Dominican Republic Gambling Reform Returns to Senate
The Chamber of Deputies has adopted an amended version of the gambling and betting bill that has already been passed in the Senate. Due to the fact that deputies have made some changes to the bill, it will have to be returned to the Senate.
The bill was submitted to the parliament by two senators, Pedro Catrain and Félix Bautista. One of its objectives is to consolidate the country’s scattered gambling laws, decrees, and resolutions into a more unified framework.
Bill Covers Online and Retail Gambling
The proposed framework would target all individuals and legal entities that develop, operate or commercialize gambling and betting activities through physical establishments, electronic channels, virtual platforms or technological devices. It would also apply to technological, logistical, manufacturing, and other support activities directly connected to gambling and betting.
Recreational games would be excluded where they do not generate economically measurable transfers, provide a direct or indirect economic benefit to promoters or operators, or pursue a profit-making purpose. The bill would create clearly defined rights and duties of licensed operators and would give government agencies more powers to regulate this industry.
Ten-Year Freeze Proposed for New Venues
One of the most significant provisions of the bill involves the expansion of land-based gambling. Following the publication of the official register of licensees, no new licenses will be issued for the gambling establishments specified in Article 21 for ten years. Casinos located in hotels or tourist areas will not fall under this prohibition.
The proposal also restricts where gambling establishments may be installed. They could not be located within 500 meters of schools, universities, police or military facilities, childcare centers, CAID facilities, hospitals, clinics, churches, or the main offices of state powers and extra-power bodies. Sports betting shops would also have to remain at least 500 linear meters apart.
Reform Seeks More Consistent Oversight
The bill’s explanatory memorandum states that the country’s gambling framework needs to be adapted to current market realities. It also calls for the consolidation of the various laws, decrees and resolutions governing the sector to support more efficient state supervision and control.
Combining these regulatory measures into one law would make the licensing framework clearer for operators. It would also create more consistent conditions for supervising gambling conducted through both online platforms and physical premises.
The reform also seeks to protect users, strengthen controls against fraud and money laundering, improve tax compliance, and protect children and adolescents. The Senate must now decide whether to accept the amendments made by the Chamber of Deputies. Approval of the revised text would move the proposal closer to final passage, while further changes could extend the legislative process.