Dominican Republic gambling law proposal sparks parental opposition

A draft bill in the Dominican Republic’s Congress seeks to overhaul gambling regulations, including eliminating the 500‑metre buffer that currently separates betting venues from schools and allowing horse‑racing agencies to operate "mini‑casinos" with slot machines, sports betting and electronic lotteries. Lawyer and media commentator José Martínez Brito denounced the initiative, calling it a "brick they want to slip under the door" that would increase gambling addiction, especially among youth.

The National Federation of Parents of Children in Schools (Fenapadres) also warned that loosening location rules could expose children to betting establishments, exacerbate gambling‑related harms, and urged President Luis Abinader and other officials to protect families and invest in education instead of expanding gambling venues.