Rogelio Genao defends gambling law in the face of criticism over fiscal regularization
Deputy Rogelio Alfonso Genao addressed the recent criticisms against the bill that seeks to regulate the gambling sector in the Dominican Republic. The legislator described the questioning as manipulation by sectors that, in his view, have historically benefited from the administrative disorder in this industry.
The controversy centers mainly on article 192 of the legislative piece, which establishes a special discount regime for operators with tax debts accumulated until December 2025. However, Genao clarified that the central objective of the regulation is to organize a sector that currently operates under scattered and unclear rules.
The project creates new taxes that do not currently exist, prohibits the installation of new benches for a period of ten years, and establishes strict controls to organize the sector definitively.
Rogelio Alfonso Genao, deputy.
Key points of the new regulation
The legislator stressed that the proposal goes far beyond fiscal aspects, introducing structural measures for the control of the activity:
- Creation of a regulatory body: The formation of an autonomous entity dedicated exclusively to the supervision of gambling is contemplated.
- Moratorium on new betting shops: A ten-year ban on the opening of new betting establishments will be implemented, curbing excessive proliferation.
- User protection: The law includes a registry for player self-exclusion and new regulations on responsible advertising, addressing the risks of addiction.
- Regulation of electronic lotteries: A specific legal framework is established for a modality that previously lacked clear regulations.
About the tax discount regime
Regarding the controversial Article 192, the project seeks to facilitate the formalization of operators through a regularization scheme. This benefit is conditional upon businesses formally registering under the new law. Specific discounts will be defined by the General Directorate of Gambling (DGJA), in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII), based on current regulations.
Despite dissenting voices, proponents of the measure maintain that the positive impact of the law, by increasing the regulatory burden and effectively overseeing operators, will outweigh the debates generated by the payment facilities contemplated for the transition toward full formality.
