Dominican Republic Considers Getting a Universal Responsible Gambling Charter Under New Licensing Rules

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Dominican Republic is set to enhance its oversight of gambling licenses following the Ministry of Finance and Economy’s approval of Resolution No. 184-2026.

This directive establishes a “Responsible Gambling Charter,” which is currently awaiting the signature of President Luis Abinader.

A primary feature of the charter is the implementation of a Central Self-Exclusion System. This initiative positions the Dominican Republic to become the inaugural Caribbean country to offer such comprehensive safeguards for gambling participants.

Following his 2024 re-election, President Abinader committed to updating the nation’s gambling framework as a component of a larger economic strategy designed to boost government tax revenue and attract investment.

Economic reforms

These recent changes expand upon the online gambling licensing structure introduced in 2024 under Resolution 136-2024, which created the first official regulatory environment for digital sportsbooks and casinos.

The framework encompasses five-year licensing terms, updated tax and compliance protocols, local operational mandates, and responsible gaming standards.

Specifically, the Minister of Finance was assigned the responsibility of revising regulatory codes to transform online gambling into a strictly monitored and taxed industry.

This effort involves a partnership between the Ministry of Finance, the National Lottery and the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) to bolster regulatory oversight and integrate operators into the national tax system.

Universal Protection before licence window

Resolution 184-2026 shifts the regulatory focus toward player safety and responsible gambling measures.

New regulations mandate that gambling providers implement specific player protection features, such as spending and deposit caps, session duration limits, automated notifications, and mandatory breaks.

Furthermore, operators are required to offer self-exclusion options, allowing players to voluntarily bar themselves from both physical and digital gambling platforms.

The Directorate of Casinos and Games of Chance (DCJA) will manage the framework, ensuring compliance across all sectors, including slot halls, casinos, horse racing, lottery points, and online gaming.

Required preventative tools will include time alerts, automatic notifications, and limits on deposits and spending. License holders are also obligated to maintain and manage player data related to their gaming habits.

A vital part of this initiative is the National Self-Exclusion System, which permits citizens to opt out of licensed gambling activities. Operators must ensure that any individual on this registry is denied access to their services.

The resolution also strengthens protections against underage gambling by requiring stricter age-verification processes and parental controls, while also banning advertisements targeted at minors.

With the 2024 framework already in place, the Abinader government is expected to fast-track the implementation of the online licensing system, focusing on upcoming requirements for criminal background checks, AML protocols, and specific licensing terms.

The government views these regulatory updates as a crucial element in modernizing the gambling industry, a priority for President Abinader’s economic agenda.