The newly adopted online gaming regulations signed into law by the Dominican Republic blacklist more than 40 online brands, including 888Sport, William Hill, Bet365 and Betsson, iGaming Business reported March 26.
Resolution 136-2024 was issued by the Ministry of Finance and will be overseen by the Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar (Directorate of Casinos and Gaming), which is part of the Ministry of Finance.
There has been an online gaming market in the Dominican Republic since 2006, with the first license issued in 2011. The first license was issued to Amaya, which Flutter Entertainment acquired in 2019. It has remained the only license holder, although under the new regulations, it is unclear whether it will retain that license.
There have been several versions of the regulations in the last five years, the final one was signed by Jose Manuel Vicente. It will authorize licenses that will be good for five years, and they can’t be transferred for the first three years.
Online gaming licenses will cost $346,000 (£275,000/€320,600) and sports betting licenses will cost $260,000 (£205,400/€239,500).
The new regulations don’t address a tax rate, which was set at 29 percent for land-based casinos, and is seen as likely to be the same for online gaming.
Licensees must show evidence of responsible gaming programs, including self-exclusion. They may also need to give players options to limit game duration and wagers.
Overseas operators must register in the republic’s Commercial Register and several other government offices.
Besides the four mentioned above, Betway, Interwetten, Betfair Colombia, and Mr Green Casino are among those banned.
The directorate issued this statement: “We emphasize the importance of playing and betting responsibly and legally to guarantee a safe and fair experience.”
