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Sovereign state
Latin America
ISO DO

Dominican Republic: gambling regulation and licensing

  • Online sports bettingRegulated
  • Online casinoRegulated
  • Online pokerRegulated
  • Online bingoRegulated
  • Lottery and iLotteryNot yet verified
  • Prediction marketsProhibited
  • Land-based (reference)Regulated
Regulator
Directorate General of Games of Chance
Headline tax
10% of stakes
Licence required
Yes
Last verified
16 Oct 2026

Summary

The Dominican Republic licenses online casino, poker, bingo and sports betting, and since October 2026 does so under Law 86-26, its first comprehensive gambling law, promulgated on 22 September and published in Gaceta Oficial 11263 on 2 October. The law replaces the Ministry of Finance and Economy's Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar with the Dirección General de Juegos de Azar (DGJA), an autonomous regulator attached to the Ministry, and gives licensing decisions to a Consejo de Juegos de Azar chaired by the Finance Minister. Teófilo Tabar Manzur, administrator of the National Lottery, was appointed transitional director general by Decree 684-26. On 13 October 2026 the DGJA's first resolutions barred new lottery shops, agencies and points of sale and gave operators 30 days to declare irregular premises and to identify their software providers. The law repeals Ley 351-64, the 1964 casino law, except its tax provisions. Online licences now run for ten years and require a .do domain, identity checks against Junta Central Electoral records and player limits, and pay 10% a month of internet operations; until the DGJA and the tax authority can measure that, each company pays a flat RD$5 million a month. The DGJA may order ISP and payment blocking of unlicensed sites. Resolution 136-2024 continues so far as it fits the law, with one-off licence fees of about RD$20.5 million for casino, RD$15.4 million for sports betting and RD$10.2 million for other games and a RD$20 million bond. The DCJA register lists seven licensed online operators, who have a year to exchange their licences. Land-based gambling is long established, with 51 licensed casinos, now confined to hotels of four stars or more, and more than 71,000 registered lottery and sports betting shops. Legally operating establishments have 12 months to register; once the register is published, new establishment licences stop for ten years, except hotel and tourist casinos.

Common pitfalls

Reading the 10% online tax as a tax on gross gaming revenue: Law 86-26 (art. 78), like Ley 139-11 before it, levies it on operations and does not deduct prizes, and until the collection system is built each company pays a flat RD$5 million a month instead (art. 186). Assuming a foreign licence is enough: a licence from the Consejo de Juegos de Azar, a .do domain and a local office are required, and the DCJA list of unauthorised operators names major international brands. Reading the ten-year freeze in Law 86-26 as already running: it starts only when the register of licensees is published, after the 12-month registration window and up to 90 days more (arts. 190 and 191). Citing Ley 351-64 as current law: Law 86-26 repealed it, except its tax provisions (art. 195).

Key facts

Regulator
Directorate General of Games of Chance (DGJA)
Regulator type
Dedicated regulator
Headline tax
10% of stakes
Licence required
Yes
Minimum age
18+
Tax base
Internet games: 10% each month of the operations from all games played over the internet, paid by the licensee by reference to the website authorised by the DGJA, regardless of where the activity takes place, within the first ten business days of each month (Law 86-26, art. 78, restating Ley 139-11, art. 7, which taxed gross operations or sales). Until the DGJA and the DGII finish installing the system to collect that tax, each company pays a flat RD$5,000,000 a month at DGII offices instead (Law 86-26, art. 186). Neither law deducts prizes, so read literally the base is gross operations rather than gross gaming revenue. Land-based rates differ: casinos pay a monthly amount per gaming table (RD$32,500, RD$37,500 or RD$50,000 by band in 2011, indexed to inflation), slot machines 5% of gross operations, lottery shops RD$35,000 a year plus 1% of gross sales, and sports betting shops RD$150,000 or RD$225,000 a year plus 1% of gross sales (Ley 139-11, arts. 1 to 5).

How to get a gambling licence in the Dominican Republic

The regulator is the Directorate General of Games of Chance (DGJA).

We record 4 licence types for the Dominican Republic.

For the Internet games of chance licence: casinos, the application fee is DOP 20,473,481 (as of 14 Mar 2024).

Local presence
A local company or establishment is required; there is no local server requirement; sites must use a .do domain.
Financial guarantee
Performance bond of RD$20,000,000 in favour of the Ministry, lodged with the DCJA before operations start and renewed each year, answering up to 25% for sanctions, up to 25% for unpaid DGII taxes and up to 50% for unpaid prizes (Resolution 136-2024, art. 8, párrafo I).
Headline tax
10% of stakes (see Taxation for the full position)

Licence fees in the Dominican Republic

Licence typeApplication feeAnnual feeTerm
Internet games of chance licence: casinosOne-off administrative fee for issuing the licence, indexed each year to 100% of the consumer price index published by the Central Bank (art. 7). The Ministry service page listed the same amount on 23 September 2026. This fee continues until the DGJA sets new fees within six months of Law 86-26 taking effect (Law 86-26, art. 188). Plus the 10% monthly tax on internet operations (Law 86-26, art. 78), paid provisionally as a flat RD$5,000,000 a month per company (art. 186).DOP 20,473,481 (as of 14 Mar 2024)Not yet verified10 years for licences issued under Law 86-26 (art. 77); licences issued under Resolution 136-2024 run for 5 years
Internet games of chance licence: professional sports bettingOne-off administrative fee, indexed annually to the consumer price index (art. 7). This fee continues until the DGJA sets new fees within six months of Law 86-26 taking effect (Law 86-26, art. 188). Plus the 10% monthly tax on internet operations (Law 86-26, art. 78), paid provisionally as a flat RD$5,000,000 a month per company (art. 186).DOP 15,355,111 (as of 14 Mar 2024)Not yet verified10 years for licences issued under Law 86-26 (art. 77); licences issued under Resolution 136-2024 run for 5 years
Internet games of chance licence: other gamesOne-off administrative fee, indexed annually to the consumer price index (art. 7). This fee continues until the DGJA sets new fees within six months of Law 86-26 taking effect (Law 86-26, art. 188). Plus the 10% monthly tax on internet operations (Law 86-26, art. 78), paid provisionally as a flat RD$5,000,000 a month per company (art. 186).DOP 10,236,740 (as of 14 Mar 2024)Not yet verified10 years for licences issued under Law 86-26 (art. 77); licences issued under Resolution 136-2024 run for 5 years

Built from the record on this page, last verified 16 Oct 2026. The Licensing and Taxation sections carry the full detail and sources.

Licensing

Licence required
Yes
Application window
Not yet verified
Local establishment required
Yes
Local server required
No
Local domain required
.do
Active licences
7 (as of 23 Sept 2026)
Bank guarantee or bond
Performance bond of RD$20,000,000 in favour of the Ministry, lodged with the DCJA before operations start and renewed each year, answering up to 25% for sanctions, up to 25% for unpaid DGII taxes and up to 50% for unpaid prizes (Resolution 136-2024, art. 8, párrafo I).
Notable licensees
Game Technology International, S.R.L. (superbets.do), Betcris Banca de Apuesta S.R.L. (betcris.do), Juancito Sport SRL (juancitosport.com.do), Gogo Sport SRL (gogobanca.com), Orobet, S.R.L. (orobet.do), Breeze Management, Corp. (vip987.do), DRBets, SRL (appuesta.do)
Certification requirements
A certification of the technical gaming system covering player accounts, RNG and non-RNG games, the inspection system, information security, AML controls and data protection (Resolution 136-2024, art. 6.1); an internal control procedures manual reviewed by an auditor (art. 6.2); an information security management system guided by ISO/IEC 27001, 27002 and 27005 (art. 6.5); and a real-time connection of the system to the DCJA (art. 6.4). No accredited laboratories are named.
Barriers to entry
Licences are decided by the Consejo de Juegos de Azar on the DGJA director general's proposal after due diligence on suitability, ownership, financial capacity and the lawful origin of funds (Law 86-26, arts. 40 and 41). Online operators must use a .do domain (art. 147), connect their systems to the DGJA inspection system (art. 81) and verify each player against Junta Central Electoral records before deposits or bets (art. 82). Existing licensees have three months to adapt their platforms (art. 184) and a year to exchange their licences (art. 181); once the register of licensees is published, no new licences for the establishments in art. 21, a list that includes internet games, are granted for ten years, except casinos in hotels and tourist locations (art. 191). Under Resolution 136-2024, which continues so far as consistent with the law: only legal persons with gambling in their corporate object may apply, and foreign companies must register in a Dominican commercial register and with the DGII (art. 5.2); applicants disclose the full ownership chain, criminal records, sworn declarations of the lawful origin of funds, a Dominican bank account, audited accounts and a DGII tax clearance (art. 5); licensees need offices and a call centre in the Dominican Republic and a .do website to which Dominican connections are redirected (arts. 6.3 and 8.2), must start operating within six months (art. 8) and may not transfer the licence for three years (arts. 8 and 33). Server location must be disclosed and any move needs prior written authorisation (art. 6.6).

Licence types

  • Internet games of chance licence: casinos

    Scope
    Random number generator games: slot machines, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, bingo and poker (Resolution 136-2024, art. 10.1)
    Term
    10 years for licences issued under Law 86-26 (art. 77); licences issued under Resolution 136-2024 run for 5 years
    Application fee
    DOP 20,473,481 as of 14 Mar 2024
    Fee basis
    One-off administrative fee for issuing the licence, indexed each year to 100% of the consumer price index published by the Central Bank (art. 7). The Ministry service page listed the same amount on 23 September 2026. This fee continues until the DGJA sets new fees within six months of Law 86-26 taking effect (Law 86-26, art. 188). Plus the 10% monthly tax on internet operations (Law 86-26, art. 78), paid provisionally as a flat RD$5,000,000 a month per company (art. 186).
    Renewal terms
    Under Law 86-26, renewal is for the same term as the original licence, subject to technical evaluation, compliance and the renewal fee (art. 180); Resolution 136-2024 set renewal at 50% of the licence fee with Ministry approval (art. 28).
  • Internet games of chance licence: professional sports betting

    Scope
    Bets on real sporting events (Resolution 136-2024, art. 10.2)
    Term
    10 years for licences issued under Law 86-26 (art. 77); licences issued under Resolution 136-2024 run for 5 years
    Application fee
    DOP 15,355,111 as of 14 Mar 2024
    Fee basis
    One-off administrative fee, indexed annually to the consumer price index (art. 7). This fee continues until the DGJA sets new fees within six months of Law 86-26 taking effect (Law 86-26, art. 188). Plus the 10% monthly tax on internet operations (Law 86-26, art. 78), paid provisionally as a flat RD$5,000,000 a month per company (art. 186).
    Renewal terms
    As for the internet casino licence (Law 86-26, art. 180; Resolution 136-2024, art. 28).
  • Internet games of chance licence: other games

    Scope
    Other games offered online
    Term
    10 years for licences issued under Law 86-26 (art. 77); licences issued under Resolution 136-2024 run for 5 years
    Application fee
    DOP 10,236,740 as of 14 Mar 2024
    Fee basis
    One-off administrative fee, indexed annually to the consumer price index (art. 7). This fee continues until the DGJA sets new fees within six months of Law 86-26 taking effect (Law 86-26, art. 188). Plus the 10% monthly tax on internet operations (Law 86-26, art. 78), paid provisionally as a flat RD$5,000,000 a month per company (art. 186).
    Renewal terms
    As for the internet casino licence (Law 86-26, art. 180; Resolution 136-2024, art. 28).
  • Casino licence (Law 86-26)

    Scope
    Casinos only in operating hotels classified four stars or more, in a separate space within the hotel (Law 86-26, arts. 49 and 50), with an additional ten-year licence for a slot machine hall inside the casino (arts. 51 and 52). Casinos are exempt from the minimum distances between gambling establishments (art. 26, párrafo V).
    Term
    10 years (Law 86-26, art. 48)
    Fee basis
    Requirements and administrative fees are set by resolution of the Consejo de Juegos de Azar (Law 86-26, art. 53). Casino taxes continue under Ley 351-64 as amended, including the monthly tax per gaming table (Ley 139-11, art. 1), and 5% of the gross operations of each slot machine (Ley 139-11, art. 5) (Law 86-26, arts. 54 and 195).
    Renewal terms
    For the same term, subject to technical evaluation, compliance and the renewal fee (Law 86-26, art. 180).

Taxation

Headline GGR tax
Not yet verified
Effective date
24 Jun 2011
Turnover tax
10%
Corporate tax
27%
Player winnings tax
25% final withholding on prizes from lotteries, electronic prizes from games of chance and any other bet or draw not otherwise specified; prizes won in lottery and sports betting shops pay 10% from RD$100,001 to RD$500,000, 15% from RD$500,001 to RD$1,000,000 and 25% above; slot machine prizes 10% (Tax Code art. 309, as amended by Ley 253-12, art. 10).
Withholding mechanism
The operator withholds the tax on prizes and pays it to the DGII; Resolution 136-2024, art. 14, párrafo III, restates the obligation for internet licensees.
Tax base
Internet games: 10% each month of the operations from all games played over the internet, paid by the licensee by reference to the website authorised by the DGJA, regardless of where the activity takes place, within the first ten business days of each month (Law 86-26, art. 78, restating Ley 139-11, art. 7, which taxed gross operations or sales). Until the DGJA and the DGII finish installing the system to collect that tax, each company pays a flat RD$5,000,000 a month at DGII offices instead (Law 86-26, art. 186). Neither law deducts prizes, so read literally the base is gross operations rather than gross gaming revenue. Land-based rates differ: casinos pay a monthly amount per gaming table (RD$32,500, RD$37,500 or RD$50,000 by band in 2011, indexed to inflation), slot machines 5% of gross operations, lottery shops RD$35,000 a year plus 1% of gross sales, and sports betting shops RD$150,000 or RD$225,000 a year plus 1% of gross sales (Ley 139-11, arts. 1 to 5).

Scheduled changes

  • RD$5,000,000 a month per company from 2 Oct 2026
    In force

    Provisional flat payment for internet games in place of the 10% monthly tax

  • 10% a month of internet operations from When the interconnection system is installed; Law 86-26, art. 183, gives the DGJA and DGII six months from the law's entry into force to build it
    Enacted

    Collection of the 10% monthly tax on internet operations through the DGJA and DGII interconnection system, ending the flat payment

Compliance

Minimum age
18+
National self-exclusion
Registro Nacional de Autoexclusión, a statutory register administered by the DGJA (Law 86-26, art. 38): free, in person or online, minimum six months, checked by operators before access, account opening or paying prizes; first created by Resolution 184-2026 (art. 6). Online licensees must also offer their own self-exclusion of at least two years (Resolution 136-2024, art. 21.7) (mandatory)
KYC timing
At registration; withdrawals are paid only after the operator has verified the information supplied at account opening (art. 14).
AML regime
Gambling operators are non-financial reporting entities under Ley 155-17 (art. 33). Casinos record and report cash, multiple cash and financial transactions from US$3,000 (art. 52); cash payment for bets or prizes above RD$250,000 is prohibited (art. 64). DCJA Resolution 217-2025 sets a risk-based AML/CFT standard, and Resolution 202-2023 the administrative sanctions regime for the entities it supervises.
AML supervisor
Dirección General de Juegos de Azar (DGJA), the competent anti-money laundering authority for the sector under Law 86-26 (art. 7.12), with reports to the Unidad de Análisis Financiero
Deposit limits
Players must be able to set deposit, bet, loss and session limits (Resolution 136-2024, art. 21.5) and limits on time, spending and deposits with warnings as they approach them (Resolution 184-2026, art. 5). Law 86-26 makes configurable deposit, loss and session time limits and periodic session notices mandatory for online operators (art. 82).
Loss limits
Player-set loss limits are required (Resolution 136-2024, art. 21.5).
Session limits
A permanently visible session clock (Resolution 136-2024, art. 27), automatic logout after 15 minutes of inactivity (art. 21.4), time-outs, a quick exit button, category blocking, mandatory breaks and warnings on time and amount staked at least every 60 minutes for at least 10 seconds (Resolution 184-2026, art. 5).
Source of funds thresholds
Casinos: transaction reporting from US$3,000 (Ley 155-17, art. 52). Applicants and shareholders file sworn declarations of the lawful origin of funds (Resolution 136-2024, art. 5.9).
Central monitoring system
The gaming system must be connected to the DCJA so that it can supervise gaming activity at any time and in real time (Resolution 136-2024, art. 6.4).
Data localisation
Servers may be outside the Dominican Republic if their exact location is disclosed; relocation needs prior written authorisation of the Ministry (Resolution 136-2024, art. 6.6). Player data are protected under Ley 172-13.
KYC requirements
Registration collects name, identity document type, number and expiry validating an age of 18 or over, sex, date and place of birth, nationality, address, a validated email and telephone (Resolution 136-2024, art. 18). The platform must verify legal name, address, age and nationality (art. 6.7), allow one account per person, screen players against OFAC and UN sanctions lists and apply Ley 155-17 due diligence (art. 19). Player identity and activity data are kept for ten years after account closure (art. 6.7). Law 86-26 requires online operators to verify each user's identity and age against Junta Central Electoral records before enabling deposits or bets (art. 82).
Stake limits
Not yet verified
Mandatory player messaging
A permanent responsible gambling notice and session clock (Resolution 136-2024, art. 27); the website must show the operator, its licence resolution number, prize plans, a complaints icon, a no minors message and responsible gambling information (art. 8.4); a responsible gambling policy section linking to the DCJA self-exclusion and responsible gambling pages, and a child protection section on parental controls (Resolution 184-2026, arts. 4.7 and 8).
Reporting obligations
Significant events report to the DCJA within the first ten business days of the following month (Resolution 136-2024, art. 25); annual update of corporate records and DGII tax clearance by 30 May (art. 29); at least yearly reporting on the responsible gambling programme and independent audits of it (Resolution 184-2026, arts. 4.6 and 12); immediate report when a self-excluded player is found gambling (art. 7).
Game content restrictions
Only games regulated by the DCJA may be offered (Resolution 136-2024, art. 8.3), within the RNG and sports betting categories of art. 10; game logic must run on the server and RNGs meet the standards of arts. 16 and 17. Operators may not lend money or give credit to players; free bonuses are capped at US$25 and deposit bonuses at 25% of the deposit up to US$250 (Resolution 184-2026, art. 4.9). Games may not be designed to appeal to minors (art. 10).

Advertising

Advertising permitted
Yes
Watershed
No fixed hours; advertising may not run in slots or on platforms where minors or vulnerable people are more likely to be exposed, such as children's programming (Resolution 184-2026, art. 9.5).
Affiliate rules
No separate affiliate regime. Operators are responsible for the compliance of any advertising they display whatever the medium (Resolution 184-2026, art. 8, párrafo VII).
Sponsorship rules
Operators may not sponsor sporting activities or events involving minors, and schools and youth sports may not be used to promote gambling (DCJA circular MH-2025-005921 of 25 February 2025).
Social media rules
No gambling advertising on social networks without age verification (Resolution 184-2026, art. 9.5).
Bonus advertising rules
Terms for jackpots and bonuses must be published (Resolution 136-2024, art. 10); free bonuses are capped at US$25 and deposit bonuses at 25% of the deposit up to US$250 (Resolution 184-2026, art. 4.9).
Mandatory warnings
Under Law 86-26: "Jugar Puede Provocar Adicción y Afectar la Salud" with the DGJA's free helpline number and the number of the law, at entrances, sales counters, websites and tickets (arts. 35 and 37). Under Resolution 184-2026, so far as consistent with the law: "EL JUEGO COMPULSIVO ES PERJUDICIAL PARA LA SALUD" with the telephone number of the Ministry of Public Health Línea Salud Mental, the resolution number and the web address of the DCJA responsible gambling section; on audiovisual and radio services "EL JUEGO COMPULSIVO ES PERJUDICIAL PARA LA SALUD. PROHIBIDA LA ENTRADA, EL JUEGO Y VENTA A MENORES DE EDAD" with the resolution number (Resolution 184-2026, art. 8).
Penalties for breach
Breaching the Law 86-26 advertising conditions is a serious infraction, fined 100 to 200 public-sector minimum wages (art. 147.11), and promoting unauthorised gambling through any medium a very serious one, fined 200 to 400 minimum wages with three to six months' closure (art. 148.17). The DCJA may order non-compliant advertising withdrawn (Resolution 184-2026, art. 8, párrafo VIII); breaches of Resolution 184-2026 are administrative infractions under Ley 155-17, art. 71(c) (art. 12), which for non-financial entities carry fines of RD$300,000 to RD$1,000,000 (Ley 155-17, art. 75).

Restrictions

  • Law 86-26 bars advertising or promotion through any medium that targets or appeals to under-18s, or that omits the prominent warning "Jugar Puede Provocar Adicción y Afectar la Salud" or the DGJA's free helpline number; advertising, sponsorship and promotion are subject to DGJA oversight (art. 37), and operators may not direct advertising or bonuses to self-excluded people (art. 38)
  • Ley 351-64, art. 8, barred licensed casinos from advertising in any form; Law 86-26 repealed that law (art. 195), and the ban for casinos and slot machine halls in Resolution 184-2026, art. 8, párrafo V, applies only so far as it is consistent with the new law
  • No gambling advertising aimed at under-18s, linking gambling to wealth, wellbeing, therapy or social help, or exploiting emotional or financial vulnerability (Resolution 184-2026, art. 9)
  • Advertising must be truthful, must not misstate the odds or suggest that repeat play improves the chance of winning, and must stress the recreational nature and risks of gambling (Resolution 184-2026, art. 8, párrafo I)
  • Every advertisement must state that the operator is authorised by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, and operators must bind agencies and media to include it (Resolution 184-2026, art. 8, párrafo IX)
  • Marketing by email or similar channels needs express informed consent and may not be sent to self-excluded players (Resolution 184-2026, art. 9, párrafo)
  • The DCJA publishes a list of unauthorised websites and has warned the public against online advertising that imitates the brands of licensed operators (warning MHE-2026-001917)

Payments

Credit card ban
No
Crypto stance
Prohibited
Permitted methods
Bank accounts at financial institutions authorised in the Dominican Republic, Credit and debit cards issued by financial institutions authorised in the Dominican Republic, Electronic deposits and payment gateways of entities supervised by the Superintendencia de Bancos, Cash at the operator's physical points, up to RD$250,000
Withdrawal timeframe rules
Withdrawals must be paid within 72 hours by the method the player chooses among those offered, once the account information has been verified (Resolution 136-2024, art. 14).
Currency restrictions
Payment in cryptocurrencies, crypto-assets or NFTs, to bank accounts outside the Dominican Republic, or by any method not recognised by the Dominican monetary authorities is prohibited (Resolution 136-2024, art. 15, párrafo III). The operator must verify the link between the player and the payment method (art. 15, párrafo I).

Enforcement

ISP blocking
Not yet verified
DNS blocking
Not yet verified
Payment blocking
Not yet verified
App store takedowns
Not yet verified
Administrative penalties
Law 86-26: minor infractions 30 to 100 public-sector minimum wages; serious infractions 100 to 200 and one to three months' suspension of draws; very serious infractions 200 to 400 and three to six months' closure, doubled with revocation of the licence on repetition (arts. 146 to 148). Ley 155-17 fines for non-financial reporting entities: RD$300,000 to RD$1,000,000 for minor, RD$1,000,001 to RD$2,000,000 for serious and RD$2,000,001 to RD$4,000,000 for very serious infractions (art. 75), with suspension or revocation of the licence for very serious or repeat breaches (art. 76). Breaches of Resolution 136-2024 may lead to suspension or revocation of the online licence (art. 31); selling draws on mobile devices leads to closure and permanent revocation (Resolution 172-2022).
Criminal penalties
Operating any game of chance without a licence or outside the licensed premises: one to two years in prison and a fine of three to six public-sector minimum wages (Law 86-26, art. 162). Designing or running software that sells unauthorised games, street sales through mobile devices and selling unauthorised foreign lotteries: two to five years and nine to fifteen minimum wages (art. 163). False reporting of gaming earnings or prizes, rigging results and using front men to obtain a licence: five to ten years and ten to twenty minimum wages (art. 164). Legal persons pay the fines (art. 165). The Ley 351-64 penalties fell with its repeal (art. 195).
Operator liability
Operating any game of chance or betting activity, on premises or online, needs a licence decided by the Consejo de Juegos de Azar and issued by the DGJA (Law 86-26, arts. 39 and 40), and operating without one is a crime (art. 162). The DGJA may order, in coordination with INDOTEL, internet service providers to block the domains, addresses and apps of unlicensed operators, require payment entities to suspend transactions to them, and must publish lists of authorised operators and blocked sites (art. 79). Before the law the DCJA published a list of more than 80 unauthorised gambling websites, among them bet365, Betway, PokerStars, 1xBet, Betsson and Caliente, plus unauthorised foreign lotteries, as a public warning.

Notable actions

  • Complejo Turístico Luna del Caribe, S.A. (casino licensee and responsible administrator)17 May 2018

    Fined for failing to update its registration with the DCJA under Ley 155-17 and Ley 351-64; its licence was revoked on 28 June 2019

    Fine: DOP 2,000,001 as of 17 May 2018

  • Unlicensed gambling websites25 Feb 2025

    DCJA warning MH-2025-005915 updates its list of websites operating without Ministry authorisation

  • Illegal slot machines and betting equipment16 Mar 2026

    The Ministry destroyed 2,038 seized machines and devices, and reported more than 18,000 seized since 2020

  • Prediction market platforms (Criterio360, Polymarket, Kalshi)24 Apr 2026

    DCJA warning that they are unlicensed and contravene the gambling rules

  • William Lizandro Rosario Ortiz20 Jul 2026

    Resolution 211-2026 disqualifies him from owning or managing any DCJA-supervised entity after a final criminal conviction; Resolutions 212 and 213 revoke the permits of 3 sports betting shops and 35 lottery shops linked to him

Market data

Figures on this record are drawn from official regulator data.

Online GGR
Not yet verified
Reporting year
2026
Licensed operators
7

Timeline

  1. 8 Aug 1964

    Ley 351 on licences for casinos is published in Gaceta Oficial 3880

  2. 16 Feb 2006

    Ley 29-06 amends Ley 351-64, including its penalties

  3. 24 Jun 2011

    Ley 139-11 is promulgated, creating the 10% monthly tax on internet games

  4. 9 Nov 2012

    Ley 253-12 is promulgated, requiring a Ministry licence for every game of chance

  5. 1 Jun 2017

    Ley 155-17 on money laundering names the DCJA supervisor of the gambling sector

  6. 5 Apr 2022

    Resolution 172-2022 bans lottery sales on mobile devices

  7. 14 Mar 2024

    Resolution 136-2024 regulates internet games of chance

  8. 25 Feb 2025

    The DCJA updates its list of unauthorised websites and bars sponsorship of events involving minors

  9. 31 Dec 2025

    DGII preliminary figures for 2025: RD$1,692.6 million specific tax on lottery and sports betting shops, RD$1,116.0 million slot machine tax, RD$244.0 million casino tax, RD$229.6 million tax on shop sales and RD$115.5 million telephone games tax

  10. 24 Apr 2026

    The DCJA warns that prediction market platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi are unlicensed

  11. 29 Apr 2026

    Resolution 184-2026 creates the National Self-Exclusion Register

  12. 20 Jul 2026

    Resolutions 211 to 213 of 2026 disqualify a convicted shop owner and revoke 38 shop permits

  13. 16 Sept 2026

    The Senate accepts the Chamber's amendments and sends the general gambling bill to the Executive

  14. 22 Sept 2026

    Vice President Raquel Peña, as acting head of the Executive, promulgates Law 86-26 regulating games of chance

  15. 2 Oct 2026

    Law 86-26 is published in Gaceta Oficial 11263, creating the DGJA; Decree 684-26 appoints Teófilo Tabar Manzur its transitional director general

  16. 5 Oct 2026

    The Minister of Finance and Economy swears in the transitional director general of the DGJA

  17. 13 Oct 2026

    DGJA Resolutions 01-2026 and 02-2026 bar new lottery shops, agencies and points of sale and open a 30-day window to declare irregular premises

Outlook

Law 86-26 starts several clocks from its entry into force in early October 2026: three months for licensees to adapt their platforms (art. 184), 90 days for the President's implementing regulation (art. 193), 120 days for the Consejo to set the DGJA's internal rules and structure (art. 194), six months for new fees and for the DGJA and DGII system that would replace the flat RD$5 million monthly payment with the 10% tax (arts. 183, 186 and 188), and a year to exchange existing licences (art. 181) and to register (art. 190). The register of licensees follows within 90 days, and its publication starts the ten-year freeze on new establishment licences, so between October 2027 and early 2028. Watch whether the freeze is applied to online licences, when a permanent director general meeting the requirements of art. 17 is appointed, and how quickly the DGJA uses its blocking powers. The DGJA's first two resolutions of 13 October 2026 give operators 30 calendar days, to about 12 November, to declare irregular shops and to identify their software providers; their texts had not been published by 14 October. Licensees also have until about November 2026, six months from publication of Resolution 184-2026, to connect to the National Self-Exclusion Register.

Frequently asked questions

Who licenses online gambling in the Dominican Republic?
The Dirección General de Juegos de Azar (DGJA), created by Law 86-26: licences are decided by its Consejo de Juegos de Azar, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Economy, on the director general's proposal and issued by the DGJA (arts. 39 and 40). Until its structure is in place, the transitional director general exercises its powers with the staff of the former DCJA (art. 185).
How is online gambling taxed?
At 10% a month on the operations from internet games, paid to the DGII by reference to the authorised website wherever the activity takes place (Law 86-26, art. 78). Until the DGJA and DGII collection system is installed, each company pays a flat RD$5 million a month instead (art. 186). Companies also pay 27% corporate income tax, and prizes carry a 25% final withholding.
What does an online licence cost?
Until the DGJA sets new fees, due within six months of Law 86-26 taking effect, the Resolution 136-2024 fees apply (art. 188): one-off fees of RD$20,473,481 for casino, RD$15,355,111 for sports betting and RD$10,236,740 for other games, indexed to inflation, and a RD$20,000,000 performance bond renewed each year. Licences under the new law run for ten years.
Do operators need a local presence?
Yes. Licensees need offices and a call centre in the Dominican Republic and a .do website to which Dominican connections are redirected (Resolution 136-2024), and Law 86-26 makes operating internet games not registered under the .do domain a serious infraction (art. 147). Servers may be abroad if their location is disclosed and any move is authorised in advance.
Is there a national self-exclusion scheme?
Yes. Resolution 184-2026 created the Registro Nacional de Autoexclusión and Law 86-26 puts it on a statutory footing under the DGJA (art. 38): registration is free, lasts at least six months, and operators must check it before allowing access, opening accounts or paying prizes. Online licensees must also offer their own self-exclusion of at least two years.
Has a new gambling law been passed?
Yes. Law 86-26 was promulgated on 22 September 2026 and published in Gaceta Oficial 11263 on 2 October 2026. It creates the DGJA, repeals Ley 351-64 except its tax provisions, gives existing licensees a year to exchange their licences and legally operating establishments 12 months to register, and freezes new establishment licences for ten years once the register is published.
Is online gambling legal in the Dominican Republic?
Online casino and online sports betting are both legal for licensed operators in the Dominican Republic. The status of every vertical is at the top of this page. Last verified 16 Oct 2026.

Glossary and directory

iGT coverage of Dominican Republic

Dominican republic bill would restructure national lottery as independent gambling regulator
Regulatory

Dominican Republic Passes a Gambling Law With a Ten-Year Freeze on New Venues

Sixty-two years after Law 351, the Senate has accepted the Chamber's amendments and sent a 195-article code to the president. It creates an autonomous regulator, taxes online betting at 10% a month, requires a .do domain, opens a self-exclusion register, and bans new licences for a decade in a country with more than 71,000 registered betting shops.

Sources

Source tiers. Tier 1: the law, official gazette, licence register or regulator itself. Tier 2: other official sources such as ministries, parliaments, courts and statistics agencies. Tier 3: established trade press, used to find and date the primary source. Only tier 1 and tier 2 sources can support a fact on their own.

  1. Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar (DCJA)

    Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía, República Dominicana

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  2. Marco legal: leyes, resoluciones, decretos y circulares

    Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar, Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía

    Tier 1Accessed 14 Oct 2026
  3. ¿Quiénes somos? Funciones y atribuciones de la DCJA

    Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar, Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  4. Historia de la DCJA

    Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar, Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  5. Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 8 Aug 1964
  6. Ley No. 29-06 que modifica varios artículos de la Ley No. 351 de 1964

    Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar, Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 16 Feb 2006
  7. Ley No. 139-11 (tax reform: casinos, bancas, telephone and internet games)

    Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar, Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 24 Jun 2011
  8. Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 9 Nov 2012
  9. Ley No. 155-17 contra el Lavado de Activos y el Financiamiento del Terrorismo

    Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar, Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 1 Jun 2017
  10. Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 14 Mar 2024
  11. Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 29 Apr 2026
  12. Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 30 Mar 2026
  13. Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 20 Jul 2026
  14. Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  15. Operadores de Juegos de Azar por Internet autorizados

    Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar, Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  16. Juegos autorizados: Casinos (licensed casinos by province)

    Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar, Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  17. Operadores no Autorizados: sitios web, loterías extranjeras y marcas no autorizadas

    Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar, Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  18. Aviso de advertencia MH-2025-005915: actualización sitios web no autorizados a operar (25 de febrero de 2025)

    Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar, Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 25 Feb 2025
  19. Aviso de advertencia MHE-2026-001917 sobre publicidad engañosa en plataformas digitales (23 de enero de 2026)

    Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar, Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 23 Jan 2026
  20. Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 24 Apr 2026
  21. Sanciones administrativas firmes impuestas a sujetos obligados (Ley 155-17)

    Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar, Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  22. Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 16 Mar 2026
  23. Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 23 Apr 2026
  24. Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 24 Mar 2026
  25. El Congreso dominicano despacha al Ejecutivo la nueva Ley de Juegos de Azar

    Yogonet Latinoamérica

    Trade press summary of the bill as passed; the text itself was not found on an official host on 23 September 2026. Used only for the bill details in pendingLegislation (DGJA, .do registration, ten-year licensing freeze with a hotel casino exception, casino licensing), never for current law.

    Tier 3Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 17 Sept 2026
  26. Tier 1Accessed 14 Oct 2026Published 2 Oct 2026
  27. Presidente Luis Abinader designa a Teófilo Tabar Manzur en la Dirección General de Juegos de Azar (Decreto 684-26)

    Presidencia de la República Dominicana

    Presidency release describing Decree 684-26; the decree PDF itself was not retrievable on 14 October 2026.

    Tier 2Accessed 14 Oct 2026Published 2 Oct 2026
  28. Tier 2Accessed 14 Oct 2026Published 6 Oct 2026
  29. Dirección de Juegos de Azar inicia operaciones prohibiendo nuevas bancas y otorgando plazo para regularización

    El Día

    Press account of the resolutions; their texts were not published on an official host by 16 October 2026.

    Tier 3Accessed 16 Oct 2026Published 13 Oct 2026
  30. Dirección de Juegos de Azar inicia operaciones con dos resoluciones

    Diario Libre

    Its summary assigns the ban to a different resolution than its own body text and other reports; the body text, El Día and Listín Diario place the ban in 01-2026.

    Tier 3Accessed 16 Oct 2026Published 13 Oct 2026

Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.

This page is industry reference information and not legal advice.

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