Gov’t Gaming Commission submits slot machine regulations to legislature
The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission submitted new regulations to the island’s Legislative Assembly on March 1 for the licensing and supervision of slot machines, in accordance with the recently amended law, confirmed Interim Executive Director Juan C. Santaella-Marchán.
The official stated that the Regulations for the Issuance, Management and Supervision of Licenses for Online Gambling Machines align with Act 42 of 2024, authored by Rep. José Rivera-Madera and signed by Gov. Pedro Pierluisi on Feb. 7. The statute updates Act 11 of 1933, known as the Gaming Machines Act.
“The proposal of the regulations is vital. It’s essential so that the Commission can safeguard the integrity of the industries under our jurisdiction. It’s equally essential to protect our society from the risks posed if the State cannot maintain proper control of gambling games through the issuance and rigorous supervision of operating licenses,” Santaella-Marchán said.
The regulations set conditions for regulating the cost per license, the distribution of income per machine, the number of gambling machines per business, their prizes, the income distribution from gambling machines, and the period for wholesale owners to fully pay for the machine licenses they hold.
The regulation ensuring at least 50% of the game’s income goes to retirees of the Puerto Rico Police was included and stipulates that the legislature must review the regulations.
Santaella-Marchán said the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico was informed of the regulations’ submission to the legislature, as it pertains to fiscal matters.
