Dominican Republic leaders call for stricter gambling regulations

Calls for stricter regulation of the gambling and betting sector are growing in the Dominican Republic due to its significant socioeconomic and public health impacts. Pablo Vicente, president of the Fundación Justicia y Desarrollo Local (FUJUDEL), has urged authorities to halt the uncontrolled proliferation of betting shops, warning of negative consequences for families and vulnerable populations.

While there are proposals to prohibit betting shops within 500 meters of schools, hospitals, and churches, Vicente argues that regulation must go further. He advocates for a comprehensive policy that limits the total number of establishments, controls new openings, and implements an updated registry of existing businesses. He emphasizes that the state must prioritize social protection to prevent household debt and gambling addiction.

The gambling industry in the country is reported to move approximately 144 billion pesos annually through physical shops and online platforms. Experts note that the ease of access, combined with aggressive advertising, has contributed to a crisis where over 200,000 people in the country are estimated to suffer from varying degrees of gambling addiction or ludopathy.