The gaming industry in the Dominican Republic is facing one of its most significant tax overhauls in recent years following the presentation, on June 29, 2026, of a bill that increases taxes on casinos, lottery outlets, sports betting shops, and slot machines. The initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Finance under Minister Magín Díaz, forms part of a broader fiscal package aimed at increasing government revenue by RD$40 billion to RD$50 billion annually while strengthening the country's public finances.
The proposal introduces substantial tax increases across every segment of the regulated gaming market. Lottery outlets would see their annual licensing tax rise from RD$35,000 to RD$120,000, representing a 242.8% increase, the largest adjustment included in the reform. Sports betting shops located in the National District, Santo Domingo, Santiago, San Cristóbal, Duarte, Puerto Plata, and La Vega would have their annual tax increased from RD$225,000 to RD$500,000, while operators in the rest of the country would see the levy double from RD$150,000 to RD$300,000.
Casinos would also become subject to a revised tax structure. Venues operating between one and fifteen gaming tables would pay RD$70,000 per table per month, up from the current RD$32,500, more than doubling the existing rate, while higher tax brackets would also be adjusted proportionally. The bill additionally updates the tax regime applicable to licensed slot machines. Before taking effect, the proposal must complete the legislative process in the National Congress, including committee review, approval by both chambers, and presidential enactment.
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The sector is supervised by the Directorate of Casinos and Gaming, an agency within the Ministry of Finance and Economy, responsible for licensing operators, enforcing regulations, and overseeing anti-money laundering and responsible gambling policies. The fiscal reform complements Decree 197-26, enacted on April 15, 2026, which reactivated the National Gaming Regularization Plan, as well as the Senate's recent first-reading approval of a comprehensive bill to modernize the country's gaming regulatory framework.
Among the Dominican Republic's leading casino properties are Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Casino Jaragua, Casino Diamante, Dream Casino Santo Domingo, Casino Barceló Bávaro Palace, and Casino Gran Almirante, while the lottery market is led by Lotería Nacional Dominicana, Leidsa, Loteka, Lotería Real, La Primera, and Gana Más, all of which would be directly affected by the proposed tax changes.
