Key Points
- Legislators in Puerto Rico are evaluating Bill 960, legislation that would permit independent poker facilities, digital sports wagering, esports betting, and electronic lottery platforms
- Members of the Treasury, Budget, and PROMESA Commission conducted an inspection at Casino Metro to examine the proposed regulatory changes
- The legislation features updated licensing requirements and protective measures targeting compulsive gambling and youth participation
- Gaming regulators and hospitality sector representatives expressed skepticism that the measure would generate fresh revenue instead of simply shifting existing wagering dollars
- The Hotel and Tourism Association cautioned that separate poker establishments could create safety vulnerabilities and damage Puerto Rico’s reputation among visitors
Lawmakers in Puerto Rico are considering significant modifications to the territory’s gambling landscape. Bill 960 under Senate review would authorize multiple new wagering formats throughout the island, though key industry players are raising objections centered on safety protocols and financial implications.
Members of the Senate’s Treasury, Budget, and PROMESA Commission recently conducted a field visit to Casino Metro as part of their evaluation of the pending measure. Senator Migdalia Padilla Alvelo spearheaded the inspection, joined by Gaming Commission executive director Juan Santaella Marchán and delegates from the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association.
Casino Metro’s General Manager Ismael Vega participated in the facility walkthrough.
Key Provisions of Bill 960
Senator Roxanna Soto AguilĂş authored the measure, which aims to modify existing statutes governing the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission.
The legislation would authorize independent poker facilities to function outside of conventional casino properties. Digital sports wagering platforms would receive expanded authorization.
Esports betting would become permissible under the framework, alongside interactive digital lottery products accessible via mobile applications and internet platforms.
Updated licensing protocols and regulatory oversight mechanisms form part of the proposal. These provisions aim to address compulsive gambling behaviors and establish barriers preventing minors from participating.
Senator Padilla characterized the measure as multifaceted legislation requiring careful consideration. She indicated that modifications might occur prior to any final legislative action.
“This is definitely a piece of legislation that carries economic impact, and that is because the games produce revenue for the government,” Padilla said. She added that the bill is not set in stone.
Stakeholder Opposition Focused on Revenue Questions and Safety Issues
The proposal faces resistance from multiple quarters. Santaella, leading the Gaming Commission, expressed reservations about relaxing regulatory requirements in a sector currently subject to extensive licensing protocols.
He cautioned that the measure might merely redistribute existing gambling expenditures without creating additional revenue streams. “Our position is to ensure that apart from generating more income with this project, we make sure that the redistribution of gambling revenue will not be the only outcome,” Santaella said.
The Hotel and Tourism Association shared similar apprehensions. Association representative Fabiola Pagán Meléndez suggested the legislation could negatively impact gaming facilities currently integrated within hotel properties.
Pagán indicated the proposal might divert patrons from establishments adhering to rigorous security protocols. She questioned whether the measure would actually increase government tax receipts.
She further highlighted safety considerations regarding standalone poker venues. Poker involves player-versus-player competition rather than wagering against the house. Pagán contended that gaming occurring outside casino-level security infrastructure could generate complications.
“Such games might pose security problems if played in an environment without the same safety precautions and security staff, which will certainly harm Puerto Rico’s image as a tourist destination,” she said.
During their Casino Metro assessment, commission members examined the property’s monitoring systems, operational protocols, and gaming equipment.
The Senate announced that additional facility inspections connected to Bill 960 would occur over subsequent weeks. A comprehensive commission analysis will be released following completion of those evaluations.
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