Santo Domingo. – Lawyer Yamile Gutiérrez, an expert in legislation on gambling and founding partner of G&G Studio Legal, recommended a deeper legal and technical analysis of the bill submitted by President Luis Abinader to regulate the gambling sector in the Dominican Republic.
Gutiérrez acknowledged the importance of modernizing the regulatory framework, but warned that the current text contains provisions that could negatively affect operators and citizens, generating legal uncertainty, disproportionate tax effects, and regulatory gaps.
One of the critical points highlighted by the specialist is the creation of a General Directorate of Gambling with broad powers without these being clearly delimited by law, which (according to what she explained) can give rise to arbitrary interpretations or regulatory changes without sufficient legal support.
He also questioned the project’s fiscal approach, which, despite being presented as “equitable,” would imply a tax increase difficult for operators to sustain. Instead, he proposed adopting a model based on GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue), similar to that used in other countries in the region, and allocating part of those resources to health, gambling addiction prevention, and sports programs.
The jurist highlighted as positive that a public policy focused on responsible gaming is included for the first time, with measures such as educational campaigns, a free assistance line, and a National Self-Exclusion Registry for players with problems.
Finally, Gutiérrez suggested that the new General Directorate of Gambling could be integrated into the structure of the National Lottery, within the framework of state reorganization processes, which would reduce costs and avoid duplication of functions.
The jurist highlighted as positive that a public policy focused on responsible gaming is included for the first time, with measures such as educational campaigns, a free assistance line, and a National Self-Exclusion Registry for players with problems.
Finally, Gutiérrez suggested that the new General Directorate of Gambling could be integrated into the structure of the National Lottery, within the framework of state reorganization processes, which would reduce costs and avoid duplication of functions.
