Discover the Dominican Republic's dynamic and comprehensive regulatory framework for online gambling!
May 16, 2025
The Dominican Republic has embarked on a transformative journey in online gambling regulation with the enactment of Resolution 136-2024. This landmark legislation, introduced last year, establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for online casinos and sports betting, overseen by the Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar (Directorate of Casinos and Gaming) within the Ministry of Finance.
Key Provisions of the Dominican Republic License
Under the new law, each license issued will be valid for a period of five years and will be non-transferable for the initial three years. The licensing fee is set at $346,000 (approximately £275,000 or €320,600) for both online casino operations and sports betting. While the resolution does not specify taxation rates, it is anticipated that they will align with the precedent established by Ley 139-11, which imposes a gross gaming revenue tax rate of 29 percent on land-based casinos.
In a commitment to promoting responsible gambling, operators in the Dominican Republic will be required to implement and demonstrate effective responsible gambling programs. This includes a mandatory self-exclusion process and a series of measures mandated by the ministry to foster responsible gaming practices. These measures encompass:
- Displaying the duration of gaming sessions
- Offering options to limit bets and session lengths
- Ensuring that all platforms prominently feature a responsible gaming notice
Taxes
From a taxation perspective, operators will be obligated, as stipulated by Law 139-11, to make monthly payments of 10% based on gross operations or sales from all online gaming activities.
The population of the Dominican Republic stood at 11.5 million in January 2025. With 90% of the Dominican population possessing smartphones and internet access, the potential for growth in the online gambling sector is substantial. This burgeoning market is expected to extend beyond traditional casinos and authorized sales points, attracting foreign operators to the Dominican Republic and significantly expanding the industry's reach and impact.