Gaming Commission: Slot machine oversight generates over $45 million in 14 months
By THE STAR STAFF
The island Gaming Commission collected more than $45 million over the past 14 months through the oversight of slot machines; of that amount, $17.6 million went to the Puerto Rico Police Trust and $12 million to municipalities, according to data presented Thursday by Gaming Commission Executive Director Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán.
Another $12 million went to the General Fund, while $9.5 million of the funds allocated to municipalities has already been distributed via a joint resolution by the Legislative Assembly.
Since February, the commission’s Office of Investigation and Regulation, in coordination with the Police Bureau, has conducted more than 60 operations targeting machines operating outside the legal framework. The interventions resulted in the seizure of hundreds of units and the imposition of fines, although no specific figures regarding the number of confiscated machines or the total value of the penalties were provided.
As part of the controls on such activity, the process of interconnecting slot machines began in January. Over 90% of operators have submitted evidence regarding their service provider, one of the requirements established for regulatory compliance.
Regarding casinos, 21 establishments are currently in operation, and three others are under construction in Mayagüez, Ponce and San Juan. According to the commission, the industry contributes nearly $200 million annually to the government, with funds allocated to various public sectors, including the University of Puerto Rico.
Meanwhile, the sports betting market recorded a betting volume of $354.7 million last year, generating some $4.5 million in government revenue.
The figures were released during a press conference led by Public Affairs Secretary Jean Peña Payano, alongside officials from the various divisions of the Gaming Commission.
Regarding the horse racing sector, the agency announced preparations for the 2026 Clásico del Caribe, scheduled for the first week of December at the Camarero Racetrack and featuring competitors from Puerto Rico, Panama, Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador.
The event is projected to generate an economic impact exceeding $4.6 million, driven by tourism, hospitality and commercial activity.
The commission also announced that it has granted interest-free loans for the purchase of both native and imported horses, as well as incentives for their transportation and breeding.
