Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón has proposed a legal framework for online casino games that would channel a new levy into higher pensions for retired public employees. The administration measure opens a legislative debate rather than a live market, and no tax rate or expected pension increase was included in the announcement.
NotiCel reported that measure A158 would amend the law governing the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission. It would establish requirements for operators, suppliers and players alongside consumer protection, responsible-gambling, cybersecurity, fraud-prevention and anti-money-laundering rules.
The Gaming Commission would supervise the proposed system with support from the Treasury Department, the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions and other agencies. SoloAzar's account also says adjusted gross gaming revenue would carry the levy and that receipts would be reserved for pension increases.
The proposal has already met resistance from the existing casino sector. LegalBlackjack reported that the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association said land-based operators had not been consulted and warned of possible revenue and job losses. Those are industry projections, not measured effects. The legislature still has to examine and vote on the bill before any online-casino framework or pension funding can take effect.
