Sectors question possible changes to gambling law due to expansion of betting

Santo Domingo.– Sectors linked to the gambling industry expressed concern regarding what they describe as an attempt to modify current legislation to allow for a greater expansion of betting agencies in the Dominican Republic.

The Association against Gambling Addiction reported that initiatives are allegedly being promoted in the National Congress that would eliminate some current restrictions, including the one established in Law 140-02, which sets a minimum distance of 500 linear meters between sports betting shops.

According to the organization, an eventual elimination of this measure could lead to uncontrolled growth of these establishments and increase the number of betting points in different areas of the country.

The whistleblowers also pointed out that there would be an interest in using horse racing agencies as a way to expand gambling modalities, even though, as they explain, Law 29-06 establishes limits on the operations that these establishments can carry out.

Likewise, they indicated that slot machines are only authorized to operate in casinos and sportsbooks, which is why they question any attempt to extend their use to other businesses that are not contemplated in the regulations.

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Another of the approaches made by the entity is related to online betting platforms, both national and foreign, which, they consider, should be subject to greater controls, oversight, and tax obligations.

The association warned that an expansion without clear regulations could affect traditional sportsbooks, which, it stated, have contributed for years through tax payments to the Dominican State.

They also warned about the possibility that agreements between businessmen in the sector and horse racing agencies could allow for the establishment of up to 25,000 operating points throughout the national territory, increasing the presence of digital betting and other gambling mechanisms.

So far, neither the National Congress nor the authorities responsible for regulating this activity have offered an official response regarding these complaints or have confirmed the existence of a bill with the indicated scope.