New era for route gaming industry in Puerto Rico
In a major advancement for the route machine industry all route gambling machines will need to be licensed starting in July. The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission has reported that 100% of authorized operators have completed the submission of the necessary documents to meet with the new requirements.
In a press release, Juan Carlos Santaella, the executive director of the commission, stated that the document submission also facilitates the monitoring of these machines and ensures that part of the revenue goes to the Police Retirement Trust.
“We are witnessing a historic advance in the formalization of this economic activity. We have achieved 100% compliance from authorized operators in an orderly and responsible manner. This shows that, with will and structure, it is possible to transform informal sectors into regulated engines of development,” Santaella Marchán said.
The commission is now evaluating the applications to issue licenses. As of July 1, all machines must be licensed. It was reported that the commission has guided businesses on the process, as once it is underway, the agency will activate its Investigation and Regulation Unit to halt illegal operations and ensure strict compliance with the new regulations.
Since the measure was first established, the Legislative Assembly set a cap of 25,000 licenses—one for each machine—during the first two years of the law’s implementation and prioritized operators previously licensed by the Gaming Commission.
“We are fulfilling our duty to ensure an efficient and fair regulatory process while reinforcing the message of responsible gaming. Both actions reflect our commitment to the law and the well-being of all involved sectors . . . This is a new era for gaming in Puerto Rico: one that combines economic development, legality, and social responsibility,” the official said.
In March the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission announced the start of the application and renewal process for licenses for route gambling machines following two years without legislative regulations. Regulation No. 9647, which was approved by the Fiscal Supervisory Board (JSF) in December 2024 to facilitate its implementation, aims to regulate the industry and support the Police Retirement System. This regulation specifies the procedures that individuals or entities must follow when applying for or renewing licenses to operate gambling machines
