Industry Scale (DR)

The scale of the DR gambling industry

1) Market picture: who forms the volume

The Dominican Republic is one of the largest centers of gambling tourism in the Caribbean. The country has dozens of casinos (mainly at resorts and in large cities), as well as an extensive network of numerical betting points ("bankas"). According to industry reports citing the DGII tax service, in 2024 there were about 60 casinos in the country, about 2,500 sports betting points and about 70,000 lottery bankas; casinos themselves provided ~ 40% of the sector's fiscal revenues.

2) Cash flows and taxes: benchmarks

DGII regularly publishes fees under the articles "games and prizes." As of March 2024, the aggregate monthly receipts for the game reached a DOP ~ of 307.9 million (with growth by 2023), which reflects strong domestic and tourist demand. The largest contribution comes from casinos and massive numerical draws through bankas.

The tax framework for betting points is historically based on Ley 139-11 and DGII by-laws (including fixed payments and the transition to turnover accounting). For lottery "bankas" there is a separate payment administration mode.

3) Online segment: from the "gray zone" to licensing

From March 2024, Resolution No. 136-2024 of the Ministry of Finance entered into force: it introduced a full-fledged license for online casinos and bets, with mandatory ones. do-domain, local office/call center, KYC/AML procedures and RD $20 million warranty fiance. This translates the online turnover into a "white" zone and expands the collection rate.

The regulator (Dirección de Casinos y Juegos de Azar) simultaneously maintains "black lists" of unauthorized brands, reducing the role of offshore and pulling traffic to the onshore showcase.

4) Tourism as a "motor" of revenue

Tourism is a key multiplier of casino demand: by the end of 2024, the country updated the record of visits (~ 11 million tourists), and the contribution of tourism exceeded ~ 15% of GDP - this directly supports the loading of resort halls and spend on entertainment.

Largest clusters: Punta Cana/Bavaro, Santo Dominigo, Puerto Plata, La Romana. The largest facility is the Hard Rock Casino Punta Cana.

5) "Bankas" and numerical games: the widest network

The bankas network (lottery/sports points) is the largest retail part of the market. Media and research regularly emphasize the high density of such points in the country, which is also reflected in the fiscal statistics of DGII. Official publications of the Ministry of Finance record administrative actions on inspections/closures and maintain registers, showing the scale of sector management.

6) Regulatory framework and "responsible play"

Responsible gambling behavior is gradually becoming the standard: the Ministry of Finance/DCJA are promoting the creation of a national system of self-exclusion, the requirements for KYC/AML and transparency of payments from licensed operators are increasing.

7) What it means for the economy (structurally)

Export of services through tourism: casinos in resort areas monetize the tourist flow.

Fiscal base: Stable DGII receipts, especially from casinos and massive number games.

Digitalization of revenue: online 136-2024 legalizes previously "floating" turnover and increases collection.

8) Forecast to 2030: growth under control

In 2025, Congress is discussing a bill to create a single regulator (DGJA) and centralize supervision across all verticals (casinos, betting, online, machines, lotteries). If the document is adopted, the market will receive unified rules and even more transparent reporting. This will support growth on the basis of tourism and "whitewashing" of the online segment.

Key numbers (fast digest)

~ 60 casinos nationwide; the largest are in Punta Cana and the capital.

~ 2,500 points of sports bets and ~ 70,000 lottery "bankas."

DOP ~ 307.9 million per month - receipts through the "games and prizes" line (March 2024).

136-2024: localization of online operators (.do, office, KYC, finance RD $20 million).

Tourism: ~ 11 million visits per year, ~ 15% of GDP - the foundation of demand for casinos.

What is important to remember for players and business

You should play and work only in a licensed perimeter: this is about payments, protection and predictability.

The online DR segment has already moved to direct licensing: for the operator this means local infrastructure and compliance, for the player - clear rules.

The sector will grow along with tourism and digital onshore - while control (KYC/AML/RG) will only intensify.

The scale of the Dominican gambling industry is shaped by three engines: resort casinos, a giant bankas chain and a rapidly "whitening" online. The tourist flow provides revenue, and the new regulation 136-2024 provides collection and trust. With the expected centralization of supervision by 2030, the DR market has all the prerequisites to remain the largest and most transparent gaming space in the Caribbean.