Dominican Republic names seven authorised online gambling operators
The Dominican Republic’s gambling regulator has identified seven authorised online operators and warned that approximately 81 operators lack state permission, as it develops licensing rules under the country’s new gambling framework.
The Directorate General of Gambling (Dirección General de Juegos de Azar -DGJA), headed by Teófilo “Quico” Tabar, issued the clarification as the country implements Law 86-26, which reorganises gambling regulation and supervision.
In a statement sent to El Nuevo Diario, the regulator named Game Technology International, Betcris Banca de Apuesta, Juancito Sport, Gogo Sport, Orobet, Breeze Management and Drbets as authorised companies.
Their associated platforms are Superbets, Betcris, Juancito Sport, Gogo Banca, Orobet, vip987.do and Appuesta. The announcement identifies businesses already recognised as authorised, rather than awarding seven new licences under the legislation.
The DGJA said it was examining gambling activities and coordinating with other state bodies to assess possible infringements and determine the appropriate legal or administrative response. It also invited members of the public and media to provide information about unauthorised gambling operations.
The clarification gives players and businesses a reference point for distinguishing recognised operators from services operating without state permission.
Council to set licensing requirements
The DGJA separately addressed requirements for new virtual-game licences. The Council of Gambling (Consejo de Juegos de Azar) has yet to hold its first meeting, leaving a resolution setting licensing fees, requirements and operating conditions awaiting approval.
The regulator attributed that position to the council’s recent creation. Its next step is to approve the rules that will give prospective applicants the information needed to assess entry into the virtual-games market.
No date was given for approval of the resolution or the issue of further authorisations.
The clarification comes during a wider overhaul of gambling oversight. Law 86-26 established the DGJA, and President Luis Abinader appointed Tabar as its transitional director under Decree 684-26, dated 2 October.
The authority is also overseeing efforts to bring lottery outlets, sportsbetting shops and other gambling establishments into the formal regulatory and tax systems.
On 19 October, the DGJA supplied the national tax authority, DGII, with a provisional and conditional database of establishments participating in the regularisation programme. The transfer forms part of coordination between the gambling regulator and tax authorities.
In a separate notice published on 2 November, the DGJA reminded establishments outside the programme that they had until 15 November to make a voluntary declaration under a 30-day procedure.
That deadline concerns establishments omitted from the regularisation programme, rather than a fresh online licensing round. The regulator expressly warned that submitting a declaration does not automatically legalise an establishment or authorise it to operate.