Santo Domingo.– The Senate of the Republic introduced modifications to the bill known as the Anti-Crisis Plan, reducing the tax burden initially proposed for lotteries and betting shops, before approving the initiative in two consecutive readings and declaring it urgent.
Among the most relevant changes is the reduction of the tax on prizes obtained in lotteries, lottery banks, sports betting shops, and other forms of gambling. While the original proposal contemplated a 25% rate on all winnings, legislators approved that said percentage only applies to prizes exceeding RD$600,000.
Likewise, a rate of 15% was established for earnings ranging between RD$200,000 and RD$600,000, which represents a decrease of ten percentage points compared to the Executive Branch’s initial proposal.
With this modification, prizes under RD$200,000 will be exempt from tax payments, a benefit that was not included in the original draft.
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The amendment proposal was presented by Senator Pedro Catrain, a member of the bicameral commission that studied the initiative for less than 48 hours before submitting its favorable report.
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Another of the adjustments approved by the Upper House was the reduction of the annual single tax for lottery booths. The bill submitted by the Government established a payment of RD$120,000 per establishment, but the Senate reduced it to RD$85,000.
In addition to the changes related to the betting sector, lawmakers introduced modifications to several articles of the bill. Among them, specific exemptions were included for ambulances, compactor trucks, and vehicles intended for municipal and emergency services.
New tariff subheadings exempt from import duties were also incorporated, including products such as milk, natural water, ice, and pasta.
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The Anti-Crisis Plan was approved after the Senate accepted the bicameral commission’s recommendation to declare it urgent. The initiative is part of the measures promoted by the Government to increase tax collections and obtain additional revenue estimated at more than RD$60 billion.
Following its approval in the Upper House , the bill will continue its legislative course in accordance with the established procedures for its eventual entry into force.
