TLDR
- The Dominican Republic adopted Resolution No. 184-2026, introducing new responsible gambling rules and a National Self-Exclusion System
- Gambling operators must now implement deposit limits, spending limits, time limits, automatic alerts, and mandatory pauses
- Citizens can voluntarily exclude themselves from all gambling platforms and physical establishments nationwide
- New restrictions ban gambling advertising aimed at minors and prohibit using child-attractive imagery in marketing
- The resolution applies to all gambling forms including casinos, sports betting, online gambling, and lottery shops
The Dominican Republic has introduced sweeping new gambling regulations with the adoption of Resolution No. 184-2026. The rules establish a National Self-Exclusion System and require operators across the country to implement a range of consumer protection tools.
The resolution was adopted by the Ministerio de Hacienda y Economía. It covers all forms of gambling in the country, from casinos and sports betting to online platforms and lottery shops.
Under the new rules, gambling companies must now offer deposit limits, spending limits, and time limits to their users. Operators are also required to include automatic alerts, mandatory pauses, and a quick exit button on their platforms.
Operators Face New Compliance Requirements
The regulation goes further than just spending controls. Gambling firms must also provide a history of activity control, blocking of betting categories, and a self-assessment tool for players.
Companies are expected to create prevention, assistance, and advice programs related to gambling behavior. These programs are designed to help users who may be developing problem gambling habits.
The National Self-Exclusion Program is a central part of the new framework. It allows Dominican citizens to voluntarily request exclusion from gambling platforms and physical gambling locations across the country.
Once a person registers for self-exclusion, operators are required to block that individual’s access. The program will be overseen by the Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar, known as the DCJA.
This is not the first regulatory step the Dominican government has taken in recent months. In early April, the Executive Branch launched a National Regularization Plan for lottery shops, betting agencies, and gaming operators through Decree 197-26.
That earlier plan aimed to strengthen industry supervision and ensure tax compliance among gambling operators. It also sought to improve inspection and fiscal integration processes within the sector.
The Ministry of Finance and Economy played an active role in restructuring the Advisory Council that oversees the regularization process. Other organizations involved include the Lotería Nacional and the Dirección General de Impuestos Internos.
New Protections Target Minors
Resolution 184-2026 also introduces strict rules around minors and teenagers. Gambling operators must implement specific age verification measures on their platforms.
Firms are required to promote parental control tools. They are also banned from running advertising that targets underage audiences.
The use of images or characters that could appeal to children and teenagers in marketing campaigns is now prohibited. This applies across all gambling formats covered by the resolution.
The regulation was developed with input from operators, regulators, and civil society organizations. Its stated goals are to promote responsible gambling and prevent problem gambling behaviors.
The rules reflect a broader push across Latin America to tighten gambling oversight and introduce stronger consumer protections. Several countries in the region have moved toward similar frameworks in recent years.
The DCJA is now responsible for supervising the self-exclusion registry and ensuring operators comply with the new requirements. Enforcement details are expected to follow as the resolution takes effect.
As of May 2026, all authorized gambling operators in the Dominican Republic are expected to have the required tools and programs in place.
