The bill now gives the gambling industry a clearer view of how the fiscal package could apply in practice. In the proposal submitted to Congress, the current annual single tax charge for lottery retailers will go up from RD$35,000 to RD$120,000. The increase would reach 242.8%, according to local reporting.
Sports Betting Outlets Facing Higher Charges
Shops located in Distrito Nacional, Santo Domingo, San Cristobal, Santiago, Duarte, Puerto Plata, and La Vega would pay RD$500,000 a year for their activities. This figure currently stands at RD$225,000. Sports betting shops outside those areas would pay RD$300,000 a year, up from RD$150,000.
The structure matters because these are fixed charges, not rates linked to sales volume. Smaller outlets may therefore feel the increase more sharply.
Casino Tables Would Cost More Each Month
Casinos are also covered by the proposal. In particular, the bill outlines the following costs based on the number of tables:
- Casinos with one to 15 operating gaming tables would pay RD$70,000 per month per table, up from RD$32,500;
- Casinos with 16 to 35 operating tables would pay RD$80,000 per month for each table in that bracket, up from RD$37,500.
- From the 36th table onward, the monthly charge would rise to RD$100,000 per table, double the current RD$50,000.
The detailed bands make the casino impact easier to calculate. Operators can now model the bill against their table count, venue size, and seasonal demand.
Fiscal Pressure Drives the Bill
These tax moves are within a larger economic policy proposed by Finance and Economy Minister Magín Díaz. The government seeks to generate between RD$40 billion and RD$50 billion in additional revenue. This proposal also includes:
- A temporary increase in corporate income tax from 27% to 30% for three years, applying to large taxpayers;
- Higher taxes for checks and electronic transactions;
- A selective tax on vapes;
- A US$10 increase in the tax on airline tickets.
According to the government, the package is designed to support fiscal sustainability. The government says micro, small, and medium-sized businesses would be excluded from the new tax burden.
However, the message sent to gambling companies has been more direct, since the sector is clearly among those being asked to contribute more.
Congress Will Decide the Final Cost
The next step involves politics. Congress may go ahead with the suggested figures, amend them, or reduce the hike after pressure from the operators and local business groups. In case this bill passes close to its current form, operators will need to recheck location strategy, table use, and outlet profitability before the new charges start to bite.
