Legislation
Puerto Rico Gaming Commission considers proposal to increase slots in horse racing agencies
By James - 4 November 2024
The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission will evaluate the possibility of increasing the number of slot machines in horse racing agencies. The Commission will review the regulation that governs slot machines in horse racing establishments, based on a proposal that could potentially increase their number by 50% in these venues.
According to Puerto Rican media outlet El Nuevo Día the interim director of the Gaming Commission, Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán, explained that an amendment to the regulation would be necessary to raise the limit from 10 to 15 machines that each agency can have. Furthermore, El Nuevo Día reported that the proposal could potentially increase the number of slot machines in gaming establishments by as much as three times.
In April the Senate of Puerto Rico approved a measure that ratifies the new amended regulation of the Gambling Machines Law to ensure a percentage of funds generated by slots go to the Police Retirement Fund. This was after the Governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro R. Pierluisi, converted House Bill 1593 into Law 42-2024. The legislation increases the annual fees for each license or renewal of gambling machines from $250 to $400. It also raises the maximum limit of gambling machines that can be installed and operated in a business from 10 to 15, and increases the maximum prize per play that each machine can award from $2,500 to $5,000. Additionally, it allocates 40% of the revenue and distribution of income from gambling machines to support programs in municipalities in need of health and medical-hospital services.
In August a new law was enacted which enhances the authority of gaming agents and aligns their powers with those of police officers. It allows the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission to assert greater control and bolster its security division for regulating the gaming industry on the Island. Among the powers of the Commission are inspecting and examining places where regulated gambling activities are conducted, confiscating and removing equipment from such facilities for inspection, and auditing documents.
“The implementation of this law represents a significant advancement in protecting both public and private interests within the gaming industry in Puerto Rico. Additionally, the collaboration between the Gaming Commission and other public safety agencies guarantees a uniform application of laws and regulations,” stated Santaella Marchán.
