Dominican Republic: Major Operators Blacklisted Amid Regulatory Overhaul
The Dominican Republic is on the cusp of a crucial transformation in its iGaming sector, initiating a comprehensive re-regulation process that has led to the blacklisting of 41 major gambling operators, including industry giants like 888Sport, William Hill, Bet365, and Betsson.
A New Dawn for iGaming Regulation
Dominican Republic’s lawmakers ratified Resolution 136-2024 in March, laying down the groundwork for a newly regulated online gambling ecosystem.
The legislation entrusts the Direccion de Casinos y Juegos de Azar (DCJA) with the responsibility of overseeing the industry, including the crucial task of licensing eligible online casinos and lottery operators.
This regulatory shift is underscored by the inclusion of Law 155-17, which targets money laundering and terrorism financing, thereby restricting operational privileges exclusively to companies holding a Dominican license.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The Dominican Republic’s journey towards regulating online gambling began in 2006, with Amaya, the erstwhile owner of PokerStars, being the first and only entity to receive an official license under the old regulatory framework.
Interestingly, PokerStars now finds itself among the blacklisted companies, highlighting the stringent nature of the new regulations.
As the Dominican Republic embarks on this new chapter in its iGaming narrative, the focus is firmly on fostering a regulated, transparent, and secure gambling landscape.
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