New Online Gambling Regime Launching in the Dominican Republic

Article by : Erik Gibbs Apr 8, 2024

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The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Finance has unveiled a new resolution overseeing the authorization of casinos and online gambling activities. The comprehensive text outlines the prerequisites, administrative fees and essential criteria that operators must fulfill to secure a license.

Under Resolution 136-2024, the regulatory framework encompasses the operation of online games of chance and sports betting. The Directorate of Casinos and Games of Chance will oversee these activities, as disclosed by the Dominican Government.

According to the publication, the licensing fee for online casinos is DOP 20,473,481 ($346,000), while sports betting licenses are priced at DOP 15,355,111 ($260,000).

Additionally, a separate license, designated for other online applications, costs DOP 10,236,740 ($173,000). Each license is valid for five years, with restrictions on transferability for the initial three years.

After a meticulous journey, the authorization of casinos and online gambling in the Dominican Republic reached its apex on February 28, 2024. The Casino Commission, led by its president, conveyed a formal recommendation, under letter DM-051-2024, to the Minister of Finance.

This pivotal step paved the way for the issuance of a resolution, orchestrated by Minister José Manuel Vicente, heralding the inception of the nation’s regulated Internet gaming and gambling sector.

Comprising 36 pages divided into seven chapters and 36 articles, the regulation marks a significant milestone in the country’s legal landscape concerning gaming and gambling.

Within its initial chapter, the document meticulously defines the key terms and concepts intrinsic to online gaming activities. It lays out the stringent prerequisites delineated for entities aspiring to operate within the country’s jurisdiction, as outlined in Article 5.

Moreover, the paper delineates the intricacies of the Internal Control Procedures Manual, the stipulated requisites for internet gaming platforms, administrative levies and operational stipulations encapsulated within Article 8.

In addition, the resolution meticulously addresses every facet of the authorization process essential for securing the coveted license. It delves into the operational and security protocols integral to technological gaming and betting platforms. Notably, Article 27 underscores the operator’s obligatory implementation of a robust responsible gaming initiative, inclusive of a comprehensive self-exclusion mechanism.