San Juan, October 18, 2026. Puerto Rico collected more than US$45 million over 14 months through the regulation of gaming machines located outside casinos, according to Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, during the government's En Récord press conference held at La Fortaleza on October 15.
Of the announced amount, US$17.6 million was allocated to the Police Retirement Trust Fund, US$12 million to municipalities, and US$12 million to the General Fund. These allocations total US$41.6 million, with no published breakdown of the remaining funds. Of the municipal allocation, US$9.5 million has already been distributed.
Jenniffer González
Act 112-2024 establishes that, after allocating the first US$12 million to the General Fund, distributable revenue is divided among the police retirement fund (55%), municipalities (40%), and the Gaming Commission (5%). Since February 2026, the regulator and the Puerto Rico Police have conducted more than 60 enforcement operations, seized hundreds of illegal gaming machines, and imposed fines. The regulatory framework allows up to 25,000 machines, with a maximum of 15 per establishment and penalties of up to US$10,000.
Loraine Irizarry Torres
Loraine Irizarry Torres, Director of the Gaming Machines in Route Bureau, previously reported collections of approximately US$29.8 million through March. More than 90% of operators submitted evidence of technology providers for the electronic interconnection system. Under Governor Jenniffer González Colón's administration, the industry has 21 operating casinos and three projects under construction, located in Mayagüez, Ponce, and San Juan, with estimated annual tax contributions of US$200 million.
Sports betting recorded US$354.7 million in wagers during the latest fiscal year and approximately US$4.5 million in government revenue. Meanwhile, the Senate, through a committee chaired by Gregorio Matías Rosario, is investigating outstanding fines and their relationship to police pensions. The debate includes obligations administered by the Treasury Department through the SURI tax system, which are distinct from penalties imposed by the gaming regulator.
