Online sports betting looks like it is finally coming to Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission recently granted licenses to nine companies.
Two of those licenses will go to sportsbooks. The others will be given to service providers, according to News is my Business.
One of those providers that was granted a license was the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA). The company is one of the leading global voices on integrity for the licensed betting industry and works to thwart betting corruption.
Two others were data collection companies ASF LTD and Sports Content CO. They specialize in gathering statistical information from gaming leagues for licensed betting markets.
Three other firms—Global Tote, Kambi, and United Tote—were awarded three-year betting service provider licenses.
Global Tote is a division of BetMakers Technology Group, provider of critical solutions in technology, data and development to the global racing and wagering industry, spanning both fixed odds and pari-mutuel markets.
Kambi is an independent provider of sports betting technology and services to the regulated global betting and gaming industry.
United Tote provides accessible wagering products, such as cashless, account, mobile or through smartphone applications for horse racing, making it easier to place bets.
Currently, sports betting is only available in casinos, though Puerto Rico Gaming Commissioner Jaime Rivera-Emmanuelli said online betting will be on the island soon.
“Once certain final details are clarified, the door to online betting will officially open, from anywhere, using mobile devices such as smartphones and computers,” he stated, as per NimB. “The island has the appeal of drawing a broad and culturally diverse audience while having the security, controls and regulations that the United States requires of its jurisdictions,” he added.
The two sportsbook operators who got licenses were not disclosed, but one is expected to be BetMGM, who already has a sportsbook at the Casino del Mar.
One more hurdle that has to be completed is the commission has to approve operator’s internal controls. The controls cover anything gaming related from operations to how employees deal with certain situations.
Once the commission approves the controls, players will be able to sign up with them and use the betting app.
