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Dominican Republic Moves to Modernize Gambling Sector with New Regulatory Bill
By Guzmán Ariza, Attorneys at Law
In June 2025, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic submitted a comprehensive bill to Congress aimed at overhauling the country's gambling sector. This initiative seeks to modernize and centralize the regulation of gambling activities, including lottery operations, casinos, and electronic gaming machines, under a single legal framework. The proposed legislation is currently under review by the National Congress, with no official date set for its discussion or approval.
The bill introduces several key provisions designed to enhance oversight and streamline the regulatory process. One of the central components is the establishment of the Directorate General of Gambling (Dirección General de Juegos de Azar, DGJA), which would operate under the Ministry of Finance. This agency would assume responsibility for licensing, monitoring, and enforcing compliance within the gambling industry. The creation of the DGJA aims to consolidate regulatory authority and improve the efficiency of oversight mechanisms.
Financially, the proposed law introduces a tiered fee structure for various gambling operations. Casinos would be required to pay approximately USD 1,500 per gaming table annually, while slot machines would incur a fee of about USD 245 per unit per month. These fees are intended to generate revenue for the government and support the operational costs of the new regulatory framework. Additionally, the law stipulates that gaming operators must implement digital payment systems for tax collection, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in financial transactions.
The bill has elicited a range of responses from industry stakeholders. Supporters, including officials from the National Lottery, have expressed approval, emphasizing the need for a unified and transparent regulatory system. Conversely, representatives from associations such as the Dominican Federation of Lottery Banks (Fenabanca) have raised concerns about certain aspects of the legislation, including the financial implications of the new fee structure and the potential impact on smaller operators.
As of now, the proposed gambling regulation bill remains under consideration in the legislative process. The outcome will depend on ongoing deliberations and potential amendments as it moves through the various stages of review in the National Congress. For the most current information and official updates, interested parties are encouraged to consult the official websites of the Presidency of the Republic, the Senate, and the Chamber of Deputies.
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