Puerto Rico will expand its regulated gaming market with three new casino floors in Ponce, Mayagüez and Carolina, scheduled to open between 2028 and 2029. The plan was confirmed by Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán, executive director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, who linked the expansion to growing investor confidence in the island’s tourism and entertainment industries.
The most clearly identified project will operate inside The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, located at 6961 Avenida de los Gobernadores in Isla Verde, Carolina. The resort, closed since Hurricane Maria damaged the property in September 2017, is owned by RCPR Acquisitions Holdings LLC and is undergoing a comprehensive renovation valued at more than US$150 million.
Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán
The development covers approximately 750,000 square feet and nearly 414 rooms and suites. Arquiteg is listed as the architect, while Civic Construction serves as construction manager. However, the US$150 million represents the renovation of the entire hotel; the investment allocated specifically to its casino has not been disclosed.
For Ponce and Mayagüez, authorities have not revealed the associated hotels, investors, casino operators, construction budgets, gaming-floor sizes, number of slot machines or tables, projected employment, or individual opening dates. Officials have also not confirmed whether either development is connected to projects previously approved in those municipalities.
The three properties would join the 21 authorized casinos registered as of June 16, 2026. If no existing property closes, Puerto Rico would reach 24 licensed casinos. Current operators include Casino Metro, Casino del Mar, Foxwoods El San Juan Casino, Stellaris Casino, Ocean Casino, Ponce Plaza, Casino at Costa Caribe, Mayagüez Resort and Gran Casino Viejo San Juan.
The Gaming Commission, established under Act 81 of 2019, will supervise operations pursuant to the Games of Chance Act, Act 221 of 1948, and Gaming Regulation 8640. The Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions, headed by Mónica Rodríguez Villa, handles casino franchises, while the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, led by Willianette Robles Cancel, oversees the hotel component. The industry generated approximately US$362 million in 2024–2025; US$183 million went to the government and US$179 million to casinos.
