Dominican Republic deputies modify gambling regulation bill

The Dominican Republic’s Chamber of Deputies has approved modifications to a bill aimed at regulating gambling activities. The changes include reducing the tax on non-cumulative electronic lotteries from 5% to 2.5% and eliminating a previously proposed 1% additional tax on gross sales. Following these amendments, the project must return to the Senate for further review.

Deputy Rogelio Alfonso Genao defended the legislation against critics who claim the bill favors operators by allowing them to reduce accumulated tax debts through a special regime. Genao argued that the project actually establishes new taxes and implements stricter controls, such as a 10-year prohibition on the installation of certain types of betting shops. The bill also proposes the creation of an autonomous entity to oversee gambling activities and provides a framework for regulating electronic lotteries.