SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Jaime Rivera Emmanuelli, the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, has confirmed the nine organisations that have been granted licences to operate sports betting facilities in the self-governed US overseas territory.
Hosting a press conference, Emmanuelli unveiled Puerto Rico’s new regulatory framework for sports betting, co-developed in partnership with the island’s Sports Betting Bureau.
Sports betting in Puerto Rico was officially legalised on July 29, 2019, under the stewardship of governor Wanda Vázquez Garced. However, the regulatory process to launch the Caribbean island’s marketplace was suspended due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
A first tranche of technical licences was granted to the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), who will support and provide the Gaming Commission with its integrity monitoring services.
Further technical licences were granted to ‘Sports Content Co’, an authorised premium content reseller of Stats Perform and ASF Limited who will assist licensed incumbents in data collection.
At a consumer level Puerto Rico replicates the US state model, as its sports betting market requires domestic domiciled businesses to form joint-venture partnerships with international operators.
Fulfilling requirements, a sportsbook licence was granted to ‘MetroBets’ the Puerto Rican joint venture of Casino Metro and Caesars Entertainment.
San Juan luxury resort Condado Duo La Concha will launch its sportsbook services powered by BetMGM.
Sportsbook technology provider Kambi Group has secured its island presence, launching the upcoming ‘ApeustaPR’ brand in partnership with Liberman Group – Puerto Rico’s largest media owner.
The round of licence approvals was completed by United Tote Company, a racing partnership led by Churchill Downs and Global Tote US, the North American subsidiary of Betmakers.
2022 proceedings saw Puerto Rico establish a new Gaming Commission to oversee gambling reforms for the benefit of the island’s tourism and equestrian sports.
Existing laws restrict sports betting to in-person wagers at specific locations. However, the Gaming Commission is likely to change rules to allow for mobile and online sports betting.
“Once certain final details are clarified, the door to online betting will officially open, from anywhere, using mobile devices such as smartphones and computers,” Rivera-Emmanuelli told local media.
