The House of Representatives of Puerto Rico has approved a bill that significantly increases penalties for those operating clandestine gambling venues across the island. The measure, officially known as House Bill 875, passed with 47 votes in favor and only three against, and now heads to the Senate for further consideration during the upcoming session scheduled for Monday, October 27.
The initiative, introduced by Representative José Aponte Hernández, aims to curb the proliferation of unauthorized slot parlors and gaming halls that have been spreading outside of regulated environments. Lawmakers argue that these illegal operations not only evade taxes but also harm the integrity of Puerto Rico’s legal casino industry and its growing tourism market.
Under the new framework, first-time offenders could face fines of up to US $15,000 or at least one year in prison. Repeat offenders would see sanctions rise to US $25,000 and sentences of up to three years, or both, at the court’s discretion. The bill also authorizes broader law enforcement coordination to dismantle networks that supply, install, or maintain unauthorized gaming equipment.
The legislative session reconvenes Monday at 1 p.m., with several commissions holding public hearings in the morning, including the Committees on Transport, Telecommunications, Public Services, and Consumer Affairs. Although the Senate agenda does not yet list HB 875, expectations are high that the measure will advance rapidly given its bipartisan backing and the government’s stance on organized crime prevention. For licensed operators, this development signals a potential reduction in unfair competition and a renewed confidence in Puerto Rico’s regulated gaming landscape—an investment environment increasingly recognized as secure, modern, and aligned with global standards.
