Puerto Rico green lights 15,000 slots
The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission has begun the phase of oversight for route gaming machines after completing the licensing stage with over 2,700 authorized businesses and around 15,000 compliant machines. This action marks a key step towards the formalization and legalization of this industry under the regulatory framework established by Law 112-2024.
“The licensing process has been successful. In this first stage, the response from operators has been overwhelming, allowing us to authorize the number of businesses and operators that are viable within the parameters of the law. Now, with active oversight, we reaffirm our commitment to a safe, regulated, and transparent industry that generates revenue for collective benefit,” expressed the Executive Director of the Commission, Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán.
The oversight will be carried out by the Office of Investigation and Regulation of the Gaming Commission, in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Police and the Department of Treasury, among other agencies. Violations carry fines ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 for each unauthorized machine, and these will be imposed directly on the business owner.
Santaella Marchán emphasized that “business owners must ensure they are hiring wholesalers certified by the Commission. Every machine must have its valid sticker and proof of compliance. This process is key to ensuring compliance and avoiding significant penalties.”
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. New regulations which were 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.
The Gaming Machines Law authorizes a maximum of 25,000 route machines across Puerto Rico, with a limit of 15 machines per business, provided they operate as a supplemental and not primary activity. Interested businesses in operating legally must consult the official list of certified wholesalers, available on the official portal www.comjuegos.pr.gov.
Regarding the distribution of revenues generated by this industry, 22.5% of the income is allocated to public programs. Of this amount, 55% is designated for the Police Retirement Trust, 40% for municipalities, and 5% for the Gaming Commission to sustain the oversight process.
“The implementation of this law not only promotes the organization of a historically informal industry but also channels funds for the retirement of our police and the development of municipalities. This represents a victory in terms of public policy and fair taxation,” Santaella Marchán said.
