machines per retail outlet, a new 10% tax on online sales, inflated prison sentences for illegal operators and the establishment of a new gambling regulator – the Directorate General of Gambling (DGJA) – are all included in the previously outlined bill.
Following review, the bill has until January 2027 to gain approval before expiring. This, indeed, provides a large amount of lead time for advancement, however previous challenges against the bill from betting associations in the nation could resurface to intercept its advancement.
The nation's Association of Sports Betting previously warned that new legislation could further advance the powers and proliferation of virtual gambling products in the nation.
The last large-scale gambling regulatory change in the Dominican Republic came when online gaming was regulated in 2024
