Is Gambling Legal in Dominican Republic? Casino & Betting Laws Explained 2025

Key Information

Last Update 2025

Regulatory Authority Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar (Directorate of Casinos and Gaming), Ministry of Finance

License Cost Varies

Regulation by Activity Type

Casinos Regulated

Online Casinos Regulated

Betting Regulated

Online Betting Unregulated

Lotteries Regulated

Poker Regulated

Highlights

Resolution 136-2024, enacted in March 2024, created a new comprehensive regulatory regime for online gambling.
The Directorate of Casinos and Gaming (DCJA), under the Ministry of Finance, is the main regulatory authority.
Online gambling licenses are valid for five years and are non-transferable for the first three years.
Operators must pay a 5% gross revenue tax and an annual licensing fee of $200,000 for online gambling activities.
Strict responsible gaming measures are mandatory, including session time displays, betting limits, and self-exclusion tools.
Foreign operators must register locally and comply with national tax and commercial registration requirements.
Authorities actively combat illegal gambling, with unlicensed operators facing administrative and criminal penalties.

Legislation

Primary Legislation

The legal framework governing gambling in the Dominican Republic is structured around several key legislative instruments. The most significant and current regulation is Resolution 136-2024, enacted by the Ministry of Finance, which establishes a comprehensive regime for online gambling, including online casinos and sports betting. This resolution details the operational, technical, and responsible gaming requirements for online gambling operators and is considered the cornerstone of the current regulatory environment.

Resolution 136-2024: This is the principal regulation for online gambling, setting out the rules for licensing, responsible gaming, and operator obligations. It replaces and updates previous fragmented regulatory approaches, providing a unified legal structure for the online sector.
Law No. 139-11: This law previously established the framework for land-based and online gambling, including provisions for gross gaming revenue taxation and general operational requirements for casinos and gaming establishments.
Law No. 494-06: This law also contributed to the initial legal framework for gambling, particularly in relation to licensing and regulatory oversight for both land-based and online gaming activities.

These legislative acts collectively form the legal basis for all regulated gambling activities in the Dominican Republic, with Resolution 136-2024 now providing the most up-to-date and detailed guidance for online operations.

Regulatory Authority

The primary regulatory body overseeing gambling in the Dominican Republic is the Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar (Directorate of Casinos and Gaming, DCJA), which operates under the authority of the Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda). This directorate is responsible for implementing gambling legislation, monitoring compliance, and enforcing regulations across both land-based and online sectors.

Supervises and enforces compliance with all gambling laws and regulations
Issues and manages operating licenses for casinos, sports betting, and online gambling platforms
Implements responsible gaming measures and player protection standards
Conducts oversight, inspections, and enforcement actions against unlicensed or illegal gambling operations
Maintains a public registry of licensed operators and ensures transparency in the regulated market

License Types

Types of Gambling Licenses Available

Online Casino License: Covers the operation of online casino games, including slots, table games, and other digital gambling products.
Online Sports Betting License: Authorizes the operation of online sports wagering platforms.
Both license types are governed under the same regulatory framework and cost structure, as per the latest Resolution 136-2024.

Application Process

Regulatory Authority: All gambling licenses are issued and supervised by the Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar (Directorate of Casinos and Gaming), under the Ministry of Finance.
Company Registration: Applicants, including foreign operators, must register a company in the Dominican Republic’s Commercial Register (Registro Mercantil) at the Chamber of Commerce and Production.
Tax Registration: Operators must register with the Office of National Contributions (RNC) and the General Directorate of National Tax (DGII).
Submission: Applicants submit a formal application along with supporting documentation demonstrating compliance with technical, financial, and responsible gaming requirements.
Review: The Directorate reviews the application, which may involve multiple iterations and requests for additional information.
Approval: Upon meeting all requirements, the license is issued.

License Duration and Renewal

Validity: Each license is valid for five years from the date of issuance.
Transferability: Licenses are non-transferable for the first three years.
Renewal: At the end of the five-year period, operators must reapply and demonstrate continued compliance to renew their license.

Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

License Type	Initial License Fee	Annual Licensing Fee
Online Casino	$346,000	$200,000
Online Sports Betting	$346,000	$200,000

License fees must be paid in full as part of the application process.
Operators are also required to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support ongoing operations and player protection measures.

Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

Corporate Presence: All operators must have a registered legal entity within the Dominican Republic.
Responsible Gaming Measures: Licensees must implement tools such as session duration displays, betting and session limits, and self-exclusion options. A visible responsible gaming notice must be present on all platforms.
Technical Standards: Platforms must comply with technical and security standards as set by the Directorate, ensuring fairness and data protection.
Compliance: Ongoing compliance with all regulatory requirements, including regular reporting and cooperation with audits, is mandatory.
Player Protection: Operators must have procedures in place to prevent underage gambling and protect vulnerable players.
Renewal Conditions: Continued compliance with all operational, technical, and responsible gaming standards is required for license renewal.

Gambling Tax

Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in the Dominican Republic

The taxation system for gambling operators in the Dominican Republic varies depending on the type of gambling operation. The most recent regulatory update, Resolution 136-2024, governs online gambling, while land-based operations remain subject to existing frameworks.

Type of Gambling Operation	Tax Rate	Basis for Taxation
Land-based Casinos	29%	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Online Casinos	Not explicitly specified in Resolution 136-2024; expected to follow land-based precedent (29% GGR)
Online Sports Betting	Not explicitly specified in Resolution 136-2024; expected to follow land-based precedent (29% GGR)
Land-based Sports Betting & Lotteries	Monthly fixed fees based on location and number of terminals/tables	Per terminal/table and by geographic location

Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

Operators must register with the General Directorate of National Tax (DGII) and obtain a National Taxpayer Registry (RNC) number.
Tax payments for land-based casinos are calculated as a percentage of gross gaming revenue, typically reported and paid monthly.
For land-based sports betting and lottery operations, operators pay monthly fixed fees determined by the number of terminals or tables and their geographic location.
Online operators are expected to follow similar reporting and payment cycles, with specific requirements set by the Ministry of Finance and the Directorate of Casinos and Gaming.
All operators must maintain accurate records of gaming activity and submit regular tax returns as required by the tax authority.

Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

There are currently no widely publicized tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators in the Dominican Republic under the latest regulations.
Special provisions may apply to operators based on geographic location or the type of gaming offered, particularly for land-based operations, where fees can vary accordingly.
All new online gambling operators must pay a one-time license fee of $346,000, which is not a tax but a regulatory cost.

Prohibited Individuals

Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

The minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities in the Dominican Republic is 18 years old. Operators are required to verify the age and identity of all players to prevent underage gambling.
Identification checks are mandatory before allowing access to gambling services. This includes both online and land-based venues, with operators obligated to confirm player identity using official documents.

Prohibited Activities and Specific Game Restrictions

All forms of gambling must be conducted through licensed operators. Engaging in gambling with unlicensed or unauthorized operators is strictly prohibited and subject to administrative or criminal penalties.
Sports betting and casino games are permitted only through licensed platforms. Any gambling activity outside the scope of licensed operations, including unauthorized online gambling or participation in illegal betting shops, is forbidden.
The government has intensified enforcement against illegal sports betting and unlicensed gaming activities, with increased inspections and legal actions targeting unregulated operators.

Advertising and Marketing Limitations

Advertising of gambling services is restricted to licensed operators. Promotional materials must not target minors or vulnerable groups.
All marketing communications must include clear responsible gambling messages and information about age restrictions.
Operators are prohibited from making misleading claims about winning chances or offering incentives that could encourage excessive or irresponsible gambling behavior.

Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

Operators must display a permanently visible responsible gaming notice on all gambling platforms, both online and offline.
Players must have access to self-limitation tools, including the ability to set deposit, betting, and session time limits.
Session duration must be clearly displayed to players, allowing them to monitor the time spent gambling.
Self-exclusion options are mandatory, enabling players to voluntarily block themselves from accessing gambling services for a specified period.
Operators are required to collaborate with regulatory authorities to enforce responsible gambling measures and ensure player protection.

Geographic and Location Restrictions

Gambling venues, such as casinos and betting shops, must operate only in approved locations as designated by regulatory authorities.
Online gambling is permitted exclusively through platforms licensed by the Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar. Accessing or offering gambling services from outside the regulated framework is prohibited.
The government publishes and maintains a list of all authorized operators to guide players in choosing safe and legal gambling environments.

Timeline

Year/Date	Event
2006	Online gambling is first regulated in the Dominican Republic, laying the foundation for legal oversight of internet-based gaming activities.
2011	The first online gambling license is issued to Amaya, marking the beginning of licensed online operations, though the framework remains largely theoretical with only one licensee.
2011	Enactment of Ley 139-11, which, together with Ley 494-06, forms the legal framework for online gambling regulation in the country.
2017	Amaya, the first online licensee, rebrands as The Stars Group, reflecting ongoing changes in the international gambling sector.
2019	The Stars Group (formerly Amaya) is acquired by Flutter Entertainment, continuing the consolidation of major online gambling operators.
2019–2024	Regulatory processes and consultations take place to update and modernize the online gambling framework.
March 14, 2024	Resolution 136-2024 is signed into law by the Minister of Finance, introducing a comprehensive and modern regulatory regime for online gambling, including new licensing, responsible gaming, and compliance requirements.

Requirements

Software Certification and Technical Standards

All gambling platforms must utilize certified software that meets the technical standards established by the Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar (DCJA) under the Ministry of Finance.
Game software must undergo independent testing and certification to ensure fairness, randomness, and integrity of outcomes.
Operators are required to implement systems that allow for the monitoring and auditing of all gaming activities, ensuring compliance with technical and operational standards.
Technical infrastructure must guarantee high availability, data integrity, and secure transaction processing to prevent manipulation or unauthorized access.

Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

Operators must implement robust data protection measures in line with national data privacy laws, ensuring the confidentiality and security of player information.
All personal and financial data must be encrypted both in transit and at rest.
Operators are required to maintain servers within the jurisdiction of the Dominican Republic or in approved locations that allow regulatory access and oversight.
Systems must include secure backup and disaster recovery protocols to prevent data loss or unauthorized disclosure.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

Operators must establish comprehensive AML programs, including real-time transaction monitoring and automated detection of suspicious activities.
Mandatory KYC procedures require verification of player identity, age, and source of funds before allowing participation in gambling activities.
Operators must screen customers against international sanctions and politically exposed persons (PEP) lists.
Record-keeping of all customer identification and transactional data is required for a minimum period as defined by the regulator.
Immediate reporting of suspicious transactions to the relevant national authorities is mandatory.

Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

Operators are obligated to maintain detailed and accurate financial records of all gaming transactions, player accounts, and operational activities.
Regular submission of financial statements and operational reports to the DCJA is required, following internationally recognized accounting and auditing standards.
Annual independent audits of financial and technical systems must be conducted by certified auditors approved by the regulator.
All records, including player activity logs and financial data, must be retained for a period specified by the regulatory authority and be readily accessible for inspection.

Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

Operators must integrate responsible gambling features, including:
- Display of elapsed session time since login, visible at all times during play.
- Options for players to set limits on bets, deposits, and session duration.
- Permanently visible responsible gaming notices on all gaming interfaces.
- Self-exclusion mechanisms allowing players to voluntarily restrict their access to gambling services.
Systems must provide real-time monitoring and enforcement of all responsible gambling limits set by players.
Operators are required to offer easy access to responsible gambling resources and support services directly through their platforms.

Sources

Primary Regulatory Authorities

Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar (DCJA) – Official regulatory authority for gambling, under the Ministry of Finance. The DCJA oversees licensing, regulation, and enforcement for all gambling activities in the Dominican Republic. Contact: Address: Av. México esq. 30 de Marzo, Edificio de Oficinas Gubernamentales Juan Pablo Duarte, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Phone: +1 (809) 687-5131 Email: info@casinos.gob.do
Ministerio de Hacienda (Ministry of Finance) – The parent government body responsible for gambling regulation and policy. Contact: Address: Av. México esq. 30 de Marzo, Edificio de Oficinas Gubernamentales Juan Pablo Duarte, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Phone: +1 (809) 687-5131 Email: info@hacienda.gob.do

Legislation Resources

DCJA Legislation Portal – Official repository for all gambling-related laws, regulations, and resolutions, including the latest Resolution 136-2024 and previous legislative acts.
Ministry of Finance Legal Framework – Official government portal with access to national laws and regulatory documents relevant to gambling and financial activities.