Dominican Republic Advances Gambling Reform Bill

The Dominican Republic’s Chamber of Deputies has approved a revised version of the country’s proposed gambling legislation, sending the amended bill back to the Senate for further review. Originally introduced by Senators Pedro Catrain and Félix Bautista, the proposal had already secured approval from the upper chamber before deputies introduced a number of changes.

Because of those amendments, the legislation must now return to the Senate before it can move toward final approval. The bill is intended to establish a unified legal framework governing gambling activities across the Dominican Republic while strengthening oversight of the industry.

Its objectives include regulating the licensing, supervision and monitoring of gambling operators, as well as improving the collection of taxes and regulatory fees from the sector.

Broad Scope Covering Retail and Online Gambling

The proposed legislation would apply to companies operating gambling or betting services through physical venues, online platforms, interactive services and virtual channels. It would also cover businesses providing technology, logistics, manufacturing and other services directly connected to gambling operations.

However, the proposal excludes recreational games that do not involve monetary rewards or economic benefits for participants or organisers.

The framework also outlines the rights and obligations of operators, introduces a formal licensing structure and includes provisions aimed at preventing fraud and money laundering within the gambling industry.

Licensing Limits and Stricter Location Rules

One of the bill’s key provisions introduces a 10-year freeze on new gambling venue licences once the official register of operators is published. Casinos located within hotels or recognised tourist destinations would be exempt from this restriction.

The legislation also proposes tighter location requirements for gambling establishments. Under the new rules, venues would not be permitted within 500 metres of schools, universities, healthcare facilities, disability support centres or the main offices of government institutions.

In addition, sports betting shops would need to remain at least 500 metres apart from one another, reducing the concentration of betting outlets in the same areas.

Aiming for a Modern Regulatory Framework

According to the bill’s explanatory memorandum, the reforms are designed to modernise the Dominican Republic’s gambling legislation and replace a fragmented regulatory system currently spread across multiple laws, decrees and resolutions.

Lawmakers believe the unified framework will improve regulatory efficiency, provide greater legal certainty for operators, strengthen consumer protection and establish clearer rules for both land-based and online gambling.

The amended proposal will now return to the Senate, where lawmakers will review the revisions approved by the Chamber of Deputies before deciding whether the legislation can proceed to final passage.