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In turn, the Poder Ejecutivo de la República Dominicana has announced the launch of the National Plan for Regularization of gambling operations in order to develop the formalization of the sector. Such a decision was made based on the number of pending requests, which occurred after the expiration of deadlines set in 2022 by the former Ministry of Finance, currently known as Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía.
Regulatory Measures and Procedures
The relaunch of the plan presupposes that lottery stores, betting establishments, casinos, and other gambling enterprises become legal entities that operate in a regulated environment.
With regards to the new institutional design, it should be noted that the central body of the process will be represented by the Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII). In particular, such a measure will be aimed at the verification of the taxes paid and provision of inclusion of operators into the fiscal system.
Thus, there will be an evident emphasis on fiscal control measures.
Multistakeholder Council Created for Coordination
The next aspect worth mentioning relates to the creation of the reorganized Council, which will monitor the work of the initiative. The list of members includes representatives of various state agencies:
- Instituto Dominicano de las Telecomunicaciones (Indotel)
- Oficina Gubernamental de Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (Ogtic)
- Lotería Nacional.
Moreover, the representatives of private entities will also become part of the structure, namely Fenabanca, the Association of Sports Betting Shops, the National Horse Racing Commission, and the Casino Association. The role of representatives of religious organizations will be carried out by Archbishop Coadjutor Carlos Tomás Morel Diplán.
Appointed Administrator to Guide the Process
At present, the administrator of the Lotería Nacional, Teófilo Tabar, was appointed as the temporary coordinator of the process.
According to reports, Tabar took the position with great “firmness” and will arrange the session of the Council in the near future to promote the process of its implementation.
Finally, it is noteworthy that the decree, which came into force on March 26, 2026, has annulled regulations that were established by Decree 295-22. Thus, there is a complete transformation of the institutional structure.
Design of Regulatory Frameworks
Under the leadership of the Ministry of Finance and Economy and in coordination with the Council, the regulatory frameworks needed to guarantee the process of legalization must be created and adjusted.
It should be noted that the involvement of representatives of such agencies as DGII, Indotel, and Ogtic presupposes a comprehensive and multidimensional approach to governance.
The announcement of relaunching the National Regularization Plan demonstrates the willingness of the Dominican Republic to implement the measures aimed at strengthening governance. Through addressing existing issues and developing an effective institutional structure, the country will achieve certain progress in the field of regulation.
Source: SBC Noticias
