Santo Domingo, November 12, 2026. President Luis Abinader appointed Julio César Castaños Guzmán, José Julio Antonio de la Altagracia Cross Frías, and José Delio Ares Guzmán as members of the Gambling Council through Decree 810-26, issued on November 11, while the Dominican Republic recognizes only seven authorized online gambling operators and is investigating approximately 81 unlicensed platforms.
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The Council, established under Law 86-26 of September 22, published in the Official Gazette on October 2, sets regulations and oversees the General Directorate of Gambling (DGJA). It is chaired by Finance and Economy Minister Magín Javier Díaz Domingo. Its members include Tourism Minister David Collado; Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful; Indotel President Guido Gómez Mazara; Internal Revenue Director Pedro Urrutia; and OGTIC Director Edgar Batista Carrasco.
José Delio Ares Guzmán
Teófilo José Abrahán Leo Tabar Manzur, appointed transitional Director General through Decree 684-26 on October 2 and sworn in on October 5, serves as the Council’s secretary, with speaking rights but no voting power. The three presidential appointees complete its legally established composition.
The official registry identifies Game Technology International (SuperBets), Betcris Banca de Apuesta, Juancito Sport, Gogo Sport (Gogo Banca), Orobet, Breeze Management (VIP987), and Drbets (Appuesta). These are previously existing authorizations, not seven newly issued licenses.
José Julio Antonio de la Altagracia
The DGJA is reviewing 81 unlicensed operators to determine whether administrative proceedings, sanctions, or legal action are warranted, without automatic penalties before due process. The Council has yet to hold its first meeting and approve technical requirements, fees, and procedures for new authorizations.
Law 86-26 establishes 10-year licenses for internet gambling and five-year licenses for virtual gambling, alongside a 10% tax on online gambling operations and a provisional DOP 5 million monthly payment per company while the technological tax collection system is implemented. The DGJA will coordinate website blocking with Indotel and restrictions on illegal payments with financial institutions. The legislation also provides for identity verification, anti-money laundering controls, self-exclusion, fines, and the formalization of betting shops.
