Puerto Rico Gaming Authority
- Founded
- 2019-01-01 in San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Headquarters
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, established in 2019 by Act No. 81-2019, is the sole government authority regulating all legal gambling in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Headquartered in San Juan, it consolidated oversight of casinos, horse racing, sports betting, slot machines in route, and online gambling into one independent agency. The Commission licenses operators and technology providers, conducts audits, and enforces compliance with a mission to ensure fair and secure gaming while maximizing public revenue. It oversees 18 licensed casinos, opened online sports-betting licensing in 2025, and in 2026 joined the U.S. National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program through a partnership with idPair to strengthen responsible gaming. The Commission collects hundreds of millions in net revenue annually, with a portion distributed to municipalities, and has recently expanded casino operations in Ponce while cracking down on illegal online platforms that capture over 80% of the digital market. Its leadership is headed by Executive Director Juan Carlos Santaella, who has driven modernization and growth since the agency’s founding.
Detailed Review
History & Founding
Act No. 81 of 2019 created the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, effective July 2, 2019, merging the regulatory functions of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (casinos), the Administration of the Horse Racing Industry, and other dispersed bodies into a single independent agency. The law gave the Commission broader enforcement powers, modern licensing categories, and authority over internet betting, replacing oversight structures dating back to 1948.
Regulatory Scope & Key Functions
The Commission regulates all legal gambling in Puerto Rico: casino operations (18 gaming halls), sports betting (retail and online licensed under Reglamento 9316), horse racing (including racetracks, owners, and jockeys), slot machines in route in non-casino venues, and online gambling (internet casino games, poker, sports betting). It also administers player protection programmes, including a self-exclusion program linked to the U.S. National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program via idPair.
Recent Developments (2025–2026)
The Commission opened online sports-betting licensing in 2025 with stringent background checks. Three new casino licences were granted in Ponce, and plans announced for three additional gaming rooms. A new regulation for interconnection of gambling machines aims to create a unified monitoring network and reduce illegal devices. Net gaming revenue reached approximately $362.4 million, with 40% of collections above a threshold distributed to municipalities. A 2025 study revealed illegal online platforms capture over 80% of digital wagering, prompting enhanced enforcement and awareness campaigns.
Economic Impact
The gambling industry contributes significantly to Puerto Rico’s economy. Under a 50/50 profit-sharing model between government and operators, casinos and racing generate hundreds of millions annually. The slot-in-route sector is forecast to grow as new licensing and monitoring rules take effect.
Key Products
Casino Operating Licences
Authorises land‑based casinos to offer table games, slot machines, and poker. Currently 18 active licences.
Sports Betting Licences
Permits retail and online sports‑wagering operators, technology providers, and service providers.
Horse Racing Regulation
Licences racetracks, participants, and administers the racing calendar and prize‑fund disbursement.
Slot Machine Route Licences
Allows third‑party operators to place and manage slot machines in approved non‑casino venues.
Online Gambling Permits
Covers internet casino games, poker, and sports betting, including platform‑provider licences.
Technology Platform Provider Licence
For companies supplying betting software/hardware; required to interconnect with the Commission’s monitoring system.
National Voluntary Self‑Exclusion Program
Partnership with idPair enabling players to self‑exclude from all licensed gambling in Puerto Rico and participating U.S. states.
Key Persons
- Edgar Pagan
Speaker
Juan Carlos Santaella MarchánExecutive Director