Legislation
Puerto Rico’s senate approves new slot regulations
By James - 22 April 2024
The Senate of Puerto Rico has 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.
Senate President José Luis Dalmau Santiago presented the measure. Revised regulations addresses concerns raised during previous sessions and was approved following amendments made by the Gaming Commission. As a result amendments to the Gambling Machines Law must be reviewed by the Legislative Assembly within a period of 45 days.
In his statements to journalists Dalmau Santiago indicated that earlier this month the senate had rejected proposed changes to the law put forward by the Gaming Commission because they contained “sections that were contrary to what the law stated, and if approved in that manner, there would have been hurdles to execution and challenges in the courts . . . Our goal is for the regulation to enter into force so that the funds can be collected and used to nourish a permanent future fund to support the police retirement,” said the Senate leader.
In March 2023 the House of Representatives approved, Project 1593, which granted retired police officers a payment of at least 50 per cent of their current income. Money for pensions will be generated by the payment of licenses and rights for the operation and exploitation of gaming machines in Puerto Rico.
Earlier this year 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.
