Dominican Republic Senate Reviews Gambling Reform Bill

Lawmakers in the Dominican Republic have introduced a new bill in the Senate aimed at creating an updated regulatory framework for the country's gambling industry. The proposal covers multiple gambling activities, including lottery agencies, sports betting outlets, bingo halls and electronic lottery sales locations.

The legislation seeks to clearly define the different gambling sectors while introducing specific operating requirements for each. It also proposes updated rules governing where gambling venues can be established, with the goal of creating a more structured regulatory environment.

If approved, the bill would replace or strengthen existing legislation by introducing standardized location requirements intended to better manage the expansion of gambling businesses across the country.

Distance Rules for Gambling Venues

One of the proposal's main provisions establishes minimum separation distances between gambling establishments and locations considered sensitive, including schools, hospitals, churches, childcare facilities and government buildings. The required distance varies depending on the type of gambling operation.

Under Article 60, lottery agencies would not be permitted within 200 linear meters of public and private schools, hospitals, clinics, healthcare centers, disability support facilities, officially recognized churches and the main headquarters of government institutions. The proposal also maintains the existing requirement under Decree 1167-01, which requires lottery agencies to be located at least 200 meters apart.

For sports betting shops, Article 67 introduces stricter requirements. These venues would need to remain at least 500 linear meters from schools, healthcare facilities, churches, disability support centers and principal government buildings. Sports betting establishments would also have to maintain a minimum distance of 500 meters from one another.

Separate Standards for Bingo and Electronic Lottery Outlets

The legislation also introduces location requirements for bingo operations.

According to Article 80, traditional and electronic bingo halls could not operate within 100 meters of sports clubs, cultural centers, schools, public hospitals, clinics or churches. In addition, registered bingo halls would need to remain at least 300 meters apart.

Electronic lottery sales points are also included in the proposal. Article 98 would require these outlets to be located at least 200 linear meters away from schools, childcare centers, churches, disability support facilities, hospitals, clinics and other healthcare institutions.

Framework Designed to Improve Industry Oversight

The proposed legislation aims to establish clearer regulatory standards for different gambling sectors by creating separate requirements for lottery agencies, sportsbooks, bingo halls and electronic lottery sales points.

By introducing category-specific operating rules and location restrictions, lawmakers intend to create a more organized regulatory structure while addressing concerns over the proximity of gambling venues to public institutions and community spaces.

The proposal will now move through the Dominican Senate, where legislators will debate the bill before deciding whether to approve it.